Sacred Heart Church, Harur

Sacred Heart Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Harur in district of Dharamapuri which in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This church is also one of the Vicariate church of Dharmapuri Diocese.[1]

Sacred Heart Church
Iruthaya Andavar Church
தூய இருதய ஆண்டவர் ஆலயம்
Front View of this church
12.0628°N 78.4759°E / 12.0628; 78.4759
LocationHarur, Dharmapuri Dt, Tamil Nadu
CountryIndia
DenominationCatholic
Religious instituteJesuit
History
StatusParish church
Founded1955
Founder(s)Fr. Mario Rodeschini
DedicationOur Lady of Mount Carmel
Cult(s) presentCatholic devotions
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Architectural typeChurch
StyleModern Architecture
Groundbreaking1991
Completed1993
Administration
ArchdiocesePondicherry and Cuddalore
DioceseDharmapuri
Episcopal areaTNBC
DeaneryHarur
ParishHarur
Clergy
ArchbishopFrancis Kalist
Bishop(s)Lawrence Pius Dorairaj
Priest(s)Fr. John Micheal S.J

History

During the 18th century, the Harur region was known as 'Puramalainadu'. There is no clear history of Catholic settlements in Harur. As per the record From 1932 to 1945, the Harur region was under the supervision of the B.Pallipatti Parish priest. Later, from 1949 to 1979, the Harur region came under the jurisdiction of the Thenkaraikottai Parish.[2]

In 1955, during the tenure of Fr. Revel MEP, the Parish priest of Thenkaraikottai, brought 2.4 acres of land next to the Forest Department office in Harur. A chapel was constructed on this land. During that time, Harur emerged as the largest town in the region, surrounded by multiple Catholic villages and churches. Recognizing the potential growth and significance of Harur, former Salem Diocese Bishop Michael Bosco Duraisamy foresaw Harur future as a deanery church in the region. Consequently, on June 11, 1979, the Harur church was elevated to a Parish Church, with Fr. Mario Rodeschini MEP appointed as its first Parish priest.[3] Initially, he resided in a rented house before purchasing 4.92 acres of land on August 7, 1979. A new parish house was built on this land and inaugurated on September 10, 1982.

In subsequent years, a new and present church was constructed and inaugurated on April 25, 1993.[4]

Schools

Fr. Mario displayed a strong commitment to education for the local community. In 1983, St. Ann's Primary School was established on the land acquired in 1955. Fr. Mario requested the Sisters of St. Ann's to oversee the management of this school.[5]

Later, in January 1989, Fr. Mario purchased 6.84 acres of land where St. Mary High School was built. The school is currently under the care of the Amala Annai Sisters Congregation. In 1998, the school was upgraded to a higher secondary school, and it is now managed by the Sisters of Gonzaga.[6]

Fr. Mario prioritized the development of education in Harur and invested significant resources in sponsoring youths for teacher training colleges and nursing colleges. In 1993, he was transferred to Tiruchengode, leaving behind a legacy of educational advancement in Harur.[7]

See also

References
  1. "Dharmapuri Diocese". dharmapuridiocese.org. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  2. "Dharmapuri Diocese". dharmapuridiocese.org. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  3. "Fr. Mario Rodeschini mentioned in necrology page". salemdiocese.org. Roman Catholic Diocese of Salem. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  4. "Diocese Activities and Organizations of India". www.ucanews.com. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  5. "ST.ANNE'S PRIMARY-AIDED - Harur - Town District Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu)". schools.org.in. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  6. "ST.MARY'S - HSS - AIDED HARUR - Harur - Town District Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu)". schools.org.in. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  7. "Dharmapuri Diocese". dharmapuridiocese.org. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
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