The origins of this church can be traced back to the 16th century and its founding is attributed to three miracles: the apparition of Mary and Jesus to a slumbering shepherd boy, the curing of a lame buttermilk vendor, and the survival of Portuguese sailors assaulted by a violent sea storm. It is built in the Gothic style, was modified by Portuguese and then further expanded later on due to the influx of pilgrims. The church building was raised to the status of basilica in 1962 by Pope John XXIII.Annually, 20 million pilgrims flock to the shrine from all over India and abroad,[3] out which an estimated 3 million people visit the shrine during its annual festival from 29 August to 8 September.[2] The 11-day annual festival concludes with the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary on 8 Septembe
Its a pleasant place to meditate in and outside the church and its much better than many years before.Good hotels and restaurents around except for the crowd at peak season,the place is really calm and good.
This place is believed to be the location where Mother Mary appeared.There is a beautiful church.The whole campus is full of churches.Visit this place for a spiritual experience or pilgrimage.
A great basilica to visit. I had the opportunity to join the car procession. It was a very good experience although I feel that the administrator should better manage the crowd like placing barricades etc. many people were pushing their way through the procession. After the procession, there was a healing service in the basilica. It was a great service even though I could not understand much. It was amazing to see so many pilgrimage to honor Our Lady and pray for healing.
Our Lady of Velankanni Church is a place of pilgrimage and deep devotion for thousands of faithful. A holy place. A place such as this does not warrant any ratings by ordinary mortals such as me. People are drawn to Velankanni simply by the power of our Lady and nothing else.
This time of the year is hot. There won't be any rush and the place is quite neat and you can very well attend all the services at peace.
The most famous of all catholic churches in India. The Lady of Velankanni not only gives you Hope, but Success too every time you come back after visiting her.
the roads are still not made properly, with so many people visiting velankanni i think the roads should be made, because u cannot walk with so many buses going fast in this small roads. the beach is good but not maintained properly i mean the area around it a lot of hawkers crowd the beach. but the churches are well maintained.
Tens of thousands of devotees flock to this miraculous shrine every day but there is order within the chaos that is expected. The faith of the public is aptly displayed and a visit will re-energise the calm within everyone used to a hectic life style. A visit is highly recommended, if you are a believer.
The church premises and surrounding shrines are spiritually uplifting. I was moved seeing people perform the Stations of the Cross on their knees. Wonderful experience overall.