Our Lady of Lourdes Church - Trichy

Our Lady of Lourdes Church is an architectural beauty that is retaining its serenity calm despite sitting exactly in the middle of the city. The Catholic church is just a replica of our Lady of Lourdes church in France. It is nearly a century old and is situated within St. Joseph’s college compound, just opposite to the renowned rock fort. According to an article by Fr. A. Joseph S.J. in the Tamil souvenir magazine published to celebrate the church’s centennial (1896-1998), the rector Reverend Father Leo Barbier S.J., was the first person to moot the idea of the church. He also credits the then principal of St. Joseph’s College, Mr. Joseph Pei who encouraged the Tirunelveli born master mason Dhanam Savarimuthu to take charge of this construction.

The work started after around two years of preparation, when Savarimuthu was on probation to learn from the fathers how to read the plans and also incorporate Christian symbols in a building. To respect his services, Savarimuthu has been buried in the crypt below the altar of the church, though this honour is usually reserved for the priests who have served the Jesuit college / mission in the area. The fundamental pinnacle is 220 feet in stature and the little pinnacle is 120 feet tall. The statues of St. Consecrated heart, alongside St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier, St. Britto are placed at the focal point of the pinnacle. The congregation ringer is set at the height of 90 feet. Colourful windows made in the stained glass style tell the life of Jesus Christ, Jesuit saints and evangelists. Looking at the building, with its distinctive off-white and maroon exterior, it is surprising to come to know that the church is completely indigenous in construction despite its French flair.