The Legacy of Seashore
St. Anthony’s Shrine
Nestled between the soothing waves of the Bay of Bengal and East Coast Road, discover how faith and miracles shaped this holy sanctuary.
An Embodiment of Divinity and Seashore Serenity
The Seashore St. Anthony’s Shrine is a landmark of spiritual solace. Located at M.G.R. Road in Palavakkam, Chennai, this sanctuary stands as a testament to the powerful intercession of St. Anthony of Padua. In a remarkably short span of nine years, the church was elevated to the status of a Shrine—a milestone celebrated by the local faithful as a miracle in itself.
Salvation
Every person can experience fellowship with God through trust, faith, and prayer.
Divine Prayer
It remains our privilege to continually lift up the needs of our local community and visitors.
Our Historical Milestones
Follow the journey from our mother parish's early substations to the vibrant shrine standing today.
The Mother Parish Substations
St. Anne & Joachim’s Church, Vettuvankeni
Vettuvankeni parish came under the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore. Due to the vast area of the parish, Rev. Fr. C.V. Thomas established a substation at Kottivakkam to cater to the local spiritual needs, laying the initial foundations.
Seashore St. Anthony at Palkalai Nagar
A Humble Thatched Worship Shed
Twelve Catholic families at Palkalai Nagar erected a thatched chapel in St. Anthony's name. Fondly named 'Punitha Kadarkarai Anthoniyar' (Seashore St. Anthony) due to its location, the chapel drew massive crowds on Tuesdays before it was sadly demolished by miscreants.
The Vision & Land Acquisition
The Gift of the Sukumars
Mrs. Jayanthi Christina Sukumar had a dream of angels on her property, leading she and her husband Mr. V.S. Sukumar to convert and eventually transfer their land at 38 M.G.R. Road to the Archdiocese to establish a permanent church and retreat center.
New Parish and Consecration
The New Chingleput Diocese
Palavakkam was announced as a new parish in 2001. Under the newly created Chingleput Diocese, Bishop Anthony Devotta and Bishop Amalanathan consecrated the newly constructed Church on April 2, 2002, embedding a relic of St. Timothy in the altar.
A Growing Parish of Devotion
In 2001, Palavakkam was officially announced as a new parish, bringing together nearly 300 Catholic families from the parish of St. Anne & Joachim’s in Vettuvankeni and Annai Velankanni Church in Besant Nagar.
During the solemn liturgical service on April 2, 2002, the church building was consecrated. It was sanctified using a holy relic of St. Timothy embedded directly in the center of the altar, solidifying this beautiful home of worship.
The Faith of the First Tuesday
Since Tuesday is dedicated to St. Anthony, special novenas and masses are offered. The first Tuesday of every month is particularly celebrated, drawing thousands of devotees of all faiths and creeds. We hope this Shrine becomes fondly known as the "Padua of India."
Parish Leadership
The growth and spiritual guidance of the shrine is led by our devoted parish priests. We extend our sincere gratitude to all who have served and continue to lead.
List of Rectors & Parish Priests
“Earthly riches are like the reed. Its roots are sunk in the swamp, and its exterior is fair to behold; but inside it is hollow. If a man leans on such a reed, it will snap off and pierce his soul.”— St. Anthony of Padua