St. Michael’s Church, Madikeri, India

Address: Madikeri – Virajpet Rd, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201, India

Overview
Saint Michael’s Church is located on a large corner lot atop a hill over a busy traffic circle in the heart of Madikeri in the district of Coorg near the western boundary of the State of Karnataka. The tall cross-topped bell tower is visible for miles in the city, and once up close, the statue of St. Michael the Archangel vanquishing evil is evident on the entry drive. The modern stone structure has a large parking lot that is overlooked by a life-size replica of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. The airy and peaceful interior of the church is beautifully appointed with a lovely sky blue-backdropped main altar. The church is open daily for prayer with Mass at 7 am; and two Sunday Masses at 7:00 and 8:45 a.m.

Special things to see in the Church
> On the entrance driveway, a statue of the patron Saint Michael the Archangel with a lance fighting the forces of evil at his feet
> A welcoming Jesus statue over the main entrance with the words, “Come Let Us Gather Around” written in Kannada script
> Three-paneled main altar backdrop with bright hopeful background anchored by the Crucifixion of Jesus
> Written above the sanctuary is the lovely verse from St. Matthew’s Gospel (11:28) in Kannada script, “Come to Me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest”
> A glass-encased statue of Infant Jesus
> A lighted image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
> Decorative metal grills on the lower side windows

Interesting Fact(s) About the Church
Christianity has a long history in Madikeri with the first Christian church built in 1781 near Raja’s Seat to serve soldiers in the local Army garrison. This church, along with all others in the area, was destroyed under the rule of Tippu Sultan.
The first St. Michael’s Church was built in 1857; and the present 6,000 square foot bell-shaped church was built in 2000 under the direction of Rev. Fr. Dr. Raphael Arokya Swamy and can accommodate nearly 1,000 worshipers.