Velankanni Nagapattinam

Hey, are you ready to visit the land to our lady of good health! Well, Velankanni is fondly known to be Lourdes of the east. Since, same as the Lourdes in France, millions of Pilgrims visit this place through out the year for praying to Lady God (Mary). In the end of 16th century, it is believed that Mother Mary appeared here with infant Jesus. Since then every year, Velankanni is one of the most important destinations for all the Marian Sanctuaries of the world. However, regardless of caste, creed, color, and language crowds come here! Our Lady of Velankanni devotions have proved that the shrine is to be a divine origin. Moreover, it has also assumed the international character. Lord Mary at the Velankanni is the focus of unity. She is a clear proof of the religious harmony, multicultural and international.

Velankanni is a small village which is located on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal. It is situated at a distance of near about 350 kms to south of Chennai (Madras). It is near about 12 kms from Nagapattinam. Moreover, Nagapattinam is a town that is located on the coast of Bay of Bengal.

In the year 1560, it is said that Virgin Mary appeared. She asked for milk to a Shepherd, in order to quench the thirst of her baby Jesus. After performing this good deed, the shepherd returned to his master. The pitcher of this shepherd kept filling up with milk. However, in the end of 16th century, Virgin Marry appeared again. During this time, she appeared before a lame boy, later who was blessed with the use of his limbs. Moreover, the actual church was constructed after this major incident. Here, the tradition is to offer Our Lady of health a candle. Lady has chosen this place to dispense her miracles to humankind. However, strong traditions attest to our Lady at Velankanni.

While on a trip to Velankani, one must visit The Shrine Basilica, comprising of the three churches, Our Lady's Tank, Church Museum, Priests' Residence, Offering Center, Stations of the Rosary, Shrine Mega Mahal, Velankani Beach and many more. However, people can also have a safe accommodation at Velankanni or Nagapattinam. One of the unique features of the Velankanni Church is its Gothic Architecture.

In the late 16th Century, Velankanni Church was built. However, in the later years many expansions were made due to increase in the number of the pilgrims. The main festival that is being celebrated here is the Feast of lady. The festival starts on August 29th every year and lasts until ten days. Many pilgrimage from all over world witness this occasion. Holy masses are also being conducted in different languages, which include Tamil, Malayalam, English, Kananda, Telugu, Marathi, Konkani, Hindi and many more.

Velankanni is also one of the areas who were severely affected due to the Tsunami in the year 2004. The Killing waves entered into the church and washed away large number of people with it. One must visit Velankanni during the trip to Nagapattinam.