Foreword

The Shrine of Our Lady of Holy Rosary is situated 27 Kilometers from the town of Coimbatore in a quasi village called Karumathampatti, in the Diocese of Coimbatore. The village Karumathampatti has a rich history with its origin tracing back to 1640. In 1640 Sathiamangalam, which is about 35 kilometers from Karumathampatti, was an important Catholic centre from which the light of faith spread around in Kanavakarai, Pasoor, Vaniputhur, Puthambadi, Karumathampatti, Mettur and Kuthalpur. In 1666 Kanavakarai was divided from Sathiyamangalam into a separate district with the following sub stations; Visapoor, Yellaimangalam, Kalipatti, Moudouporai, Karumathampatti, Valipalayam and Yerakalipalayam. Some years later, with Karumathampatti as a centre, a third district was formed including the following sub stations Somanur, Vettupalayam, Kombaikadupudur, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris.

It is amazing to learn that already in 1640, the church at Karumathampatti, dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary, became a pilgrimage center. Different kinds of people were living there. Among them, the weavers formed an important part of the catholic community. They embraced Christianity as early as 1662. History says that St. John De Britto visited this church and offered mass on three occasions between 1676 and 1683. The evangelization by the Portuguese Jesuit Missionaries and Paris Foreign Missions Society had strengthened the faith of the people of this area. They also developed the devotion to Our Lady of Rosary. In 1710, Karumathampatti became a permanent residence of the missionaries.

The Church at Karumathampatti faced lots of struggles and persecutions. During the invasion of the king of Mysore in 1684, the church was destroyed. The church was rebuilt as soon as the war was over. The church was once again destroyed during the Muslim invasion, by Tipu Sultan in the year 1784. Only after the British army defeated Tipu's army and captured the area, people could live peacefully. It became easier to the missionaries to approach the government for any favors or demands

In 1803, Fr. Dubois MEP obtained from the British government, a large plot of land for the construction of a church as well as for the development of the society. He drew a plan for a new church but unfortunately he could not build it. Fr. Gnanapragasam, an Indian priest, built the church according to the plan and instruction of Fr. Dubois, in 1840. That church remained intact for a long time. It was a small church with a fort in front. Still lots of people visited this church during the feast of Our Lady of Rosary as well as throughout the year. People from Ottacamund, Salem, Mysore and Mumbai visited this church regularly in large numbers. Since the number of pilgrims increased day by day and the church was not sufficient for them Fr. Maria Muddiappan, a diocesan priest, extended the church, keeping the old sanctuary as it was. The church was consecrated in 1995.

Though the newly extended church was 20 years old, the roof of the church was in bad shape. It was repaired twice. The number of pilgrims increased all the more. There was a dire need for a large new church. It was planned to retain the old sanctuary, but when the front portion of the church was demolished, the sanctuary fell by itself as it was very weak. Hence, in consultation with the Bishop of the diocese and the people of the shrine, a plan was drawn for a new and large church. With the help of the Diocese, Propaganda Fide, Paris Foreign Mission Society and the generous contribution of the devotees and parishioners, a new church was constructed in 2017 by the Rector of the shrine Fr. R. D. E. Jerome, a diocesan priest. It was consecrated on 29^th of September 2017 by five Bishops, in the presence of the Bishop of Coimbatore Most Rev. Dr. L. Thomas Aquinas D. D., D. C. L

The church is built in Roman Gothic style. It is 140 feet long and 60 feet wide. It could accommodate more than 1500 people. The holy relic of St. John the Evangelist is fixed in the altar. The Assumption of our Blessed Mother, all the sacraments and the Queen ship of Mary are painted in the domes, above the altar and in the Rosary tower respectively. The pictures of the four evangelists are painted under the dome. The Stations of the Cross are made of glass mosaic. The pictures of 12 apostles and that of the saints, who worked in India and Tamilnadu, are painted in the front dome and bell towers, in front of the church. The statue of Our Lady of Rosary with a golden crown is placed in the middle of the sanctuary. The Tabernacle is placed in the prominent place in the middle of the sanctuary with complete security. There are also statues of Our Lady of Rosary. Our Lady of Vellankanni, St. Joseph, St. Antony and Divine Mercy. In general people are very happy with the new church.

I respectfully acknowledge the initiative of our Bishop in bringing out this booklet and thank him most sincerely. His keen interest in the development of the shrine and very specially in elevating this shrine into a Minor Basilica is admirable. I also thank him for his constant guidance and support to do my ministry in this shrine enthusiastically.

The shrine or Holy Rosary has always been a center for prayers, petitions, favors and blessing from 1640. It is also a cradle of faith for our Christians and a center for evangelization. Numerous non Christians come to this shrine regularly and get favors from our Blessed Mother. They give an open testimony to it. Our Blessed Mother attracting millions of people to this shrine is a proof for all the miracles she does to her children. I cordially welcome all the devotees to this historical and popular shrine of Holy Rosary.

We, the Bishop, clergy, religious and the laity of the diocese of Coimbatore eagerly wait for the day of the elevation of this shrine into a Minor Basilica. May Our Lady of Rosary intercede for us to her Son and bring us all the graces and blessings.

V. Rev. Fr. R. D. E. Jerome
Former Rector