features of st thomas basilica chennai

I entered the church to find the statue of St. Thomas to my left. Here he was caught and killed. San Thome Church, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai (Madras), India. In 1521, the Portuguese in Goa and Bombay-Bassein sent missionaries to Madras (Chennai) seeking the tomb of the famed Thomas the Apostle, which had become neglected or maintained nominally by Muslims, and they decided to rebuild the shrine over the tomb of the apostle. This little-known relic crypt holds stolen parts of a Roman Empress. My husband and I will like to stay in a Catholic church accomodations for a week in the beginning of February of 2020, @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thecatholictravelguide_com-medrectangle-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thecatholictravelguide_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_10',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thecatholictravelguide_com-medrectangle-1-0');report this ad. The other two churches are St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican, andSantiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. San Thome Basilica / Church Chennai (Timings, History, Entry Fee Chennai, It is said that St. Thomas visited Malabar and started building churches and converting locals to Christianity. Long before the present basilica was built over the tomb, Marco Polo visited the tomb in 1292. The Santhome Basilica as it is popularly known derives its name from Saint Thomas, after whom the church has been named. Another tradition suggests that Thomas body may have been moved in whole or in part back to Edessa sometime in the 4th century, and thence to Ortona in Italy. History And Facts Of Ancient SanThome Basilica In Chennai - Vacation Joys The church is located in the Mylapore region in Chennai. St. Thome Basilica in Chennai, India is the place where St. Thomas the Apostle was buried. Click the image above to join this great pilgrimage to some of the most famous shrines in Europe. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. ). This chapel can be approached from the left wing of the church apart from an exclusive entrance from the outside. Website of the Sanctuary. No purchase necessary. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. A vast majority of early writings point to thomass apostolic ministry in India specifically Cranganore along the Malabar coast from 52 A.D to 68 A.D. His journey through Kerala resulted in numerous conversions. According To Tradition, St. Thomas is Buried In This Cathedral - TheTravel Dummingkuppam, Mylapore We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Santhome Church in Chennai also known as Santhome Cathedral Basilica and International Shrine of Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica, sits on the tomb built over the mortal remains of one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. It has been built in 16th century by Portuguese explorers over the tomb of St. Thomas who was one of Jesus Christ's 12 apostles. The tomb containing Thomas relic, or at least part of it, was preserved within. Unfortunately, Thomas was not destined to escape the violent fate of his brethren. A sultry summer afternoon, I walked towards the National Shrine of St. Thomas Basilica, Chennai, intrigued by its structure and stature and that it completes 120 years of existence in 2013, San Thome Cathedral Basilica, popularly called San Thome is the British version of a 16. century Portuguese structure. The British version still stands today. In 1893, it was rebuilt as a . Spearhead that was used to kill Saint Thomas in AD 72 at. Post Comments It is claimed that St Thomas' apostolic ministry in India took place specifically at Cranganore along the Malabar coast from 52 CE to 68 CE. The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, was founded by British colonialists in the 17th Century. I was a this church/shrine many years ago. I was also told his body lay right under the church many years ago, until it was sent to the Vatican for further DNA testing. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. After his death in Chennai, he was laid to rest at the cathedral's present site. A 2000 years old never drying, miraculous stream of water on rock face is a shining example of the apostles divine (overtures) exploits. It is a very important church for worldwide Christians as it is the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. After the end of colonial rule, the name was changed back to Chennai. The present, Gothic-style church was completed in 1896 and duly consecrated by Rt. The museum has the great apostles fingerprint and there are wall paintings depicting the saints life and death. BEST PLACE. Tall spires, pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses are all typical to the structures built during the early 19, Father Roche Chinnappa, Administrator San Thome was forthcoming, The shrine is close to 450 years old. There is a museum associated with the Basilica that has several artifacts as well as a video on the life of the Apostle. