St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal — Attraction in Kerala

St. Andrew's Church, Arthunkal is one of the famous pilgrim centres in South India. Though the Church is named after St. Andrew the Apostle, it is the feast of St. Sebastian that has brought fame to Arthunkal. The Christian presence in Arthunkal dates back to a very early period, to 7th Century or earlier. After the arrival of the Portuguese in Kerala Jesuit missionaries turned their attention to Arthunkal. They under­took missionary work in Arthunkal from 1530 onwards. As there was a ban on Christian conversion till 1560 peg mission to put up churches was hard to obtain. When Fr. Gasper Pais was appointed the first Vicar of Arthunkal he managed to get permission to construct a Church. In 1581 the King of Kochin, Veera Kerala Varma, gave permission to build a Church in wood. It was the second Vicar, Fr. Giacomo Fenicio S.J. who managed to obtain permission from the King to renovate the wooden church in stone in 1602. He had spent 33 years in Arthunkal in two terms and is rightfully called the Apostle of Arthunkal. Arthunkal rose to fame when in 1647 the miraculous statue of St.Sebastian was brought to Arthunkal from Italy in a ship. St. Sebastian was the captain of the body guards of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. He was brutally killed and became a martyr in 286 AD on account of his faith in Christ. People from all beliefs who were afflicted by epidemics prayed to St.Sebastian and were cured. And the feast of St. Sebastian in January began to attract thousands of people from every walk of life. Gradually Arthunkal became a pilgrim centre for people of all creed. The. Church built in stone in 1602 was renovated again in 1870 with a new facade and a bell tower. The new Church in granite (nibbles), the foundation of which was laid shortly after 1900, was blessed and opened for service in 1967. It took 60 years to complete the new Church. There is an ancient tradition followed to this day by the devotees of the Hindu deity, Lord Ayyappa, that they pay homage to St. Sebastian as they return from Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa. Every year from January 10 to 27 the feast of St. Sebastian takes place attracting lakhs of people. The procession with the statue of St.Sebastian on 20th January is the main attraction of the feast. An ocean of people moves with the statue of St.Sebastian during the precession. Considering the antiquity and the fame of the Church, the Holy See after due process, has granted Basilica status to St. Andrew's Church, Arthunkal on 21St May 2010. The historic honour bestowed upon this church was solemnly declared on 1 Ph October 2010 during a Pontifical Mass presided over by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Salvatore Pennacchio, the Apostolic Nuncio to India. May St. Sebastian, the courageous witness of the- gospel of life and love in Christ, be the special protector of all who seek his...

St. Andrew's Basilica, also known as Arthunkal Basilica, is a prominent Latin Catholic church located in Arthunkal, a coastal town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. It holds the distinction of being the largest shrine dedicated to St. Sebastian in the world. Historical Background:

The Christian presence in Arthunkal dates back to the 7th century or earlier. After the arrival of the Portuguese in Kerala, Jesuit missionaries began their work in Arthunkal around 1530. The church was initially constructed by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century and was rebuilt in 1584 under the leadership of the Italian Jesuit vicar, Fr. Jacomo Fenicio. He wasaffectionately known by the locals as "Arthunkal Veluthachan" or "fair-skinned father" due to his reputed healing abilities. Fr. Fenicio passed away in 1632. Eight years after his death, the church was reconstructed again, this time oriented to face west towards the Arabian Sea. In 1647, a statue of St. Sebastian, depicting him pierced with arrows, was brought from Milan and installed in the church. Elevation to Basilica:

On July 9, 2010, the church was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica, becoming the first in the Diocese of Alleppey, the seventh in Kerala, and the third of the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala.

Annual Feast:

The Basilica is renowned for the grand annual feast of St. Sebastian, known locally as "Arthunkal Perunnal," which takes place in January and lasts for a month. The main feast day is on January 20th, followed by the "Ettamperunnal" or "8th day of the feast" on January 27th. This event attracts millions of pilgrims from various parts of India. A significant highlight of the celebration is the procession carrying the statue of St. Sebastian from the church to the beach and back. Location:

Arthunkal is situated approximately 21 kilometers north of Alappuzha town and about 40 kilometers south of Kochi city. The church's proximity to the Arabian Sea offers visitors a scenic coastal experience

Visiting Information:

The Basilica is open to visitors throughout the year. However, those planning to attend the annual feast in January should anticipate large crowds and plan accordingly. For more details, including mass timings and special events, visitors can refer to the official website: ARTHUNKAL BASILICA

St. Andrew's Basilica stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kerala, making it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and...

St Andrew's Basilica at Arthunkal is one of the famous pilgrim centre's of the South India. The church derives it's name from the Apostle St Andrew's. The feast of St Sebastian is most celebrated here. It is believed that people from all walks or religious who came here offered their prayers to St Sebastian and were cared of their ailments and epidemics. Annually in the month of January , thousands of people from far and wide visit the Basilica to offer their prayers and seek blessings. The old church built in stone in 1602 was renovated and rebuilt in 1870 with a new facade and bell tower. The new church is built in granite. This church has a strong linkage with the Hindu beliefs . It is an age old tradition followed to this day by Hindu devotees of Lord Ayyappa. They visit Arthunkal Basilica on their return way from Sabarimala to pay their homage to St Sebastian. Hence There is great coordination between the Hindu and Christian communities who reside in this region. Every year the perunnaal of St Sebastian is celebrated here in January 10 th to 27th. Lakes of people visit here to participate in the procession of St Sebastian on 20th of January. The fame brought in laurels to the church raising its status from St Andrew's church to St Andrew's Basilica in the year 2010. There is a Rosary park in the compound. The Basilica is well maintained. It is a wonderful experience to visit this Basilica by the beach side. The architecture in the backdrop of the evening Sun is a beautiful picturesque experience. The statuettes, carvings of the Last supper , in one of the walls is simply nostalgic. The boat shaped structure used in the procession I maintained well in the compound. The service timing of holy mass is 5.30 am, 7.00 am , 9.00 am, 11.00 am and 5.00 pm.on Sundays. On weekdays the mass timings are 5.30 am, 7.00 am and 5.30 pm. Special timings and Novena to St Sebastian is conducted on Thursdays. There is option to make online offerings to the church. There are several organizations under the Arthunkal Basilica doing lot of...