By Fr. Devasagayaraj –
The 341st birthday anniversary of Fr. Joseph Beschi, more popularly known as Veeramamunivar, was celebrated at Konakuppam Periyanayagi Shrine in southern India’s state of Tamil Nadu on 7th November 2021 (Sunday). Fr. Beschi was born in Italy on 8th November 1680. He came as a missionary to India, leant Sanskrit, Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil.
To serve the of the region people, he deepened his knowledge of Tamil language and became an expert, so much so that he wrote many books in Tamil, including a dictionary. His great epic ‘Thembavani’ is a classical work and a great contribution to the Tamil language. It is believed that he wrote the epic Thembavani from Konankuppam. He built the present Church in Konankuppam in 1720. Because of his love for inculturation, he drew the picture of Mother Mary as a Tamil woman and imported a life-size wooden statue from Manila, Philippines. He draped a saree around the statue, adorned it with ornaments, and portrayed her like a Tamil woman. Because of this, many people visit this place as pilgrims.
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Fr. Beschi, competitions were conducted for the school and college children about the life and works of Fr. Beschi. Many participated with enthusiasm.
Fr. Susaimani OSM, the former provincial of the order of Servants of Mary celebrated the Holy Mass and preached about Fr. Beschi and Mother Mary. After the Mass, prizes were distributed to the winners. Fr. Susaimani OSM garlanded the statue of Fr. Beschi, which is kept at the entrance of the shrine church.
Fr. Susaimani wrote many books on Fr. Beschi and Mother Mary. He introduced the latest book ‘Mariology and Beschi in Tamil Soil.’ The parishners and the pilgrims participated in the birthday celebrations.
Fr. Devasagayaraj, the parish priest; Fr. Antonyraj the assistant parish priest, Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters, and the shrine team made the arrangements for the grand celebration. Mr. Richard and family met part of the expenses for the celebrations.