Vellore Diocese

History of Semmiyamangalam Parish – Our Lady of Fatima Church The Catholic mission at Semmiyamangalam began in 1941 as a substation of Polur Parish. A small chapel was built to serve the early Catholic families, and this humble structure also functioned as the RCM Primary School, becoming both a place of worship and learning. From 1941 to 1977, visiting priests from Polur nurtured the faith of the people, who, though few in number and economically poor, remained steadfast in their devotion. In 1978, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Martin SDB, a new church dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima was built, while the old chapel continued to serve as the school. Fr. Martin is remembered as the founder of the Semmiyamangalam Mission. Two years later, in 1980, the mission was officially erected as a parish and entrusted to the Diocese of Vellore, with its boundaries defined by Polur–Chetpet Road in the north, Kaloor–Aveloorpet Road in the south, Cheyyar River in the west, and Monsurapath–Devikapuram in the east. Catholic villages within the parish included Semmiyamangalam, Paranampakkam, Randam, South Kkand, Anialai, Alialamagalam, Kathavur, Pelasur, Senekkavadi, Karappoondi, Kariampadi, Kallor, and Pathivadi, while the parish also encompassed several non-Catholic villages such as Sothukkanni, Alangaramangalam, Reddipalayam, Kezhappakkam, Koralpakkam, Kamattu, Sanarpalayam, and Konstrapathu. At the time of its erection, most of the church lands—except those housing St. Antony’s Grotto and Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto—were generously given to the people, reflecting the parish’s spirit of service and sacrifice. In the years that followed, the parish grew both spiritually and socially. Faith life was enriched by the Legion of Mary, Vincent de Paul Society, Anbiyams, and the Altar Servers Association, while social initiatives such as the Madhar Sangam and Kolping Society supported community development. Marian devotion through grottoes and processions became a hallmark of parish life. A milestone was reached in 2007 when a new RCM School building was constructed near the church, ensuring better facilities for the children. The people of the parish, drawn mostly from farming, carpentry, driving, and daily labour, continued to uphold their faith with perseverance and unity despite hardships. Today, Our Lady of Fatima Church at Semmiyamangalam stands as a vibrant parish of nearly 700 Catholics, a living witness of faith, sacrifice, and service, deeply rooted in its missionary beginnings and continuing to grow in unity, education, and devotion to God. 1941 – Birth of the Mission • The Semmiyamangalam Catholic Mission was founded as a substation of Polur Parish. • A small chapel was built, which doubled as an RCM Primary School, serving both spiritual and educational needs. • A handful of Catholic families laid the foundation of faith in the region, beginning the long journey of growth. 1941–1977 – Years of Struggle and Growth • The Catholic community, though small, grew steadily. • Faith formation, catechism classes, and Holy Mass were conducted regularly by visiting priests from Polur Parish. • Despite poverty and limited resources, the people remained united and dedicated to the Church. • The old chapel-school became the heart of Catholic life — the centre of worship, learning, and community gathering. 1978 – Building of a New Church • Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Martin SDB, a new church dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima was constructed. • Fr. Martin is honoured as the founder of the Semmiyamangalam Mission. • The old church continued to be used as a school, while the new church became the spiritual centre of the faithful. 1980 – Erection as a Parish • Semmiyamangalam was officially erected as a separate parish and entrusted to the Diocese of Vellore. • The proposed parish boundaries were defined: • North: Polur – Chetpet Road • South: Kaloor – Aveloorpet Road • West: Cheyyar River • East: Monsurapath – Devikapuram Catholic villages included: • Semmiyamangalam, • Paranampakkam, • Randam, • South Kkand, • Anialai, • Alialamagalam, • Kathavur, • Pelasur, • Senekkavadi, • Karappoondi, • Kariampadi, • Kallor, • Pathivadi. Non-Catholic villages included: • Sothukkanni, • Alangaramangalam, • Reddipalayam, • Kezhappakkam, • Koralpakkam, • Kamattu, • Sanarpalayam, • Konstrapathu. 1980s – A Spirit of Generosity • At the time of its establishment as a parish, most of the Church’s lands were generously given for the benefit of the people. • Only the sites of St. Antony’s Grotto and Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto remained with the parish. • This act reflected the parish’s mission of service, sacrifice, and solidarity with the wider community. 1990s–2000s – Growth in Faith and Education • Faith life was enriched through the Legion of Mary, Vincent de Paul Society, Altar Servers Association, and Anbiyams. • The parish became known for its Marian devotion, with grottoes and processions strengthening the spiritual fervour of the people. • Social organisations such as the Madhar Sangam and Kolping Society encouraged self-reliance, women’s empowerment, and community development. 2007 – New School Building • A new RCM School building was constructed near the parish church. • This milestone ensured better facilities for children’s education and continued the parish’s legacy of combining faith and knowledge. Life of the People • The faithful of Semmiyamangalam Parish come from humble families. • Traditionally, some were farmers, but many worked as drivers, carpenters, and daily labourers in fields. • Despite economic hardships, the parish community remained deeply faithful, close-knit, and devoted to the Church. Today – A Living Witness of Faith • Our Lady of Fatima Church, Semmiyamangalam Parish, now has around 700 Catholics. • It stands as a vibrant centre of faith, rooted in decades of sacrifice, pastoral care, and missionary zeal. • The parish continues to grow in faith, unity, education, and service, carrying forward the vision of its founders. ✝️ “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain” (Psalm 127:1).