Adaikala Madha Shrine Elakurichi

Beshi was an Italian Jesuit Priest who came to South India. A very serious famine engulfed the region during his stay at Elakurichi. Thousands died of starvation. The mothers sold their babies for just a few rice measures. This situation has taken advantage of by the protestant Danish mission at Tranquebar. They started to draw the Catholics into their fold, generously investing the large amount of money that was at their fingertips. Several Catholics, and even some catechists, crossed over to their fold to take advantage of this monetary assistance.

He preferred to invoke Mary as “Adaikala Madha” (Our Lady of Refuge) at this juncture, and wrote a booklet called “Thirukavalur Kalambaham” in her honor.

Things had started to take a new turn. Good rain happened and the famine ended. Returned to the fold the Catholics who strayed away for money’s sake. Miraculous favors have started flowing. When a fire accident occurred in the village at that time, the Christians ‘ huts were unaffected by the flames despite the strong wind. Fr. Beschi understood that Our Lady came with them to live and protect them. Through his Jesuit General in Rome, with the recommendation of the Archbishop of Mylapore, he applied to His Holiness the Pope for permission to solemnly celebrate the titular feast of “Adaikalamatha” on the third Sunday after Easter each year, and also for the sanction of a plenary indulgence for the faithful taking part. He received the sanction letter, signed by His Holiness himself towards the end of 1733.