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Gratia Plena Church

On May 8, 2011, during the annual feast Mass, the foundation stone for a new chapel was laid by Most Rev. Dr. Antony Anandarayar, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in the community's religious life. This event signified hope and progress, setting the stage for the construction of a larger and more accommodating place of worship.

Years of dedication and effort culminated on February 11, 2017, when the newly constructed Gratia Plena Church, capable of accommodating 5,000 faithful, was blessed and consecrated. The grand ceremony was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Antony Anandarayar, the same bishop who had laid the foundation stone. In a momentous celebration of unity and faith, the consecration was co-officiated by a distinguished assembly of bishops, including Most Rev. Dr. Michael Augustine, Most Rev. Dr. A. Malayappan Chinappa, Most Rev. Dr. D. Lawrence Pious, Most Rev. Dr. A. Neethinathan, Most Rev. Dr. F. Antonysamy, and Most Rev. Dr. A. Peter Abir.

Sacred Pond

There was a natural pond in front of the chapel. it was once used as the water reservoir for the irrigation of the lands around and water came from the big Ousteri Lake which is 10 km away from here.

And this pond was constructed by Fr. Lespone, the Parish Priest, with donations from Saigon organized by Mr. Lesage and Mr. Laroque from the people in Saigon got a statue from Lourdes and in 1924 and a solemn ceremony took place to install the statue in the middle of the sacred pond after the due consecration of the statue and the pond.

It is believed by the people here that the pond water is miracles and has the ability to cure the sick and bring good fortune. This is the only Catholic church in Asia having a sacred pond in front of the church.

The sacred pond attracts more people of various religions. Very specially people go around the pond on their knees and pray for their intensions. They do it for 9 consecutive first Saturdays or ordinary Saturdays. And they feel the power of God working in them and the protection of Our Lady in their lives.

Shrine Grotto

19 years after Our Lady's apparition at Lourdes, the first church and grotto for Our Lady of Lourdes was constructed in 1877. The centenary celebration was celebrated on September 10th, 1977.

The procession was the highlight of the celebration. All the credit goes to Rev. Fr. J. Dussaigne. He is the one who planned for one big grotto outside the church.

The grotto which was inside the church modified according to the instruction of Second Vatican conference. To the remembrance of the centenary celebrations, one big grotto was erected in the garden, which is consecrated by Most. Rev. Selvanathar on 10.10.1978.

Masabielle Grotto

On October 12, 2019, the faithful witnessed the dedication of a beautiful new grotto at Gratia Plena Church, modeled after the famous Masabielle Grotto in Lourdes, France. This sacred space, constructed by Rev. Fr. S. Pitchaimuthu, became a profound symbol of faith and devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes.

The highlight of the grotto is the 200 kg statue of Our Lady, which was specially brought from France, symbolizing the deep connection to the Marian apparitions at Lourdes. The statue, embodying the purity and grace of the Virgin Mary, became the focal point of this holy site, where devotees could come to seek peace, healing, and spiritual guidance.

The blessing and consecration of the grotto were led by Most Rev. Dr. A. Malayappan Chinappa, Bishop Emeritus of the Madras-Mylapore Archdiocese. His presence added solemnity to the occasion as he consecrated the grotto, invoking divine blessings on this space of prayer and reflection. The ceremony was marked by prayers, hymns, and the faithful gathering to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Monolithic Column

On February 4, 2023, a 32-foot-tall monolithic column dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes was installed in front of Gratia Plena Church. This impressive structure, featuring a statue of the Blessed Virgin, was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Francis Kalist, Archbishop of the Pondicherry-Cuddalore Archdiocese. The column stands as a symbol of devotion and reverence to Our Lady, becoming a prominent landmark for prayer and reflection

Shrine Car

In 1896, the first grand feast of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated in Villianur on February 11, marking a significant milestone in the local Catholic community. This event featured the introduction of the novena prayer and a festive car procession, which attracted widespread participation from devotees throughout the region. The celebration not only honored the Blessed Virgin but also fostered a deep sense of community and devotion among the faithful.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Grotto

On February 4, 2017, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Grotto, situated in front of the new church, was ceremonially blessed. The blessing was conducted by Rev. Fr. Aruldoss, who invited the congregation to reflect on the love and mercy of Christ. This sacred space serves as a reminder of the profound devotion to the Sacred Heart and offers a place for prayer and contemplation.

Theological meaning of the Flag Mast

The flag mast, firmly rooted in the ground and rising towards the sky, represents God. The flag symbolizes the human soul, and the rope represents divine grace. Just as a flag can only fly when tied to the rope and secured to the pole, the human soul can only rise when connected to God through divine grace. The flag mast serves as a reminder to seek God's blessings, participate in sacred rituals, and stay united with Him.

A Majestic new Flag mast at the Villianur Shrine:

A new flagmast was installed at the Villianur Shrine and was inaugurated on 26th April 2014 by His Excellency Peter Abir, Bishop of Sultanpet. The details of the flagmast are as follows: A 10-foot-high pedestal has been constructed, above which is a 2-foot section adorned with embossed images on silver plates. On the western side, there is an image of the Rosary, with the inscription "I am the servant of the Lord" below it. On the southern side is an image of an angel, with the inscription "Hail, full of grace" below. The northern side features an image of St. Bernadette, with the words "Pray and do penance" inscribed below. On the eastern side, a beautiful image of the Blessed Mother is engraved, with a plaque beneath it providing historical details about the flagmast.

The 10-foot pedestal supports a 53-foot brass-clad flagmast, designed to resemble a Rosary with beads. To represent the 12 apostles, 12 grapevines are engraved on it. The top is adorned with a 1-meter-high kalasam (ornamental finial), inside which traditional materials such as diamondwood, redwood, sandalwood, precious stones, gold and silver coins, a rosary, a small cross, five-metal alloy (panchaloha), gold and silver coins, foreign currency, lead plates, millet grain for protection, and other sacred objects have been placed. At the very top, a 7-foot cross is mounted.