Located in the southern embrace of India, Tamil Nadu is a land where history echoes from every corner, architecture dates back centuries, and spirituality knows no bounds.
Amidst this lies the Velankanni Church of Tamil Nadu. Every year in August-September, this sacred sanctuary transforms into a beacon of faith and festivity during the very famous Velankanni Church Feast, which isn't just a yearly celebration but is an example of how devotion thrives in here.
Every year more than 20 lakh pilgrims gather here for this grand feast from August 29 to September 8, the birth day of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To truly experience the diversity in the culture of Tamil Nadu, plan a trip to Velankanni Church this August 2024 and experience the power of divinity in a new way.
Velankanni Church: A Sanctuary of Miracles
Located in the coastal quaint town of Velankanni in Tamil Nadu, the Velankanni Church, officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, stands as a revered sanctuary, attracting pilgrims and travelers from around the globe.
Origins of the Velankanni Church Feast
The Velankanni Church of Tamil Nadu is famous in the entire country for its annually held Velankanni Church Feast from August 20 to September 8. This feast is organized to commemorate events associated with the Virgin Mary and the Velankanni Church site itself.
But this church feast is not like any other feast. It is believed to be originated from 3 miracle events.
Key Miracles Behind the Velankanni Church Feast
The Apparition to the Shepherd Boy: It is believed that in the 16th century, a young shepherd boy encountered a divine apparition of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. Mary requested the young boy for milk and when the boy returned home , he realized that his already half emptied milk pot was by then miraculously filled. It was from then that the site was regarded as a sacred site where Mary visited.
The Healing of the Lame Boy: It is believed that when Virgin Mary asked a little disable boy selling buttermilk for his own son, the disabled boy miraculously healed from its disability after selling it to Mary.
The Rescue of Portuguese Sailors: During the 17th century, when a devastating storm hit the Bay of Bengal, Portuguese sailors vehemently prayed to virgin Mary for their lives. It is heard that suddenly, the storm subsided and the he sailors safely reached the shores near Velankanni on September 8, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The sailors also built a small chapel which now is regarded as the Velankanni Church.
Read more about Valankanni Church Feast
What Happens at the Velankanni Church Feast?
Daily Services & Novenas: You can participate in the masses, held multiple times a day in various languages to cater to the diverse group of pilgrims. There is also the nine-day period leading up to the main feast day featuring special prayers, hymns, and services in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Grand Processions: One of the key highlights of the feast is the raising of the church flag at 12.00 noon. Each evening visitors and pilgrims can participate in the long candlelight procession following the statue of Our Lady of Good Health. Do not forget to be a part of the final day grand procession, accompanied with music and dance.
Healing Services and Blessings: During this grand festivity, special services are held to pray for health and miracles, reflecting the church’s reputation for miraculous healings.
Community Meals & Fairs: Large meals are organised everyday during the Velankanni Church Feast, driving huge number of pilgrims from all around the country. The church ground also gets decorated with multiple stalls selling religious items, souvenirs, and local food, creating a festive atmosphere.
Feast Mass: Feast Mass is celebrated on 8th September in the evening at the Shrine open-air auditorium, presided over by the Bishop of Thanjavur, concluding the week long feast.
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This August, make some time out and pay visit to the Velankanni Church Feast. Experience what this spiritual journey in Tamil Nadu offers with Tripoto.
