The Domus Dei Church
The Domus Dei Church, also known as Our Lady of Angels Church, is a historically significant church in Puducherry located on Dumas Street in White Town. Dating back to the 18th century, its construction began on May 14th, 1851, during the reign of Napoleon III, under the guidance of architect Louis Guerre. The church was completed after four years and officially opened to the public in May 1855. The locals refer to this place as “Kaps kovil.”
The Capuchin mission established the first Christian mission in Puducherry, with the first church built in 1707. After demolishing the weak structure, a new church was constructed from 1739 to 1758. The English captured Pondicherry in 1761 and destroyed the second church built in 1739. A third church was then built at the intersection of Dumas and Surcouf streets from 1765 to 1770, of which only the square bell tower and reallocated nave remain. Then in 1828, the Capuchins gave way to the Holy Spirit Fathers, who built the current church. In 1887, the church was taken over by foreign missionaries from Paris. Later in 2009, the renovation work on the church was carried out, and on March 4, 2012, Archbishop Antony Anandarayar blessed the renovated church. It is now under the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. The church is believed to be modelled after Notre-Dame in Paris and the Basilica at Lourdes, and Napoleon III is said to have donated an oil painting of Our Lady of Assumption to the church during his visit.
Good To Know
Tourist Spot:
Former Notre Dame des Anges, Catholic Parish - Since 1738.
Distance:
300m from Mahatma Gandhi Statue, White town.
Entry charge:
There is no entry charge to visit the church.
Door opening hours:
The church is open from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on all days.
Mass in three languages:
Tamil, French & English.
Mass offerings in French:
Monday - 6:30 a.m. Tuesdays - 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays - 6:30 a.m. Fridays - 6:00 p.m. Saturdays - 6:30 a.m. Sundays - 7:00 a.m.
Mass offerings in Tamil:
Thursdays - 6:30 a.m. Sundays - 6:00 a.m.
Mass offerings in English:
Sundays - 9:00 a.m.
Allowed:
Kids, footwear, mobile, camera & offering.
Not Allowed:
Noise, vehicles, eating foods, pet animals & liquors.
Shop Near:
Chintz boutique & Craft Bazaar boutique.
Food Near:
The Indian Kaffe Express.
Stay Near:
Le Chateau & Villa Krish.
Parking:
Free parking for two-wheelers are available adjacent to the Church in Surcouf Street, car parking facilities are available near old Port, with minimum charges applicable.
Restroom:
Public toilets are situated at the southern end of Goubert Avenue (beach road), near the Dupleix Statue, and another one is located at the northern end of Goubert Avenue (beach road), next to the French Consulate building.
Location:
Door Nº 3, Surcouf Street, French town, Puducherry, 605001, INDIA.
As you walk down Dumas Street in White Town, you can’t miss this church with its pink walls and pastel yellow borders. The church is surrounded by three streets: Dumas, Surcouf, and Romain Rolland. In the garden between the church and the sea, there is a statue of Joan of Arc. Puducherry is best explored on foot, and the narrow lanes will surprise you. The frontage of the building is made up of a giant triangular pediment, and right above it, you will have two bell towers, which are not functional now. There used to be bells inside the church believed to have been procured from France, but later in 2012, these were suspended on account of vibrational effects causing hindrance to neighboring structures. Before the bells, the two pillars were originally used to house the clocks, which originally struck every two hours with the singing of Ave Maria.
At the church’s entrance, there are two prominent inscriptions in Latin: “DOMUS DEI,” which means “House of God,” and “D.O.M. SUB INVOCATIONE DOMINAE ANGELORUM,” which means “To the Lord, the best and greatest, under the protection of Our Lady of Angels.” The church is well-known for its magnificent stonework that displays the texture and beauty of white marble. It boasts numerous stained-glass windows that feature a blend of red, blue, and yellow hues, which allow a gentle radiance to permeate through. The cross bearing the crucified Christ is decorated with flowers, and the peaceful atmosphere is so captivating that you may find yourself wanting to take a second look at everything around you.
Our Lady of Angels is the fourth-largest and most popular church in Puducherry. It is also the only church in the region that offers the mass in three languages: French, Tamil, and English.
Doors Calling
