 Rev. Fr. Carmalata started the construction of this Church at Covelong (Kovalam) some time between 1770 - 1780. He laid the foundation, raised the walls and died. The church remained incomplete for about 20 years. Sir. John D’ Monte completed the construction of this church between 1800 - 1808. It was erected as a Parish in 1808. According to the Covelong tradition, certain Mrs. Mary D’ Monte who was in a state of mental aberration left Madras and wandered about in Covelong. Our Lady appeared to Sir. John D’ Monte and promised to heal his wife Mrs. Mary D’ Monte, if he would build a church in her honour in Covelong. Accordingly the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is situated on the shores Bay of Bengal. The Parish Annual Feast is celebrated on 16th July. The year 2008, marked the bicentenary of this traditional Parish.
Catholic Population : 800
Succession of Parish Priests
| S. No. |
Names |
Year |
Diocesan/religious |
| 1. |
Rev. Fr. Joseph K.M. |
1962 - 1988 |
Madras - Mylapore |
| 2 |
Rev. Fr. Mathew P.K. |
1988 - 1992 |
Madras - Mylapore |
| 3 |
Rev. Fr Thomas K.M. |
1992 - 2000 |
Madras - Mylapore |
| 4 |
Rev. Fr Mathew K.T. |
2000 - 2002 |
Madras - Mylapore |
| 5 |
Rev. Fr. Charles P. |
2002 - 2007 |
Chingleput |
| 6 |
Rev. Fr. Augustine Devadoss S. |
2007 - |
Chingleput |
Sub Station with Chapel
01 Vadanemmeli, Mary Help of Christians Chapel, 7 kms.
Participatory Structures
01 Parish Council
02 Parish Finance Committee
03 Anpiam
Associations
01 Youth Movement
02 St.Vincent de Paul
03 Kolping Unit
04 Mada Sabai
05 Altar Servers
06 Sir John D’ Monte student group
07 Choir group
Institutions under the Parish
01 Sir John D’ Monte R.C.Primary School. (Estd. 1898) Tel: 044 - 274 72 223
02 St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School. (Estd. 1984) Tel: 044 - 274 72 233
03 Mount Carmel Nursery & Primary School. (Estd. 2003) Tel: 044 - 274 72 288
04 Cuomo Foundation Home for Boys & Girls. (Estd. 2000)
05 Cuomo Foundation Home for the Aged Men. (Estd. 2000)
Religious
01 Bon Secours Convent (FBS). (Estd. 1990) Tel: 044 - 274 72 830
02 St. John De Britto Convent (FBS). (Estd. 1890) Tel: 044 - 274 72 025
Religious
01 Bon Secours Convent (FBS). (Estd. 1990) Tel: 044 - 274 72 830
02 St. John De Britto Convent (FBS). (Estd. 1890) Tel: 044 - 274 72 025
Institutions under the Religious
01 St. John D’ Britto Home for the Aged Women. Tel: 044 - 274 72 025
02 Covelong Community College (SJ & TATA).
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