A seminar on Mariology is organized at Poondi Madha Basilica. It is to give a deeper understanding on the person of Mary according to Catholic teaching. It will be held on every second Saturday of each month for a year. Commencement of this seminar will be on January 14^th, 2012 and Very Rev. Mgr. C. Peter Francis will formally inaugurate this seminar on January 14^th, 2012 at 10.00 a.m. The schedule for the seminar will begin at 10 a.m. and will end at 3.00 p.m. having a lunch break from 12.30 p.m. until 1.30 p.m. The resource person for this course will be Fr. R.K. Samy of Tanjore diocese. It is note worthy that Fr. R.K. Samy was the founder of Mariology institute at Vailankanni and Assistant director at NBCLC, Bangalore for some time.  All are welcome to attend this seminar.

The dream and request of many of our devotees especially of those coming from far off places has come true with the installation and inauguration of two ATMs: One installed by the City Union Bank and the other by the Lakshmi Vilas Bank. The pilgrims can now make use of these facilities.

Free feeding is a part of our Basilica's activities. This programme that is run on 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays of each month will now be extended to 2^nd Saturdays from January 2012.

Free feeding on 1^st Saturday is arranged by the donors themselves, whereas on 3^rd and 2^nd Saturdays the Basilica run the programme collecting Rs. 20000/ (=$400) from the donor. The payment has to be made at least three months before the notified month.

 There will be average 1000-2000 people benefiting by this programme. Free feeding programme is run at 12.30 p.m. following the 11.15 a.m. mass.

The works of construction of a new retreat centre is already on progress. The new retreat centre will be located in south eastern direction from Basilica church. Now a road is being made. Lot of soil is collected to fill the low lying field. The work of beautifying the park also is on. Those who offer Rs. 200000/  (= $4500) or more for the project of retreat centre, their names will be inscribed on a stone as a gratitude. Kindly pray for the success of the above projects