Diocese of Chingleput

The Diocese of Chingleput, established by Pope John Paul II on 19 July 2002 from the Archdiocese of Madras–Mylapore, covers the entire civil district of Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu. Beginning with 64 parishes, it has grown to 107 parishes and includes three major shrines—St. Thomas National Shrine, Mazhai Malai Madha Shrine, and the Divine Mercy Shrine. The groundwork for the new diocese began in 1987 under Archbishop G. Casimir Gnanathikam SJ and was completed during the tenure of Archbishop Arul Das James. Its first Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. A. Neethinathan, led the diocese with the support of diocesan clergy, religious priests, and numerous congregations. Home to the historic St. Thomas Mount, where the Apostle was martyred, the diocese is placed under St. Joseph the Worker as Chief Patron, with Arokia Mazhai Malai Madha and St. Thomas as patrons. Guided by the vision of “Fullness of Life” (Jn 10:10), the diocese commits itself to Gospel-centered social justice, empowerment of Dalit Christians, participation of laity and women, rural upliftment, education for all—especially girl children—and compassionate care for the poor, sick, aged, and marginalized, striving to build a community rooted in love, justice, and the values of the Kingdom.