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Here is how to reach Chennai. In 1893, it was rebuilt as a church with the status of a cathedral by the British. The Santhome Basilica is built over the tomb of Saint Thomos. Visitors can see the pipe organ by climbing the stairs located at the Narthex of the church. However, even the cathedrals caretakers disagree as to what is actually contained within. The relics of dozens of martyrs are stored in a single chapel. The complex has the church, a chapel with the apostle's tomb and a museum. Santhome Cathedral, 38, Santhome High Rd, Basha Garden, enaj, Tamil Nadu, Indija. No considerable changes happened to the original structure of the church built in 1523. Iceland in Summer: Journey Through a Fabled Land, Peru: Machu Picchu and the Last Incan Bridges, Taste of Greece: Culinary Traditions & Ancient Ruins, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Freemasons, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Spring-Heeled Jack, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Gilles de Rais, Tiny Ecosystems: Making Terrariums With the Terrorium Shop, An Introduction to Sensory History With Carolyn Purnell, Session Cocktails: Low-Alcohol Mixology With Derek Brown, Thrills & Chills: Horror Story Writing With Nino Cipri, Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tale Writing With Anca Szilgyi, How to Trace Food History With Ancient Leftovers. It is located at the backside of Santhome Church. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. St.Thomas Basilica Location, Contacts, Daily Mass Schedules, Confession Hours, Physical Address, Telephone Number, Email, Website. 2021 Indian Christians. Santhome Church in Chennai also known as Santhome Cathedral Basilica and International Shrine of Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica, sits on the tomb built over the mortal remains of one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. The first major church was completed here by the Portuguese in 1606 AD. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). People such as Steven Binz, Cardinal Raymond Burke, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Marcellino DAmbrosio, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Fr. Nearly 2000 years have gone by and with it the several invasions, devastations caused by nature and humans reducing it to mere stone and mortar, this holy structure Santhome Basilica has seen it all. The statue in the main altar indicates "Saint Thomas the apostle as Priest and Jesus Christ as King", with both sides the statue of Saint Thomas the Apostle and Saint Peter the Apostle. From Australia there are several one-stop flights via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Pope John Paul II is the only pope to have visited the church, in 1986. According to the Bible, St Thomas was born in Judea (then a Roman province he was one of the twelve original disciples of Jesus. By Aaron Spray. Filed Under: Apostles, Gravesite Saint, Roman Catholic Tagged With: India (South)/Sri Lanka. Chennai, India: Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Thomas the Apostle, India: Catholic Shrines and Places of Interest, Back to Catholic shrines and places of interest in India. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Thank you for visiting! When he lived in Santhome Church he regularly prayed in front of a statue of the Virgin Mother Mary and celebrated Holy Mass; he also prayed regularly at the tomb bearing the relics of St Thomas. The sundial is placed at the rear end of the sacristy at the Basilica. Address: 38, San Thome High Road, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, GPS coordinates: 13 1 52.7916 N, 80 16 38.1144 E. The official website of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Thomas in Chennai, India is not online at this time. Eucharistic celebrations happen every day in the (full air-conditioned) tomb chapel. It does not store any personal data. Required fields are marked *. Related:What You Need To Know About The Final Stop On The Camino De Santiago. Thomas spent the last twenty-five years or so of his life in the area around Chennai. Later on the British reconstructed the church in 1893 and 1896. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sightseeing places to visit in Chennai. The Basilicas highlight, of course, is the Apostles Tomb. Check out the great priests and group leaders that travel with Select International tours. The tradition has it that he was martyred in Mylapore in India on July 3, between 68-72 AD. Sometime in the 10th century CE a group of Nestorian Christians from Persia founded the Christian village of San Thomes and proceeded to build a church over the burial site of St. Thomas. San Thome Basilica is the principal church of the Madras-Mylapore Catholic Archdiocese. The cathedral was built by the early Portuguese in 1523 AD when they built the Church over the tomb of Thomas the Apostel. Currently there are two new structures one being the Tomb Chapel below the basilica and the other a museum-cum-theatre. The Basilica of St. Thomas is located in the Mylapore district of Chennai, about six miles south of downtown and close to the Bay of Bengal. The Santhome Cathedral Basilica Church in Chennai is a sacred place, especially for the Catholic Christians. San Thome Church, officially known as St Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church in India, at the Santhome neighbourhood of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu. It was designed in Neo-Gothic style, favoured by British architects in the late 19th century. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you. BASILICA OF ST. THOMAS - The Complete Pilgrim In the early days of Christendom, Christianity was being spread westwards by apostles like St. Paul, but it was also being spread as far east as India by St. Thomas. It has oldest Cross of 7th8th centuries and Inscription. