Ramanathapuram: Recognising the historical significance of Saint John De Britto Shrine at Oriyur, better known as Oriyur Church, the Department of Posts has released a special cover of the shrine with permanent pictorial cancellation of the Portuguese Jesuit missionary, affectionately called as Arulanandhar.
J. Charukesi, Postmaster General (PMG), Southern Region, released the special cover at a function held at Oriyur near here on Saturday, coinciding with the death anniversary of the Jesuit missionary, one of the early missionaries who preached Christianity in the southern part of Tamil Nadu and was beheaded on February 4, 1693.
Shrine’s superior Fr Elankeswaran received the cover in the presence of Fr Jerome, who delivered divine revelation, Fr Justine and village leader Arul David Pathinathan. Superintendent of Posts (SP) N.J. Udaya Singh, Assistant SP S. Vijaya Gomathi and Inspector of Posts A. Srikumar, who made the arrangements for the special cover release, were present.
The department came out with the special cover depicting the historic shrine, built in Portuguese style with the portrait of St Arulanandhar, thanks to the initiative taken by Charles Lobo, Chief Postmaster General, Tamil Nadu. He visited the shrine during his routine inspection in May last year and was impressed with its historical significance.
“One magnificent shrine has been constructed in Portuguese style and it contains a captivating statue of Saint Arulanandhar. The red sand dune here in this shrine where the blood of the Saint was flown has great significance as the same is believed to have miraculous healing power,” the citation said.
Ms. Gomathi said the department had sold 100 special covers, each priced at ₹20 at the function venue. The department proposed to come out with 1,000 special covers and they would be available for sale at Oriyur post office, she said.
All the posts despatched through Oriyur post office would have the chachet image impression of the pictorial stamp, she added.
