Assumption Church, Nellithope, Puducherry

Assumption Church, Nellithope, Puducherry

Assumption Church is located at Nellithope near to Puducherry Main Bus Stand in Union Territory of Puducherry. Assumption Church, being a popular parish across Pondicherry, is devoted to the blessed Mary of Assumption. This prevalent Roman Catholic Church is recognized for its assorted unique features with more than five thousand parishioners in and around Nellithope.

History

Nellithope was once a tiny farmland along the sea shores of the Bay of Bengal. Originally being an orchard of Gooseberries, it was Madame Jeanne Dupleix, wife of the then Governor of Pondicherry Monsieur Dupleix, who gave the land to the Jesuits for the housing of the poor Catholics who could not find a place in the heart of Pondicherry. A church was built in the new colony in 1750, but was destroyed by the British. Two old Jesuit Fathers built a chapel there in 1788. The chapel was completely destroyed by the floods of November in 1840. 

The Foundation stone for the present church was laid on 18th January 1841. The then Bishop Most Rev. Hebert started the construction work with only 300 francs (800 rupees then) and 2,00,000 bricks at hand. The church was completed to its present shape with 7,00,000 bricks, with an additional expense of about 28,000 francs. The church was blessed on 23rd February 1851 by his excellency Bonnand. The independent parish came into existence around 1866 and was looked after by the Petit Seminaire school Fathers.

Rev. Fr. Michaelnader was the first Indian priest appointed parish priest of Nellithope who served for several years. The Assumption church celebrated its 150th year Sesquicentenary Anniversary in 2001 during the tenure of Fr. A. Thomas. A new Chapel for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was built by Fr. A. Arulnantham in 2009. Bosco Hall, which was constructed by Fr. L. Peyroutet in the year 1964 was in a dilapidated state. This building was demolished and a new Bosco Hall was constructed by 2012.

The Church

This Church has an impressive collection of statues. At the main entrance of the Church there is a serene image of Mother Mary. The interior of the Church is endowed with some of the most beautifully crafted altarpieces which includes a Crucifix with flying angels surrounding it. This church has three main substations along with chapel that are attached to the parish. Separate adoration chapel exclusively for the Blessed Sacrament is another ideal feature about this minster, where the devotees can spend their time praying in a silent atmosphere.

Within the church, plenty of pious associations are functioning, few were legion of Mary, Carmelites, St, Paul’s youth association, don Bosco youth association, altar boys association and bible committee. At present, the parish is being headed by Fr. S. Kulandaisamy since the year 2010. The area covered by the church was planned and constructed to be two third of the area covered by cathedral church.

Mass Timings

·        On Weekdays – 6.00 am – mass

·        Saturdays – 6.00 am – mass; 5.30pm – mass (Sunday Mass)

·        Sundays – 5.00 am – mass; 7.00 am- Second mass; 5.30 pm- mass

·        First Thursday – 6.00 am – mass; 7.00 – 8.00 pm – Adoration.

·        First Friday – 6.00 am- mass; 5.30 pm- mass & car procession

·        First Saturday – 6.00 am- mass;5.30 pm – Sunday mass & car procession

Annual Feast

15th of August of every year is a very special occasion for all the parishioners of Nellithope as the church will celebrate the feast of Mary of assumption. Feast commences on august 6^th with the hoisting of flag followed by 9 days of novena with car procession at every evening of novena days. The feast of this church is not only celebrated by the parishioners, rather a lot and lot of devotees who come all the way from other parishes and even from overseas to get the blessing of Mary of assumption.

Contact

Assumption Church,

Assumption Church Street,

Nellithope, Puducherry – 605 005

Phone: +91 413 220 3164

Email: assumption@nellithopeparish.org

Web: www.nellithopeparish.org

Connectivity

The Church is located at about 800 meters from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 2.5 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 5 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 148 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Church is situated very close to Puducherry Main Bus Stand and can be reached by walk. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this place from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location