Vailankanni Church | Beach | Tamilnadu
Address:-Shrine Basilica Vailankanni Church, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
Vailankanni Church Story:-
The story of Velankanni Church, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is about the Virgin Mary's supposed appearance in the 16th or 17th century. The church is located in the town of Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, India.
The story
According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd boy tending his sheep.
The Virgin Mary asked the boy to build a church in her honor.
The Virgin Mary is also said to have saved Portuguese sailors from a storm in the Bay of Bengal.
The sailors promised to build a church in her honor if they survived the storm.
The sailors landed safely near Velankanni on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary.
The Portuguese rebuilt a thatched chapel into a stone church.
The church
The church is built in a Gothic style with white walls and a red tiled roof.
It is considered one of the holiest Christian pilgrimage destinations in India.
The church is known as the "Lourdes of the East".
Pope John XXIII elevated the church to the status of a minor basilica in 1962.
The feast
The feast of Our Lady is celebrated annually on August 29.
The feast begins with the hoisting of the flag and ends after the lowering of the flag on the 10th day.
Vailankanni Church Miracles:-
The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, India is known for several miracles, including the appearance of Mary and Jesus to a shepherd boy, the healing of a buttermilk vendor, and the rescue of Portuguese sailors.
Miracles
Appearance of Mary and Jesus: Mary and Jesus appeared to a sleeping shepherd boy.
Healing of the buttermilk vendor: A lame buttermilk vendor was miraculously healed.
Rescue of the Portuguese sailors: Portuguese sailors were saved from a storm at sea.
Miracle of the leaflets: A man was told to print and distribute leaflets with a message about receiving blessings and washing away sins by believing in Mary. He and others who distributed the leaflets received blessings.
Miracle of the cash: A man left cash in a plastic bag on a table in his room, but the room was destroyed by fire. The cash, two Bibles, and a hymnal were not damaged.
Devotion
The devotion to Our Lady of Good Health began in the mid-16th century.
The Portuguese built a chapel after being saved from the storm.
The chapel was dedicated on the feast of the Nativity of Mary.
The site is known as the “Lourdes of the East”.
It is the most visited holy site in India.
