Church of Our Lady of Light (Luz Church) — Attraction in Zone 9 Teynampet

Church of Our Lady of Light (Tamil: பிரகாச மாதா ஆலயம்) is a Roman Catholic shrine in Chennai, India. It is commonly called as Luz Church by the locals, which derives from the Portuguese name Nossa Senhora da Luz. Built in 1516 by the Portuguese, it is one of the oldest Churches in the city and its foundation stone marks as one of the oldest European monuments in India. The history of the church dates back to the 16th-century legend of safe arrival to land by missionaries. The church is located very near to the Santhome Basilica, where Apostle Thomas is believed to be buried.Although at the time the church was built, the locality was a thick forest, now it is part of a bustling metropolitan area. This 16th-century European-architecture building consists of patterns of Gothic arches and Baroque ornamentation. The feast of Our Lady of Light is celebrated on 15 August every year. On 15 August 2010, Church of Our Lady of Light was declared Shrine of Our Lady of Light by A. M. Chinnappa, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore.The historical background of this church is intertwined with the traditional history of Christianity in India. Arrival of Christianity to India is of two phases, where by traditional accounts, St. Thomas brought the religion in the first century and attained martyrdom in Chennai in AD 53. The second phase is after the arrival of Portuguese in the 15th century. The legends of the Church of Our Lady of Light connects both.The history of the Church is compounded with the history of the arrival of the Portuguese to India. Soon after Vasco da Gama discovered the sea-route to India, the legend states, that eight Franciscan priests left for India from Lisbon with the fleet of Pedro Alvares Cabral on 9 March 1500. They landed in Calicut, where three of the Friars were slain on 16 November 1500. The others reached Cochin, and settled down of preach the good news. A few years later, they sailed down South to spread their message further. It is said, that the Friars were lost in the rough sea and started praying to Mother Mary for their safety. The legend states that they were miraculously guided by a mysterious bright light which guided them safe to land. The Friars that in honour of their safe arrival to the land, built the Church of Our Lady of Light (Portuguese: Nossa Senhora da Luz).The church would later suffer damages inflicted from the forces of Golconda between 1662 and 1673.During the times of Haider Ali's invasion of the city forts between 1780 and 1782, the British East India Company Forces occupied the Luz Parish Residence for some years.Currently this church also governs the Stella Maris...

Church of Our Lady of Light (பிரகாச மாதா ஆலயம்) is a Roman Catholic shrine in Chennai.

It is commonly called Luz Church which derives from the Portuguese name Nossa Senhora da Luz. Luz means light in Portuguese.

Built in 1516, it is one of the oldest Churches in the city and its foundation stone marks as one of the oldest European monuments in India.

This part of Mylapore is believed to have been a thick forest. Thus the church gets its local name as "Kaatu Kovil" (காட்டுக் கோவில்) and to this day, its address carries the name of Kaatukoil Garden.

The church was damaged by the forces of Golconda between 1662 and 1673 and during Haider Ali's invasion of the city forts between 1780 and 1782. The British East India Company Forces occupied the Luz Parish Residence for some years.

The church is located inside the compound of the famous St Isabel's Hospital in Luz, Mylapore and the road leading to the church is called Luz...

"Wow, what a beautiful and peaceful place! The Our Lady of Light Church is a stunning example of architecture and faith. The moment you step inside, you can feel the serenity and tranquility that fills the space. The stunning stained-glass windows, intricate details, and beautiful artwork create a sense of awe and wonder.

The community is warm and welcoming, and the services are always uplifting and inspiring. The church has a rich history and a strong sense of tradition, yet it also feels modern and inclusive.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, Our Lady of Light Church is a must-see destination. It's a place where you can connect with your faith, find peace and solace, and feel a sense...