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Christianity is today the third largest religion in India after Hinduism and Islam. His journey through Kerala is said to have resulted in numerous conversions. How can we know the way? It was on this St. Thomas Mount that the apostle was said to be killed by a lance which pierced through his back. A small museum at the church possesses Christian and colonial antiquities, which date from the Portuguese period. Indian Christians United (ICU) is an interdenominational and international movement that has a vision to aid Indian christians around the world and unite their hearts to pray for India and Indian Diaspora. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. This is due in large part to geography, as it is strange to think that a small Christian enclave thousands of miles to the east of the Holy Land and Europe is in possession of one of only a handful of known apostolic tombs. The long central passage seemed to beckon me to the altar, flanked on either side by neat polished-wood pews; the exquisite stained glass windows at the end of the hall; the larger-than-life nave, the almost 40 ft. high ceiling, the sanctuary, the line of windows and the equally high arches embellished by vine leaves carved in high relief, My mind was ticking away at my architecture lessons: Neo-Gothic style, associated with monarchism and conservatism has a distinguished architectural pattern. The exact place where St. Thomas was buried is marked by the second small tower in the centre of the cathedral. Thomas set about establishing a church, and soon the region boosted a sizeable Christian community. Our visit to San Thome Basilica - Tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle Chennai It was built with 16 windows and 34 stained glass with a main stained glass in the altar representing "Saint Thomas Touching the Wound of Jesus Christ". And that is the way to enter the tomb of St. Thomas erected under Santhome Church. Stop doubting and believe put to rest all speculations about his resurrection. art and archictectural features of st thomas basilica chennai in 3 Thomas was martyred here on a hill at the outskirts of the city which is now known as St. There was 118 years of insecurity and uncertainty from the time the Golcondas occupied San Thome in 1662 to 1780. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Is Monsoon The Best Time To Experience Railways In South India? Leo Patalinghug and many more. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This site, created by Howard Kramer, is a combination travel blog and online guide to the world's greatest sites of religious interest (with some historic and recreational places thrown in for good measure). Santhome has a few Catholic institutions built by the Portuguese, which take you to the historical times of the region. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The church has a rib vault ceiling made of teak wood. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the worlds greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. We would love to hear from you. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Exclusive films on the patron saint Thomas and the church are screened twice daily for local and foreign pilgrims. Finally in being the only disciple who was absent when the risen Jesus appeared before his co-disciples, he became the chosen one by divine providence to ratify the resurrection of Jesus, by representing every common man in insisting with childish persistence that his belief lay in his touching the wounds of Christ. A 500-year-old sundial that was once used by San Thome priests to time San Thome Basilica - A Historical Pilgrimage in Chennai Certainly the first Christian to visit India, Saint Thomas arrived here around 52 AD. St. Thomas landed in 52CE and baptized several Indians. There is no cost of admission. This church was declared as a National Shrine in 2004 by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India. Your email address will not be published. Portuguese explorers and missionaries discovered the shrine in the 17th century and replaced it with a Catholic structure. Santhome Church was built in the Gothic revival architecture style of the late 19th century. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. An adoration chapel adjoining the main church provides perfectly for those soulful, silent moments before the Blessed Sacrament. See more Catholic Shrines and pilgrimagesinIndia, See more Catholic Shrines and pilgrimagesinAsia. After spending 10 years on the Malabar coast he is said to have travelled Eastwards across the Deccan Plateau, arriving in Mylapore in AD 68. The third day of every month is dedicated to St. Thomas, while the second Saturday of every month is dedicated tothe Lady of Mylapore. In 1545, St Francis Xavier visited the shrine and lived for about one year in the presbytery of the Santhome Church before he left for his mission in Ilha Formosa, the Portuguese name for the island of Taiwan. Santhome Basilica is a significant shrine that is dedicated to St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ who was entrusted the task of spreading the Lord's teachings. In 1956, this cathedral was elevated to the status of a Basilica as a tribute to the martyred St. Thomas. SIR,YOUR GUIDE WAS HELPFUL FOR ME .. The website ofSt. Thomas Cathedral Basilica states the: "Basilica, sits on the tomb built over the mortal remains of one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. In 1893, it was rebuilt as a church with the status of acathedralby theBritish. The Complete Pilgrim - Religious Travel Sites, Howard Kramer's, The Complete Pilgrim, Religious Travel Site, June 1, 2014 By Howard Kramer 10 Comments. This crumbling medieval basilica once attracted pilgrims by the thousands to collect a miraculous dust that formed above the saint's tomb. In antiquity, there was a basilica built over the tomb of the Apostle Philip in Hierapolis of Phrygia, present-day Pamukkale. Santhome Cathedral and Basilica | Pilgrim Centres | Tamil Nadu Tourism San Thome Basilica and the tomb of St Thomas. Though he was called Thomas the twin there is no credible mention about whose twin he was. