1741–1751 A.D. – Administration of Fr. John Baptist Buttari S.J. Between 1741 and 1751, Rev. Fr. John Baptist Buttari S.J. served as the priest in charge of the Vadakkankulam Church. 1742–1743 A.D. – To Vadakkankulam, From Portugal - Arrival of the Statue During the years 1742–1743 A.D., a wooden box bearing the inscription “To Vadakkankulam, From Portugal,” containing three Similar statues of Mother Mary, was reportedly carried by sea currents to the southern coast near Kootapuli. One statue was given to Kamayakanpatti Parish, another was preserved for Vadakkankulam, and the third was handed over to the pastoral care of the Bishop. 14 May 1745 A.D. – Baptism of St. Devasahayam Pillai One of the most significant events in the religious history of South India occurred on 14 May 1745 A.D., when St. Devasahayam Pillai received baptism at Vadakkankulam. Neelakantan, later known as Devasahayam, had been sent by De’Lannoy to Vadakkankulam carrying a recommendation letter. After completing the necessary catechetical instructions, Fr. Buttari baptized him and gave him the Christian name “Devasahayam.” His godfather was Gnanaprakasam, a Christian belonging to the Vadakkankulam Church. After 1745 A.D. – Conversion of Devasahayam’s Wife Initially, Devasahayam’s wife did not accept the teachings of Christianity. However, over time, a profound spiritual transformation occurred in her life. Fr. Buttari later baptized her and gave her the Christian name “Theresa,” known in Tamil as “Gnanapoo.” Ammal Eight days before his martyrdom, Devasahayam instructed his wife to remain steadfast in the Christian faith and advised her to settle permanently at Vadakkankulam after his death. The grave of Gnanapoo Ammal is still preserved in the graveyard at Vadakkankulam. 1749–1752 A.D. – Rebuilt the Church As the Catholic population of Vadakkankulam increased substantially, a larger church became necessary.
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