In those days, the areas falling to the west of the Western Mountain range, were called Kollam diocese and those located on the eastern side of the mountain, Thiruchi diocese. Azhagappapuram was under Tiruchi diocese. During the period 1730 to 1830, our village was with Anakarai parish; and during 1830 to 1910, it was merged with Vadakankulam parish. The Vadakankulam parish priest used to come over to Azhagai every year in June to grace the St. Antony's festival during the period June 4 to 13. And only in those ten days could he take care of various affairs of the church and the community.

Because of the prolonged absence of the parish priest, people tended to live as they pleased, not knowing much about the Christian morals and values. It was then, in February 2, 1851, Rev. Fr. Martin, conceived of and inaugurated the Kanikai Matha festival. Thereafter, the Vadakamkulam parish priest started visiting Azhagai twice a year to gracefully and grandly celebrate the two festivals.

In 1908, Rev. Fr. Gousanal of the Jesuits Order established Holy Communion at the Azhagai church. In 1910 Azhagappapuram was brought under the jurisdiction of Kootapuli parish. In the same year, on May 23rd, the then parish priest of Azhagai, Rev. Fr. Pappai, upgraded the Primary school to Middle School.

In the year 1921, keeping in view the increase in population, Azhagappapuram became an exclusive parish. Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Raja became the first Parish priest. Rajakrishnapuram was attached to Azhagappauram parish in 1921. In the same year, St. George's church at Thirumoolanagar was blessed and that village got merged with Azhagai parish. When Tuticorin diocese was established in the year 1923, Azhagappauram parish was brought under it.

Wishing to build a small church for St. Therasa, Rev. Fr. Dharmanathar (Jan 1926 Dec 1930), started construction work with the fistful of rice he received from the people of Azhagai. Rev. Fr. Thairiyanathar continued with the construction work (July 1931 July 1934). The finishing touches were given by Fr. Mariadhas. The saint's deity was crowned by the then Vadakankulam senior parish priest, Innasiyar.

Because of the dismal economic and living conditions as well as lack of awareness of the importance of education, our school had to be shut down. However, the never-say-die spirit and the will power of Rev. Fr. Mariadhas banished the appalling conditions of the school. It re-opened soon after. By then, the lethal epidemic, cholera, started taking a heavy toll of the population of Azhagai. People were dying like flies. Fr. Mariadhas swung into action and ensured speedy supply of vital medicines and succor to the affected people, mitigating their suffering. It is believed that after the inception of St. Therasa's deity, cholera vanished from the face of Azhagai.

Rev. Fr. Rosario Correira (May 1937 April 1938) took charge of the parish soon after his ordination. He administered the parish and the schools efficiently and paved the way for notable progress.

Rev. Fr. Thirukudumbadhason Thalmaitha (1938 Dec 1939) built the school office building and another block for the school on the northern side of the church.

Rev. Fr. Boopalarayar was the parish priest during the period June 1939 to May 1940. He was succeeded Rev. Fr. Joseph Fernando for a brief stint. Then, during the time May 1943 March 1946, Rev. Fr. Michael was the parish priest. He was also the correspondent of the school discharging his duties effectively.

In 1944, acknowledging the wishes of the people of Azhagai, the then Bishop of Tuticorin diocese, The Most Rev. Roche, D.D.D.C.L, founded the convent for nuns and named it St. Seseeliammal Illam.

Rev. Fr. Periyanayagam (April 1946 April 1947), as custodian of the parish and the school, exercised strict control over the day-to-day affairs and ensured a great degree of efficiency and growth. more...>>>