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser, Art and architectural features of st thomas basilica chennai, what is subsistence crisis?., At which place proto shiva seal has been discovered, How was french slave trade propagated? St. Thomas, who was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, was buried here. It was only in 1893 that his Excellency Dom Henrique Jose Reed da Silva, Bishop of Mylapore resolved to build a new church with the tomb of the apostle in the centre. The present Gothic style church was completed in 1896 and duly consecrated by Rt. For any events being held at the church see their website. On the Ponniyan Selvan Trail. Its an example of an honorable group of churches- the minor basilica, and an extremely popular tourist destination that draws people from across the globe., Unlike the Neo-classical style, imitations from this period are rare to find. Boasting a towering steeple and an ornate interior with magnificent stained-glass windows, San Thome Basilica is an impressive bright white structure that dates back to 1893. The church is one of the only three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus, the other two being St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral at Galicia in Spain. Atom Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is a culmination of years of his work and passion. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Let us explore this historical pilgrimage centre in Tamil Nadu. That was not all, what followed provided the much needed comfort to future believers when Jesus said How happy are those who believe without seeing me. Visit the historical and ancient Santhome Cathedral - Asia Tours Rev. Come with me to all the iconic places of the grand movie, Beer Bus: Unlimited Beer From Chennai To Pondicherry, Know Costs, Inclusions, Etc, Welcome Summer With These Vacation Spots Near Chennai, Chennai Airport To Have Multiplex With Five Screens Soon, Know Details, Most Popular Churches to Visit On Christmas Eve 2022 In Your City, Chennai Music Season 2022: All You Need To Know. The cathedral was built with teak wood, marble and granite. As one enters the church, one can find the sanctuary and a statue of St. Thomas seated. Several airlines in the Middle East and Asia offer non-stop flights as well. The sarcophagas where Thomas relic was interred is still within, and has not been opened for almost three hundred years. Your email address will not be published. Chennai, India: Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Thomas the Although one of the less important Apostles from the Biblical narrative, his disbelief concerning Jesus resurrection after the crucifixion was one of the most memorable moments in the New Testament. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. According to tradition, the remains of the following apostles are buried in these cathedrals. Finally in being the only disciple who was absent when the risen Jesus appeared before his co-disciples, he became the chosen one by divine providence to ratify the resurrection of Jesus, by representing every common man in insisting with childish persistence that his belief lay in his touching the wounds of Christ. Santhome church stained glass, upper floor. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Must Do Routes, Go Green, Chennai Airport Is Working Entirely On Renewable Energy Sources, Travelers Rejoice as IndiGo Begins International Flights from New Terminal at Chennai Airport. Eucharistic celebrations happen every day at the fully air-conditioned tomb chapel. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. God does not change. After spending 10 years on the Malabar coast he is said to have traveled Eastwards across the Deccan Plateau, Arriving in Mylapore in 68 A.D. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is the culmination of years of his work and passion. All rights reserved. The cave at the little mount is claimed to be his favourite preaching spot. What measures french government underlook to improve their life?, Capital of assam shifted from shillong to dispur. I HAD WENT TO ST.THOMAS BASILICA,CHENNAI.. (October 2022) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) San Thome Church, officially known as St Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church in India, at the Santhome neighbourhood of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu. Golden Jubilee day of episcopal consecration of his Holiness Pope Leo XIII was aptly chosen to lay the foundation to this Most Holy monument of international eminence. His loyalty and steadfastness is portrayed in John 11:16 when he says Let us all go, that we may die with him his humility, clean hearted and straight forward approach is portrayed in John 14:5 when after failing to understand Jesuss teaching about his death and resurrection he raises a doubt We do not know wither though goest. Santhome is the Tamil name for St. Thomas, who is an archbishop of the Catholic community of Christians. This was replaced by a larger shrine around the 6th century AD, probably by Oriental or Assyrian Christians.
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