The formation of tiny congregation at Palayamkottai consisting of just 40 members, the first being Clarinda, was the humble beginning of the Diocese of Tirunelveli, the biggest in Asia now. The infant church was nursed and nourished by the foreign missionaries and churches were established in different parts of Tirunelveli District. The Cathedral is Holy Trinity Cathedral is in Palayamkottai bui
lt by CTE Rhenius. Azariah, the first Indian Bishop, is one of the fruits of Tirunelveli Diocese.Ever since Tirunelveli was upgraded into a Diocese in 1896 and Tuthukudi-Nazareth Diocese was born from it in the year 2003. Now, the Diocese has 185 thousand members spread over 107 Pastorates in 736 villages.Apart from spiritual work, Tirunelveli Diocese has been striving hard to address to the economic, educational and social needs of the poor, the aged, the mentally re****ed, the visually disabled etc. The fruits of this Diocese are in every nook and corner of globe bearing witness to the Good Shepherd.
