Diocese of Tuticorin · Tamil Nadu
Our Lady of Assumption Church
Pragasapuram
"Rooted in Faith. Guided by Mary. United in Christ."
1880
Founded
Aug 15
Feast Day
146+
Years
1967
Present Church
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Welcome to Our Parish
A Community of Faith & Devotion
Our Lady of Assumption Church, Pragasapuram, is a historic Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Tuticorin, in the Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu. Founded in 1880 and dedicated to Our Lady on the feast of the Assumption, the church has stood as the spiritual heart of this village community for 146 years, guiding generations of the faithful through the sacraments, Marian devotion, and the daily rhythms of Christian life.
Today, the parish sustains a vibrant Catholic community through the Holy Mass, catechetical formation, and the active work of its parish organisations and charitable ministries. Seven mission substations and four educational institutions carry this mission into the surrounding villages, while the annual Feast of Our Lady of Assumption on August 15th draws thousands of pilgrims in joyful witness to our enduring devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
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Explore Our Parish
Everything you need to know about our community, worship, and outreach.
Our Story
146 Years of Faith & History
From humble beginnings in 1880 to a thriving parish today.
Origins
Pre-1880
Early Catholic Settlement
Fishing and farming families of Pragasapuram embraced the Catholic faith through the tireless work of Jesuit and Capuchin missionaries who traversed the villages of the Tuticorin region.
1880
A New Beginning
Church Founded & Dedicated
Our Lady of Assumption's statue arrived in Pragasapuram and the church was dedicated to her. The first feast was celebrated on 15 August 1880, and the old thatched chapel was renewed as a mud-walled church for the growing community.
1887
Parish Growth
Separate Parish Station
Pragasapuram was declared a separate station of the Church, and devotees from more than twenty surrounding villages began joining the annual feast celebrations.
1909
Independence
Independent Parish Status
Pragasapuram became a fully independent parish in January 1909, with Fr. E. Mas serving as its first resident priest — the same era in which the tradition of hoisting the parish flag began.
1913
Construction Begins
Foundation Stone Laid
Fr. T. Michael laid the foundation stone for a larger new church, and the community began the tradition of 'Asanam' — a shared feast meal that continues to this day.
1967
Sacred Dedication
Dedication of the Present Church
Solemnly consecrated on 21 November 1967 by Most Rev. Thomas Fernando, then Bishop of Tuticorin, the present church was the fruit of over fifty years of communal labour and sacrifice, blending classical Christian architecture with local craftsmanship.
2024
Living Tradition
Rosary Park Inauguration
The newly constructed Rosary Park was inaugurated, creating a serene outdoor space for contemplation, prayer, and the veneration of Our Lady. It stands as a testament to the community's enduring Marian devotion.
Annual Celebration
Feast of Our Lady's Assumption
Each year on 15 August, the Feast of Our Lady of Assumption is celebrated with deep faith and devotion at our parish. Thousands of faithful gather to participate in the Holy Mass, novena prayers, procession, and other liturgical celebrations, making it one of the most significant spiritual events in the parish calendar.
Flag Hoisting
The parish flag is hoisted, marking the joyful start of the feast
Holy Novena
Nine evenings of prayer preparing our hearts for the feast
Car Procession
Our Lady's statue is borne through the village in joyful procession
Fireworks
The night sky lights up in joyful praise on August 15th
Photo Gallery
Glimpses of Our Community
Moments of prayer, celebration, and devotion captured from our parish life.
