News18 Tamil reported that several churches in Tamil Nadu are observed by the Christian community worldwide to commemorate the suffering event of Jesus Christ, who took on all the sins of the people. Among these churches is the Velankanni Holy Mother of Health Shrine, which was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese as a thank you to the Mother who safely landed them ashore during a storm in the middle of the sea. Another significant church is St. Thomas Cathedral, built in 1523 AD by the Portuguese in the Santhome area of Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The structure was erected above the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in Madurai, which is about 150 years old, is another essential holy place, housing a three-dimensional glass coffin containing a magnificent statue of Christ. Other churches include Our Lady of Ransom Church, located in the middle of a fishermen’s village in Kanyakumari, and the Church of La Salette in Kodaikanal, which is over 100 years old. Finally, the Ship Month Church, built-in 1974 and situated 70 km from Tirunelveli on the coast, boasts a unique seaplane architectural design.
A magnificent statue of Christ is housed in a three-dimensional glass coffin.
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Let us know about some of the churches in Tamil Nadu today, which is observed by the Christian community all over the world to commemorate the suffering event of Jesus Christ, who took all the sins of the people upon himself.
Holy Mother of Health ShrineVelankanni:
This 16th century church is one of the major tourist attractions in Velankanni. As a thank you to the Mother who safely landed the Portuguese stranded in a storm in the middle of the sea, they built a large temple at Velankanni. They planted the mast of their ship as a temple flagpole. It can still be seen today.
St. Thomas Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church. Located in Santhome area of Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The church was built by the Portuguese in 1523 AD. The structure was erected above the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus
in Madurai St. Mary’s Cathedral Church , also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Dolores. This church is about 150 years old. This important holy place in Madurai is an amazing blend of European, Roman and other architecture. A magnificent statue of Christ is housed here in a three-dimensional glass coffin. Also, this building looks like a cross from above.
In the middle of the fishermen’s village in Kanyakumari Our Lady of Ransom Church has This 12-tower building is one of the tallest landmarks in the city. Inside the Gothic and Neo-Gothic architectural style church, there is a golden altar, which houses a statue of the Virgin Mary, who is revered as the Moorana Mata. Also, there are wood carvings depicting the coronation of Mother Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Church of La Salette It is a historical temple in Kodaikanal which is more than 100 years old. And it was once the city’s only Catholic church. In August, its annual festival takes place for about 9 days in honor of Mother Mary.
Built in 1974 Ship Month Church Located 70 km from Tirunelveli on the coast. The earlier construction of the temple was damaged by sea erosion. As a result, the local residents decided to build a new church away from the beach to look a little different, with a seaplane architectural design.
Published by: Ilakkiya GP
First published: April 07, 2023, 11:38 AM IST
