Keelavaippar (also known as Keela Vaippar or Kilavaippar) is a small village on the coast of south India, in the Vilathikulam Taluk area of Tuticorin District, Tamil Nadu.[1] It is inhabited predominantly by Paravars.
Fishing is the primary occupation, as it has been throughout Paravar history.
The village hosts St Louis Primary School and the St Louis High School.[2]
Religion
editOn the eastern bank of the Vaippar river is the church of Our Lady of Assumption, one of the first churches built by the Portuguese in the sub-continent. The Jesuit record shows that a church dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption existed as early as 1571.[2] The feast of Our Lady of Assumption is celebrated annually on 15 August, being preceded by a flag hoisting ceremony on 6 August and with novena prayers on all subsequent days until the feast itself.[citation needed]
Keelavaippar is one of the ancient five Padroado parishes of the Pearl Fishery Coast. After Tuticorin was made a diocese, it continued to be a part of the Mylapore Padroado diocese. In accordance with an agreement between the Vatican and the Portuguese government, the parish was joined with Tuticorin diocese on 4 April 1930.[2]
This parish was made into seven Basic Christian Communities on 11 December 1994. In 1995 a parish council was constituted with the representatives of the Basic Christian Communities. St. Antony's grotto in the beach was enlarged in 1995 and a grotto of the Child Jesus was constructed inside the campus in 1996.[citation needed]
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