Till 1971 the Besant Nagar church was a under the control of St Louis Church, in Adyar. FR.PT Arulappa was the parish priest of St. Louis church. As the history says, mother Mary appeared with infant Jesus in the dreams FR.P.T. Arulappa, which lead to the construction of beautiful shrine for Virgin Mary. With great and striving effort of fr.PT Arulappa the lady of Velankanni church was erected. In the year 1973 it was declared as separate parish having its own priest by Archbishop of Madras Mylapore Rev Dr R Arulappa. Initially there was a church with a great architecture. On 27th august 1972, 92 feet belfry was erected by the chief minister of that era Dr. Karunanidhi. On 15th august 1985 a bigger church was blessed and constructed by Archbishop Most Rev Dr R Arulappa.
The extension of the church made way in order to accommodate many people who visit the church. Further extensions and renovation of the church were made by Rev Fr PJ Lawrence Raj. The church campus consists of a big community hall, large museum and a class room blocks. In May 2000, 8 grounds were purchased near the church and a large stage was constructed over it. During the festival seasons mass are conducted in this big stage so that many people can be accommodated. In 2001 a small chapel for the Blessed Sacrament was built. The Blessed Sacrament is worshiped everyday in this chapel. In 2002, a grotto depicting the miracles of mother Mary was built. Devotees offer sarees for the shrine of mother Mary in thanksgiving to Annai Velankanni. The 3 apparitions of mother Mary is depicted in this grotto. In 2003, Mother Mary's Square and Reconciliation Chapel was constructed. This chapel has centralized ac. This adoration chapel is open on all days from 7:30 to 8:30.On Thursday special adoration is done in this chapel. The priest and nun in the church stay in the new convent building in the campus of the church. On 8th September 2005 this Church was decreed as a Shrine of the Archdiocese of Madras 'Mylapore by the Most Rev Dr AM Chinnappa SDB, Archbishop of...
Read moreDear All, please visit and get miracluous blessings from our mother Annai Velankanni
Roman Catholics Pilgrim Church, Basilica, Welcome to Annai Vailankanni Shrine Online!
Fulfilling its mission, the Shrine is a place of worship, pilgrimage, evangelization and reconciliation. I am sure you will appreciate the contents of this site, especially if you are about to organise a pilgrimage to our Shrine. It is possible to check timetables and send Prayer request.
As a parish, the Shrine is the primary spiritual home of nearly 1,600 families. Thus it is a living community of faith which tries hard to welcome some 200,000 visitors whom we receive each year. Open 365 days a year, the Shrine is host to nearly one million visitors annually, attracting Pilgrims and Tourists alike from across the country and around the world.
The Shrine offers three Masses everyday and more than five hours of Confessions daily, as well as a Catholic Book Store to accommodate its visitors.
In addition, Special Masses, Devotions and Concerts are held regularly throughout the year, and on Holy Days and Holidays. Please check our schedule!
Enjoy your visit and, in the spirit of Our Mother of Good Health, we wish you Peace and all Good. We pray that this website may encourage you to visit us in person. Consider this to be our invitation: Come and see!
Every hour the chime of 'Ave Maria' reminds us of Mother Mary's presence and reassures Her loving guidance. And this is the legendary Annai Vailankanni Shrine, Besant Nagar in Chennai (formerly Madras). This is the largest and most popular Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health outside Vailankanni(place of Apparition of Our Lady of Good Health) in...
Read moreThe Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Adyar, Chennai, is a serene and welcoming place of worship situated near the beautiful Besant Nagar Beach. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to combine spiritual reflection with a delightful seaside experience.
The church itself is notable for its cleanliness and tranquil atmosphere. Its architecture is charming, reflecting a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Inside, the ambiance is serene, with soft lighting and peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation or prayer. The church grounds are well-maintained, providing a sense of peace and order that adds to the overall experience.
Adjacent to the church lies the famous Besant Nagar Beach, known for its picturesque setting and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors to this beach can enjoy a variety of activities, from leisurely strolls along the shore to engaging in beach sports or simply relaxing on the sandy shores. The beach is also renowned for its food stalls offering delicious local cuisine, making it a great place to indulge in some snacks or meals while enjoying the sea breeze.
The evenings at Besant Nagar Beach are particularly enchanting, with stunning sunsets casting a golden glow over the water. This makes it a popular destination for families, couples, and friends seeking a pleasant outing in the heart of Chennai.
Overall, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Adyar, coupled with its proximity to Besant Nagar Beach, provides a wonderful blend of spirituality and natural beauty. Whether you seek solace in prayer or wish to unwind by the sea, this location offers a memorable and enriching experience for visitors...
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