Pollachi, Tamil Nadu – May 10: Shenbagam Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Pollachi is basking in pride and joy following the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, who once visited the school in 2006 during his tenure as the Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA).Fond Memories of a Humble Visit
As news spread of Father Robert Francis Prevost being elected as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Leo XIV, celebrations broke out on the school campus in Coimbatore district. The school community recalled his 2006 visit with deep affection, describing him as kind, humble, and spiritually uplifting.Father Wilson Injerappu, Regional Vicar of the Augustinian Order in India, reminisced, “He travelled by car from Kochi to Pollachi and spent time interacting with students and priests. He is a very kind and humble person.” During his visit, Father Prevost had also participated in a mass prayer and encouraged the students.
A Photo That Went Viral
Father Sumesh Joseph Illikkaparambil shared a now-viral photo of Pope Leo XIV — then Father Prevost — standing in front of the Shenbagam School gate. The visit had coincided with his trip to Aluva, Kerala, to attend the Asia-Pacific meeting of the Order of St. Augustine. He took time out to see the progress of the newly acquired school under the order's management.Initially founded in 1995 by a local businessman, Shenbagam School was later handed over to the Augustinian Fathers under the Diocese of Coimbatore. During his visit, Father Prevost also stopped at the Sancta Monica Community monastery in Zamin Uthukuli, conducting a mass prayer and spending time with the community.
Words of Pride and Congratulations
School correspondent Father Binu Yesudasan expressed pride, saying, “It is a matter of great honour that Father Prevost once visited and blessed our school.”Father Injerappu added, “It is a great blessing to have an Augustinian become the Holy Father. We are filled with immense joy and jubilation.”
CM Stalin Extends Wishes
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin congratulated the newly elected pope, stating, “Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on being chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church. May his message of peace and unity inspire harmony across the world.”On May 9, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as pontiff, calling his election both “a cross to bear and a blessing,” marking a significant moment as the first US-born pope in history.
