Acharapakkam Shrine Mazhai Malai Madha Shrine (Estd. 1962) Acharapakkam, Kancheepuram Dt - 603 301 Tel : 044 - 275 23 312

A Brief History

In 1969 people experienced severe drought all over Tamilnadu particularly in Acharapakkam. Fr. A. Pushpam, the founder of this shrine had arranged for a car procession in honor of our Blessed Mother to intercede for the good shower of rain. When the car procession ended at a place called Nallayan Kundru there was a heavy down pour with thunder and lightning. This astonishing miracle touched every one and in gratitude they lovingly named our Blessed Mother as Mazhai Malai Madha and built a beautiful grotto. Rev. Fr. Pushpam who served as a Parish Priest from 1963 to 1973 rendered selfless service. With the same zeal Rev. Fr. Backiya Regis had served this Shrine for 10 years and made it a place of testimony to the faith of the multitudes that come there regularly. The Annual Feast is being celebrated on the first Saturday of October. Thousands of people belonging to various religions gather to express their love and devotion to the Blessed Mother. The shrine caters to the needs of the poor and the marginalized of the society by carrying out various social activities especially for the physically challenged. The Decree proclaiming Mazhai Malai Madha as the Second Patroness of the Diocese of Chingleput and raising the church dedicated to her to the status of a Diocesan shrine was promulgated by Rt Rev. Dr. Neethinathan on 05th September 2003 in the presence of His Eminence Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy.

Succession of Rectors of Shrine

S. No. Names Year Diocesan/religious 1. Rev. Fr. Backiya Regis G.  1998 - 2008 Chingleput 2. Rev. Fr. Roch Ignatius K. 2008 -  Chingleput

Religious

01 St. Joseph of Cluny sisters (SJC). Tel: 044 - 275 23 312