Address Pallamadhu - Vidataltivu Rd, Vidataltivu 41000, Sri Lanka | ||
St James' Church is located in Vidathaltheevu village in Mannar District in Sri Lanka with the appearance of beautifully and elegantly 25 km away from the Mannar town in the Mannar – Sangupitti ( A32 ) main road in the direction of north west 1.25 km away from the main road.
History
According to Rev.Fr.Antonainus’s (M.A,Phd) historical book of 'The chronicle of the sanctuary of our lady of madhu' there were 5 catholic churches in Mannar main land before 400 years and VIDATHALTHEEVU ST JAMES CHURCH was one of them. Now also there are some ancient materials can be seen in the church boundary.
The Franciscan historian Friar Paulo da Trinidade, OFM (1571-1651) as he writes the history and activities of the Franciscan friars in Sri Lanka mentions that there were five churches built by Franciscan friars in Mannar main land. Namely, Friar Pedro de Betancor,OFM built those before 1594.VIDATHTHALTHEEVU ST JAMES CHURCH is one of them.
It is believed that for the seeking of fishing,agriculturing opportunity some catholic people came from Jaffna, Navaali, Allaipitti,etc and settled in Vidathaltheevu and they made a foundation for this St James Church. And also it is believed that the derivatives of them are living now in Vidathaltheevu.
When they were worshiping in St James Church there were another church also was built in Vidathaltheevu in 1918. Now there are two churches, the St James Church and the St Mary Church.
From 1948 St James Church was running as a parish under Iranaitheevu parish. The priests came from Iranaitheevu by boat and did the spiritual duties to the people. Then it was joined with the Adampan parish. Now it is running as a single parish as Vidathaltheevu parish.