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Franciscan Roots in Nagapattinam and Velankanni

It is a intriguing historical fact that the Franciscans from Portugal were the first missionaries to settle in Nagapattinam and carry out the pastoral ministry in and around Velankanni. There is no definite date for when the Franciscans settled in Nagapattinam. However, an event that occurred in the year 1577, as documented by Friar Paulo da Trindade, a Chronicler of history, provides an approximate time frame for the settlement of the Franciscans in Nagapattinam.

 

During this period, Achyutta Nayakka (1560 – 1614), the Naique of Tanjore, decided to attack Nagapattinam and destroy the Portuguese settlement. When the Portuguese learned of the impending attack, they attempted to escape. However, due to a shortage of adequate watercraft, they were unable to flee including 3000 local Christians. As a result, they faced the imminent danger of being slaughtered or sold into slavery. It was at this critical moment that Friar Francisco do Oriente played a crucial role. He successfully pacified the attackers and managed to save both the city and the lives of the Christians. This event, through the legacy of Friar Francisco do Oriente, is considered by historians as evidence that the Franciscans had settled in Nagapattinam for a considerable period by that time.

 

For a significant period, the Franciscans stood as the sole religious presence in Nagapattinam. Historical records indicate that during the time when the Franciscans were the only religious in the town, there were already local Christians residing in Nagapattinam. These historical notes, dated 1567, describe Nagapattinam as a center of great significance and "very populous of the Christians of the country." While it is acknowledged that some Christians may have arrived from other regions, such as the Fishery Coast, the majority of the population in Nagapattinam was believed to have been converted to Christianity by the efforts of the Franciscans.

 

Franciscans carried out their missionary work outside Nagapattinam too. Friar Francisco do Oriente is reported as residing in Nagapattinam in 1577 and in 1583. In 1595, he was appointed as the Guardian of the Nagapattinam Friary. It was when he resided there, Friar Francisco do Oriente may have converted some fishermen at Velankanni. However, the existence of a chapel in Velankanni is mentioned for the first time in a historical document by Friar Paulo da Trindade when he composed his chronicle in the year 1630-35.

 

In 1658, the Dutch seized Nagapattinam from the Portuguese. Prior to this event, the city had a vibrant Catholic life. Alongside secular priests, there were also several religious orders present in Nagapattinam. Notably, the Franciscans had two churches named St. Franci and the Mother of God. Additionally, the Dominicans, the Augustinians, and the Jesuits each had their own church and residence in the city. However, with the Dutch occupation of Nagapattinam, this religious landscape underwent significant change.

 

With the change in rule, the Dutch sought to propagate their religion, Calvinism, and began making significant changes to the religious landscape of the region. One of the churches in Nagapattinam was converted into a Protestant Church. Additionally, the Dutch gradually destroyed the other churches and religious houses. However, the Franciscans were allowed to return to Nagapattinam in 1670.

 

From 1670 to 1835, the Franciscans remained the sole priests in Nagapattinam. During this crucial period, marked by the Dutch hostility, it was the Franciscans who played a vital role in safeguarding the local Christian community, which numbered around 8000 to 9000 Christians, in their faith. Amidst the challenges of limited resources and a scarcity of priests needed in other parts of India, the Franciscans demonstrated unwavering perseverance in preserving the local Christians' faith. Their dedication and commitment ensured the continuity of Christianity in Nagapattinam, despite the prevailing difficulties. Today, many of the Christians in Nagapattinam can trace their ancestry back to those who were protected and nurtured in their faith by the efforts of the Franciscans during those critical years.

 

Even after the Dutch took control of Nagapattinam, some Friars continued to reside in Velankanni, as the Dutch did not exert their authority beyond the walls of their settlement. Around 1670, the Franciscans sought permission from the Dutch authorities to return to Nagapattinam. However, due to a delay in the approval process, they decided to retreat to Velankanni while waiting for the necessary permissions. Velankanni, which may not have been an official parish until that time, could have been elevated to the status of an official parish during this period.

 

In 1745, historical records indicate that the Velankanni Parish was comprised of a small community of poor fishermen. The Friar-in-charge of the parish was also poor who managed to obtain some alms from his fellow Franciscan residing in Nagapattinam.  According to historical reports spanning from 20 August 1747 to 26 January 1765, it is evident that the Franciscans continued to oversee the administration of Velankanni. Specifically, the document dated 11 December 1765 mentions Friar Vincente das Chagas as the Rector of the chapel during that period. Subsequent reports until 3 January 1774, however, do not provide the names of the Rectors, but they do confirm the continued presence of the Franciscans, who faithfully carried out their ministerial duties at the Chapel.

 

However, according to the report of 27 December 1779, the Dutch interference and changes in the administrative rule had an impact on the status of Velankanni as a parish. The rule ‘One Priest for Nagapattinam’ resulted in Velankanni reverting back to being a filial chapel without a resident priest. Hence no separate Rector could be appointed for Velankanni. All things changed when in 1781, the English captured Nagapattinam and henceforth there would always be a Franciscan at Velankanni. 

 

It is not clear when exactly Velankanni became an official parish. In the list available as a historical document, the names of the Parish Priests of Velankanni are listed from the year 1771 onwards. In accordance with this list, the Franciscans served as Parish Priests here from 1771 to 1847. While the exact historical date of when Velankanni became an official parish might not be precisely determined, the available records indicate that some of those mentioned in the list towards the end of the Franciscan period were indeed real parish priests. Friar Clemente das Dores was the last Franciscan Parish Priest at Velankanni who was succeeded by Fr. Isodoro Manoel Allemao, a secular priest in October 1847.  Other available information indicate that the Franciscans ministered in Velankanni until 1889 before handing it over to the Diocesan Clergy in 1890.

 

The rich Franciscan heritage and the missionary work of the Franciscans were beautifully preserved through a heartfelt tribute to two Franciscan saints, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony of Lisbon. Their revered statues graced the High Altar on either side of the miraculous image of 'Our Lady’ in the Church of Velankanni until the year 1961As we gather at the Shrine of our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, let us take a moment to reflect on and honor the early missionaries who persevered in preserving the Faith of the people, even in the face of numerous challenges and difficulties. Their unwavering dedication and sacrifices have paved the way for the spiritual legacy that we cherish today. May we be inspired by their devotion and commitment as we seek solace and guidance from Our Lady of Good Health.

 

(This article is based on the inputs from the Books “The Franciscans in Tamilnad” (1962) and “The Ancient Franciscan Provinces in India” (1971) by Friar Achilles Meersman OFM)

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