History

The Archdiocese of Madras - Mylapore is in the state of Tamil Nadu and includes the city of Chennai and districts of Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram.

According to the tradition, Christianity was introduced into Mylapore and its suburbs by the Apostle St. Thomas. He was martyred on St. Thomas Mount near Mylapore, in 72. A.D., and his remains were buried at Mylapore in the sepulchre which lies in the Cathedral Basilica.

The old diocese of Mylapore was erected by Pope Paul V on 9th January, 1606.

The Vicariate Apostolic of Madras was created on 4th July, 1832 and confirmed on 25th April, 1934. This Vicariate Apostolic was raised to an Archepiscopal See on 1st September, 1886.

The Diocese of Mylapore was from the very beginning under the Portuguese Padroado and in 1950 passed over to the jurisdiction of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith.

By the Apostolic Constitution "Exprimaevae Ecclesae" of 13th November, 1952, portions of the Archdiocese of Madras and the Diocese of Mylapore were dismembered. From the western portion of the Archdiocese of Madras, the Diocese of Vellore was created. The extreme southern portion of the Diocese of Mylapore was created into the Diocese of Thanjavur. From the remaining portions a new Archdiocese was created, to be known as the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore. On 14th November, 1952 Most Rev Dr. Louis Mathias, sdb, was transferred from the old Archdiocese of Madras to the new Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, and on 29th November 1952, made his solemn entry and took charge of the new Archdiocese.

Abp MALAYAPPAN CHINNAPPA
Born: Jul. 23, 1937
Priestly Ordn.: Dec. 16, 1972
Episcopal Ordn.: Jan. 25, 1994

Address:
Archbishop's House
41, San Thome High Road
Chennai - 600 004
Tamil Nadu.

Tel: (044) 24 64 11 02, 24 64 08 33
Fax: (044) 24 64 19 99
E-mail: archmsml@vsnl.com
Website: http://www.madras-mylapore.org/