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Sacred Heart Church, Harur
| Sacred Heart Church | |
|---|---|
| Iruthaya Andavar Church | |
தூய இருதய ஆண்டவர் ஆலயம் | |
 Front View of this church | |
| 12°03′46″N 78°28′33″E / 12.0628°N 78.4759°ECoordinates: 12°03′46″N 78°28′33″E / 12.0628°N 78.4759°E | |
| Location | Harur, Dharmapuri Dt, Tamil Nadu |
| Country | India |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Religious institute | Jesuit |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Founder(s) | Fr. Mario Rodeschini |
| Dedication | Our Lady of Mount Carmel |
| Cult(s) present | Catholic devotions |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Modern Architecture |
| Groundbreaking | 1991 |
| Completed | 1993 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Harur |
| Deanery | Harur |
| Episcopal area | TNBC |
| Archdiocese | Pondicherry and Cuddalore |
| Diocese | Dharmapuri |
| Clergy | |
| Archbishop | Antony Anandarayar |
| Bishop(s) | Lawrence Pius Dorairaj |
| Priest(s) | Fr. S.J Arul |
Sacred Heart Church, Harur is a Roman Catholic church located in Dharamapuri District, Tamil Nadu, India. This also head Parish church of Harur Vicariate in Dharmapuri Diocese.[1]
History[edit]
During the 18th century, the Harur region was known as 'Puramalainadu'. There is no clear history of Catholic settlements in Harur. As per the record From 1932 to 1945, the Harur region was under the supervision of the B.Pallipatti Parish priest. Later, from 1949 to 1979, the Harur region came under the jurisdiction of the Thenkaraikottai Parish.[2]
In 1955, during the tenure of Fr. Revel MEP, the Parish priest of Thenkaraikottai, brought 2.4 acres of land next to the Forest Department office in Harur. A chapel was constructed on this land. During that time, Harur emerged as the largest town in the region, surrounded by multiple Catholic villages and churches. Recognizing the potential growth and significance of Harur, former Salem Diocese Bishop Michael Bosco Duraisamy foresaw Harur future as a deanery church in the region. Consequently, on June 11, 1979, the Harur church was elevated to a Parish Church, with Fr. Mario Rodeschini MEP appointed as its first Parish priest.[3] Initially, he resided in a rented house before purchasing 4.92 acres of land on August 7, 1979. A new parish house was built on this land and inaugurated on September 10, 1982.
In subsequent years, a new and present church was constructed and inaugurated on April 25, 1993.[4]
Schools[edit]
Fr. Mario displayed a strong commitment to education for the local community. In 1983, St. Ann's Primary School was established on the land acquired in 1955. Fr. Mario requested the Sisters of St. Ann's to oversee the management of this school.[5]
Later, in January 1989, Fr. Mario purchased 6.84 acres of land where St. Mary High School was built. The school is currently under the care of the Amala Annai Sisters Congregation. In 1998, the school was upgraded to a higher secondary school, and it is now managed by the Sisters of Gonzaga.[6]
Fr. Mario prioritized the development of education in Harur and invested significant resources in sponsoring youths for teacher training colleges and nursing colleges. In 1993, he was transferred to Tiruchengode, leaving behind a legacy of educational advancement in Harur.[7]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ https://dharmapuridiocese.org/parishes/lists.html
- ↑ https://dharmapuridiocese.org/cms/public_view/deanary-of-dharmapuri.html
- ↑ "Fr. Mario Rodeschini mentioned in necrology page". salemdiocese.org. Roman Catholic Diocese of Salem. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ↑ https://www.ucanews.com/directory/parishes-stations/india-dharmapuri/62/10
- ↑ https://schools.org.in/dharmapuri/33050802204/st-anne-s-primary-aided.html
- ↑ https://schools.org.in/dharmapuri/33050802208/st-mary-s-hss-aided-harur.html
- ↑ https://dharmapuridiocese.org/cms/public_view/hostels_social_work_centres.html