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ARUL PERUNJ JYOTHI AALAYAM

The Church is built in the South Indian style by the Sisters of the Congregation of Immaculate Conception whose Head Quarters is at Madurai, South India.

Location of Church
The noble aim of the Congregation is “ Preaching the Good news of Jesus Christ in Simplicity and Love”. With this ideals in mind, the Congregation a formation - cum - training Centre called AMAITHIYAGAM (Abode of Peace) , located in a village - Kayavayal on the main road between Karaikudi and Devakottai. This centre serves as a centre for the initial stages for the formation of the Congregation and also as an Evangelisation Training Centre for the Christians.

“ARUL PERUM JYOTHI AALAYAM” is built in the tradition Indian style and architecture and is the only one of its kind in the State of Tamil Nadu. The Church was blessed and dedicated on December 23, 2000 as the final celebration of the Grand jubilee - 2000.

Purpose of the Church
The concept of constructing a Church in an Evangelisation Centre is to attract all people irrespective of their religious belief. This ambition has become a reality. This Church is visited by people in groups from different walks of life from all over Tamil Nadu visit the Church individually and in groups. They spend hours in prayer and meditation. The serene atmosphere of the Church and the lush green lawn lead anyone to pray deeply and have personal experience of God within. The training is given to dedicated and self-sacrificing people to spread the word of God and it insists on personal prayer for their spiritual growth.

Salient Features of the Church
The total area of the complex is about one acre (5,283 square feet). There are eighteen events selected from different parts of the Old Testament and is carved on the four walls of the compound. The 12 pillars that support the roof of the Church depict events selected from the New Testament.

The height of the tower is 33 feet signifying the number of years of the earthly life of Jesus. The figures of the writers of the four Gospels adorn the four corners of the tower. There are seven steps leading to the floor of the Church since the number seven is very significant number in the Bible. The statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, the pillars of the Church are in standing position on either side of steps. The mandapam will accommodate about 300 people.

In the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Church, the image of Lord Jesus Christ is positioned in a sitting meditative posture, holding the tabernacle that contains the “ Life giving food” to the believers. The thought provoking image of Christ with his long hair hanging about his shoulders, his folded hands and his posture-crossed legs bring to our mind the typical Indian Sanyasi.

The oil lamp and other lights that hang on either side convey the message that Jesus Christ is the “Light of this World” and He is there to give light abundantly to those who believe in Him.

The splendour and magnificence of the Church speak for themselves about the divine presence in and around the complex.

We strongly believe that those who visit the Church will surely be filled with the “PEACE” which Jesus Christ has promised and which the world cannot give (Jn. 14.27).

Visit another site John De Britto

Address:-
Rev. Sister Superior
Amala Annai Amaithiyagam
Kayavayal, Kallupatti (P.O)
Devakottai, Tamil Nadu
South India - 630303, Phone : 0091-04561-375302

Article By S. Jeyaseelan (Devakottai)