St. Theresa Church — Senjai, Karaikudi (History)
The Senjai parish was erected on 7 August 1943. In its early years the Catholic community in the Karaikudi region was small, but it grew steadily over the 20th century. Through the leadership of several priests and the dedicated service of the sisters, the parish established a parish house, a middle school (Little Flower R.C. Middle School) and a chapel at a nearby sub-station named Sekkalai.
Major renovation and development works took place in 1995–1996 including fencing the cemetery and creating a new shrine near Devakottai Road which now serves as a centre for Saturday evening Mass and adoration. Over time, Senjai parish grew to include multiple substations and remains an important centre for faith and community.
Patron: St. Theresa of the Child Jesus (Little Theresa).
🌸 St. Theresa Church – Senjai, Karaikudi
A Place of Grace, Growth, and Generations of Faith
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church, Senjai, stands as one of the most cherished spiritual landmarks in Karaikudi. Established in 1943, the parish was created to serve the growing Catholic community of the region and has since flourished into a centre of deep faith, education, and social upliftment.
🌿 Our Beginnings
In the early 1940s, the Christians of Senjai had no dedicated place of worship. With great perseverance and unity, the community acquired land and built the first church under the leadership of Fr. J. Francis Fernando in 1944. What began as a humble structure soon evolved into a vibrant parish dedicated to St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, affectionately known as the Little Flower.
⛪ Parish Growth & Development
- Establishment of Little Flower Primary School in 1948, upgraded to Middle School in 1963 and Higher Secondary School in 1998.
- Construction of parish houses, hostels, and formation of devotional and community groups.
- Renovation of the main church, cemetery fencing, and development of sub-stations such as Sekkalai.
- Construction of the St. John de Britto Shrine at Devakottai Road.
- Beautification of the church campus and completion of the Lourdes Grotto.
- Major structural improvements throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
A major milestone was the Golden Jubilee Renovation, blessed by the Bishop of Sivagangai on 30 September 2018.
🎓 A Centre of Education & Service
The parish manages the well-known Little Flower R.C. School, shaping generations of students. The Amalorpava Matha Sisters continue to contribute to education and social development. Parish groups—youth ministries, Vincent de Paul Society, choirs, family associations, and children’s ministries—strengthen the spiritual life of the community.
🎉 Faith, Festivity & Tradition
The annual Feast of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus is celebrated with deep devotion, beginning with the traditional Kodiyetram (Flag Hoisting) and concluding with solemn Masses. Devotees from Karaikudi and surrounding towns gather in great numbers for this spiritual festivity.
✨ Today
St. Theresa Church remains a symbol of love, unity, and service. Guided by strong pastoral leadership and a vibrant community, the parish continues to spread the Little Flower’s message of simplicity, humility, and trust in God.