Basilica of Our Lady of Snows — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica is located at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Catholic pilgrimage centers in India dedicated to the Our Lady of Snows, a title given to St. Mary. The Shrine name refers to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.The history of Shrine Basilica is closely connected with the history of the conversion of the PARAVARS (Tuticorin), the indigenous people of the Pearl Fishery Coast. In fact, Our Lady of Snows, was fondly called in Portuguese Nossa Senhora das Neves which means Our Lady of Snows. She has been given the unique title of Yelu Kadalthurai, Yega Adikala Thai in Tamil which means the Mother of Refuge for the seven major coastal villages, viz Vembar, Vaippar, Thoothukudi (Snows Basilica, Tuticorin), Punnaikayal, Virapandianpatinam, Thiruchendur and Manapad (Thoothukkudi District).Once the paravars of Pearl Fishery Coast had a sharp dispute with the Muslims of this area regarding the right of Pearl Fishing. The Pattankattimar (The leaders of Parava villages) requested the Portuguese to rescue them from the cruelties of the Muslims and the Portuguese agreed on condition of converting to christiantity and the Portuguese routed the Muslims. As a token of gratitude to their redeemers, the Portuguese, the Paravars from about 22 villages numbering about 30,000 embraced Christianity in the year 1535-37. In October 1542, St. Francis Xavier arrived on the shores of the Pearl Fishery Coast to catechize them and strengthen them further in their faith.Soon there arose a great religious persecution by the Nayak of Madurai who had by this time taken control of the Pearl Fishery Coast. They set fire to churches and houses of Catholics. Hence the Paravars left Thoothukudi ( Tuticorin ) and fled to a nearby Island named Raja Theevu (known as Hare-island today). They took along with them the statue of Our Lady of Snows and solemnly installed it in a newly built church there. It was there till the Jesuits returned to Thoothukudi ( Tuticorin ) in 1610.

Another tradition says that during the war, the church of Our Lady of Snows at Raja Theevu was destroyed and therefore, the people removed the statue from there and installed it in a small chapel of St. John the Baptist at Sivanthakulam near Thoothukudi ( Tuticorin ). When the Dutch occupied that area, they carried away the statue to a church at Korkai. And it was brought back to Thoothukudi ( Tuticorin ) in 1699.The beautiful statue of Our Lady of Snows has always been looked upon as a miraculous one, as many miracles are said to have occurred in the Shrine from the time of its installation at St. Paul's Church, Tuticorin.The first miracle is narrated by Rev. Fr. Vigilius Mansi himself who built the present Church of Our Lady of Snows. In a letter dated 24 September 1708 addressed to one Father Maria Ignacy in Rome, he narrates how on 4 April 1707 at mid-night, a sonorous and fierce thunderbolt fell in his residence where he had kept the miraculous statue for a short time and how he was miraculously saved by Our...

Lady of Snows Basilica

A Spiritual Gem in the Heart of Thoothukudi !

Rating: 5/5 stars

As a local guide, I've had the privilege of visiting the Lady of Snows Church numerous times, and each visit leaves me in awe. This stunning church, dedicated to Our Lady of Snows, is a revered pilgrimage site and a testament to the rich history and culture of Thoothukudi.

Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this beautiful church boasts breathtaking architecture, with intricate stone carvings, stunning stained-glass windows, and a majestic facade that seems to glow with an otherworldly light.

But what truly sets the Lady of Snows Church apart is its profound spiritual significance. The church has a calming, serene atmosphere that seems to envelop all who enter, making it the perfect haven for those seeking solace, peace, or simply a deeper connection with their faith.

The church's history, dating back to the 16th century, is equally fascinating. The miraculous story of how the church came to be built, and the numerous devotees who have been drawn to its sacred precincts over the centuries, only adds to its allure.

Whether you're a devout pilgrim, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Lady of Snows Church is an absolute must-visit destination in Thoothukudi. I highly recommend taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the church's rich history, stunning architecture, and profound spiritual significance.

Don't miss this incredible gem! Visit the Lady of Snows Church and experience the divine beauty and tranquility that awaits within its sacred walls. Must visit during Feast in August and...

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS In 1538 CE the first Parish St. Peter’s Church was constructed with Fr. Peter Gonsalvez as the Parish Priest. The St. Paul’s Chapel was constructed after the arrival of St. Francis Xavier, Jesuit Missionary in 1548 CE. The Miraculous statue of Mother Mary was installed in 1582 CE, which came in 1555 CE through the ship named Santa Helena, after the St. Paul’s Chapel was reconstructed as a cement concrete structure. In 1658, When the Protestant Dutch rule began in Thoothukudi, the feast of Our Lady of Snows was banned, the Catholic Churches were taken away and made warehouses and celebrating the Holy Mass was prohibited. The Dutch tried to convert the Chapel, as Protestant Church and the local from Catholic to Protestant. The Mother Mary’s statue was shifted to many places to protect from Protestants. In 1610 CE Mother Mary’s statue was brought back and re-installed, during British rule. An exclusive new church was constructed and consecrated for Mother Mary and was called as our Lady of Snows in 1713 CE, by Fr. Vigilius Mansi S.J. First Golden Car procession was started in 2nd February 1806 CE. From 1895 CE, this our Lady of Snows came under the control of Mylapore diocese and latter came under the control of Thoothukudi diocese, after the formation in 1930. The church of Our Lady of Snows, Thoothukudi, was raised to the Status of Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II due to the efforts of Rt. Rev. Bishop Amalanathar and Parish Priest Rev.Fr.L.Miranda, from 20th July...