About St. Antony's Shrine in Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli

The beauty and glamour of the new Diocesan Shrine of St. Antony, which was built in the Sivalaperi road of Palayamkottai Market has its own historical and traditional importance.
During 18th century, Arcot Navob ruled the Thirunelveli region with tranquility. At his time, the British Army Major Charles Compbel invaded the region and captured the city on October 18th 1764. From then, the military camped at Palayamkottai. The Military tank artillery was camped in the place, where the present head post office is. The infantry campsite was placed on the north Thiruchendur road. That’s why that place is still called north Military street (in Tamil, Vadaku Padai Theru). Since there were many Catholic Christians in the military, the major constructed a small chapel and dedicated to St. Antony to fulfill their spiritual need.

According to the historical documents available, we come to know that in 1879, the military force was dissolved. Earlier to that , i.e., in 1877, the small St. Antony’s chapel was handed over to the Superior of Madurai Mission Rev.Fr. Louis Verdier S.J. by the then military major.

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