Friday, Mar 29, 2024 | Last Update : 12:38 PM IST

  Life   Travel  16 Oct 2017  A testimony to faith

A testimony to faith

THE ASIAN AGE.
Published : Oct 16, 2017, 12:27 am IST
Updated : Oct 16, 2017, 12:27 am IST

Declared as national shrine in 2004, the church is located at a scenic place in the heart of the city.

It is believed that the picture of Mary and Infant Jesus installed in the main altar was brought by the Portuguese, who came under the leadership of Vasco da Gama.
 It is believed that the picture of Mary and Infant Jesus installed in the main altar was brought by the Portuguese, who came under the leadership of Vasco da Gama.

The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam, a popular pilgrim centre in Ernakulam, is a great place to visit if you are a believer. Declared as national shrine in 2004, the church is located at a scenic place in the heart of the city.

There are two churches — the old and the new one on the compound. The old church is a visual treat cum serene place where one could sit and meditate.

The history of the church begins in 1524. It is believed that the picture of Mary and Infant Jesus installed in the main altar was brought by the Portuguese, who came under the leadership of Vasco da Gama.

In 1676, the church was destroyed in a flood and the portrait was found floating on the river. It was recovered by Paliyath Raman Valiyachan, then Prime Minister of Kochi. He donated land to build the church you see now.

The place was elevated to the current status following the great miracle of 1752. The story goes like this. One day Meenakshi Amma, a Nair lady and her son were traveling in a non-mechansied boat to Mattancherry. The boat capsized and the two drowned. Meenakshi prayed to Vallarpadathamma (Mother Mary) and vowed that if they were rescued, they would be her slaves. On the third day, fishermen who cast their net in the river as directed by the parish priest saved the duo.

 It received the Papal Status of Altare Privilegiatum in Perpetuum Concessum in 1888 and the Government of India declared it as major pilgrim centre in 1951.

Tags: vasco da gama, national shrine basilica