In
the year 1860, May 24th Father Louis sait came with his father
Rettary and stayed in Baynes bungalow at Kodaikanal. After some
days they owned the Baynes bungalow under their responsibility
on September 29. That bungalow was changed as a rest house for
the members of Christ Church. Father Rettary became the first
president of the church. La-providence, a lady, gave 20,000 rupees
as donation for the reconstruction of the bungalow. So Baynes
bungalow was now called as La-providence. But it's sold out now.
In 1858, Father Saint Ceer was severely affected by viral fever.
With lots of hope he prayed to the Lady of La Salete. Soon after,
the priest was cured and he vowed to setup a church in India that
would mirror the church of La Salete in France. He happened to
choose the mountainous region Kodaikanal to built this special
House of God because the church he wished to emulate encased with
in the mighty mountain rains of the alps. This church was made
towards his feeling and to heel others as well.
The
foundation for Mother Salete Church was laid on 1865 February 28.
In the same year March 17 the building work was started with the
blessings of Father Saint Ceer.
In
1866 the day, when brother Lamothy built the body of the Church,
thank's offering was fulfilled.
In
the year 1866, the last sunday of May, Mother Salete Church was
dedicated by Keanos. This is the first pilgrimage place in India
for Mother Salete. So from 1866 onwards every last Sunday of May,
the festival was celebrated for Mother Salete. Huge crowd of people
will travel from plain for 3 days and reach Mother Salete Church.
The British people complained about the disturbances of the crowd.
So this festival was banned up to 1893.
In
the year 1904 the steps were taken to recelebrate the festival and
it was succeeded on August 15th. Very few Europeans will be there
at Kodai on this occasion.
Mrs.
Kacondys helped hand to build up Mother Saleth Church. Her busy
daughter felt sick and she was cured by the water of Salete inty
with the advice of Saint Ceer. To show him gratitude she donated
some amount which was helpful for raising the church. In the year
1869 Mr.Natigan the engineer at Dindigul gave 19 acres of land for
Mother Salete Church.
In
the year 1883, ' The entrance of Mother Salate Church ' was established.
In between 1884 and 1885 the Church was extended 5 mtrs by its sides
and the front portion is affixed with several spires that end in
the figure of the cross and square bell tower was also established.
The
statue of Mother Salete was given as a gift to John, the Baptist
by Fara Bishop of Grenoble. Holy Michael's statue was given as a
memorial statue to Father Michael Besard.
Father
Saint Ceer expired on January 17th, 1887. His Holy Body was burried
at the entrance of the Mother Salete Church.
Summer
festival programmes in the month of May includes Flower
Show , Dog Show and Boat Shows. |
