Fathima Annai - Krishnagiri

Our Lady of Fatima Church is a place of worship for Catholic Christians in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, India. This church also served as the parish church for Krishnagiri. This was built around 1972 due to the insufficient space of the existing Ignatius Church which is located in Old pet, Krishnagiri. The Fatima Mary statue which is placed inside the church was made and blessed from Fátima, Portugal. Ever year on the second Sunday of July the church celebrates a feast day which is very famous in the town. This church serves under Dharmapuri Diocese. Tamil is the language used as the medium of communication. During the 18th century, the Krishnagiri Oldpet area was called Pharamahal, which means a place of 12 forts. By 1786 British conquered this Paraamahal from Tippu Sultan, this made Catholic from Elathagiri and Veppanahalli settled in Krishnagiri. With the help of British soldiers, a small chapel was built, named after Loyola Ignatius. During that time, the Piarists congregation took care of all the church services in Southern India so, this church also comes under Piarists priest service. After British soldiers moved out from Krishnagiri in 1832, Rev Fr. Abe Dubey was in charge of Elathagiri and this church. During his time a small church was built next to the chapel. Till 1857 Krishnagiri was part of Thrupattur and Vellore parish. Later in 1897 Krishnagiri church became a part of Elathagiri Parish. According to the book "Saruthira Surukam", published by the Salem diocese, around 50 to 60 Catholics lived in Krishnagiri during 1897. In 1925 Elathagiri Parish priest Rev. Fr. Dominic built a third church (present church), next to the existing church which was built over the old chapel. On 17 July 1925 the first mass was preached in this church. Then in 1930 Salem Diocese was created from Kudandhai Diocese (Kumbakonam). By this time Krishnagiri church became a parish under Salem Diocese and Fr. Gabrial became the first Parish Priest of Krishnagiri. On 12 January 1933 Rev. Fr. Gabrial died in Krishnagiri, as per his request he was buried in Kumbakonam Diosis Church. As per the Salem bishop's request, sisters from Marian Franciscan came to Krishnagiri and started their service on 29 November 1934 in this church