Fr. Buttari required timber for the church he was constructing on the land given by the Prince. He sent a letter to Devasahayam Pillai, requesting permission from the government to obtain wood for the church. The Servant of God approached the "supreme governor" (the Dalava), who happened to be a Brahmin. This Brahmin became immediately enraged with Devasahayam and began cursing the Christians. He even threatened to exile them. In response, the Servant of God fearlessly stated, "Start with me. I too am a Christian. Your threats do not intimidate me."
