1712–1713 A.D. – Growth of the Christian Community The growth of Christianity in Vadakkankulam became remarkable during 1712 and 1713 A.D. Nearly 800 adults received baptism during this period, apart from numerous children. Historical records further note that in 1713 alone adults were 4138, around 85 adults were under preparation for baptism. April 1713 A.D. – Transfer to the Nemom Mission In April 1713 A.D., the church at Vadakkankulam was separated from the Madurai Mission and incorporated into the Nemom Mission of the Society of Jesus under the Malabar Province. 1743 A.D. Conversion of ChidambaramPillai During the period of Fr. Prosper Giuliani (also known as Paulastamer), between 1728 and 1733, a Hindu priest named Chidambaram Pillai, a Saivite Poussari from Vittapuram near Palamcottah, set out with his wife Aantavalli on a pilgrimage to Cape Comorin. While stopping near Vadakankulam, ChidambaramPillai went in search of water to perform his customary ablutions before taking food. During this time, he heard the sound of a church bell and followed it to its source. To his surprise, he arrived at the Chapel of the Holy Family, where a priest was celebrating Mass. ChidambaramPillai and his wife observed the ceremony with deep interest. Moved by what they witnessed, they spent several days receiving instruction in the Christian faith from the priest. Convinced by the teachings, they decided to embrace Christianity. After a period of preparation, they were baptized. Chidambaram Pillai received the name Gnanapragasam, and his wife was given the name Anandai. They were later married according to the Catholic rite. Recognizing his sincerity and dedication, the missionary appointed Gnanapragasam as a catechist at Vadakankulam. A house was built for him there, and he accompanied the missionary on journeys through Travancore and the Pandyan region. Gnanapragasam later became the godfather of the martyr Devasahayam Pillai.
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