In 1971, this Church was a substation of St Louis Church, Adyar.Fr  PT Arulappa, the then Parish Priest, St Louis Church, Adyar and a great Missionary started Our Lady of Vailankanni Church under trying conditions.The  Archbishop of Madras Mylapore, Most Rev Dr R Arulappa, erected it as a separate Parish in 1973. The imposing 97 feet belfry  was declared open by the then Chief Minister Dr M Karunanidhi 27th  August 1972. On 15th August 1985 a bigger Church was blessed and consecrated by Archbishop Most Rev  Dr R Arulappa. By the efforts of Rev Fr PJ Lawrence Raj,  several extensions and renovations were made to this Shrine. A  beautiful community  hall, stalls, Museum and class room blocks were constructed. In May 2000, nearly 8 grounds were purchased and a beautiful stage was erected and dedicated to Jubilee 2000. In 2001 a small Chapel for the blessed Sacrament was built. In 2002 a grotto depicting the miracles of Our Lady of Good Health was created. In 2003, Mother Mary's Square and Reconciliation Chapel was constructed. From 2000 to 2003, 3 grounds were purchased in which the new Convent building stands. On 8th September 2005  this Church was decreed as a Shrine of the Archdiocese of Madras ' Mylapore by the Most Rev Dr AM Chinnappa SDB, Archbishop of Madras ' Mylapore.