Exploring Christian Pilgrimage and Religious Sites Across India

St. Thomas introduced Christianity to India in about the year 52 AD. Originally coming to India through the Malabar region, St. Thomas was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ and went there to preach the word of God and the gospel. The teachings of the Bible moved the inhabitants, and they accepted Christianity as their religion. The primarily Christian nations of the English, Dutch, French, and Portuguese ruled India over the years. This was seen in the churches that were constructed and impacted the architectural style. In this article, we will explore Christian Pilgrimage and Religious Sites across India that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Also, make sure to visit Flyopedia to book cheap air tickets to India from USA.

1. CSI Mateer Memorial Church, Kerala

The Mateer Memorial Church in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is renowned for its unusual architecture in the style of the Hallenkirche (Hall Church) and for its extraordinary beauty. CSI Mateer Memorial Church was established in 1906 and was among the first churches in South India. The congregation bears the name of Rev. Samuel Mateer, who was the first missionary to attempt to form a local church and a devoted member of the London Missionary Society. Mateer Memorial Church is one of the few churches in India made completely of granite. The roof and square bell tower are supported by Gothic arches that add to their majesty, and the stone-cut Celtic cross honors Rev. Mateer’s Irish ancestry.

One of the most well-known churches in South India is Mateer Memorial Church, which has a straightforward, elegant construction reminiscent of European structures, in contrast to Kerala’s traditional churches, which have an imposing façade and whitewashed exteriors.

2. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

The church called Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in Old Goa. The Goa region was formerly under Portuguese authority. It is said that St. Francis Xavier, one of the Jesuit founders, has mortal remains in this cultural place. The Church, which holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, has a strong Portuguese architectural influence. The Church’s interior features marble flooring, ornate altarpieces, and priceless stone ornamentation. An art exhibit at the Basilica currently showcases Biblical stories, recognizing it as a UNESCO World Historical Monument. Thousands of people annually visit this basilica since its construction in the sixteenth century. This historic church in the nation is well-known for its spiritual components, exquisite architectural design, and tranquil atmosphere. Furthermore, you can browse Flyopedia to book direct flights to Goa from USA.

3. Santa Cruz Basilica, Kochi

The Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the main sights in the lovely town of Kochi. The Church has gained historical notoriety due to its survival as one of the few churches among the destruction of all other Catholic churches during the Dutch invasion.

The Church’s architecture skillfully blends Indo-European and Gothic architectural elements. Because of the stained glass windows and the vivid colors utilized on the ceiling that resemble a cathedral, the church’s interior feels airy and energetic. Portugal, the first country in the 1500s, founded this famous cathedral. Later, Pope Paul IV blessed the Church with a cathedral. This church’s gothic-style construction, attractive artwork, pastel interior hues, and incredibly bright exterior make it one of the most beautiful in all of India.

4. Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu

The Christian pilgrimage site of Vailankanni, devoted to the Church of Our Lady of Vailankanni, sits only five kilometers south of Nagapattinam. Our Lady chose Vailankanni to bring her marvels to the world. Known as the “Lourdes of the East,” the Velankanni Church is a highly popular destination for Catholic pilgrims visiting India.

Mother Mary arrived in this little village carrying the baby Jesus, dating the church’s origins back to the 16th or 17th century. Christians travel to Vailankanni from all over the world, particularly from Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

5. St. Andrew’s Basilica, Kerala

Christian pilgrims often travel to Arthunkal, which is located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The feast of St. Sebastian has made Arthunkal famous, despite the Church’s name honoring St. Andrew the Apostle.

People say Christians lived in Arthunkal before the seventh century, and Jesuit missionaries began serving there in 1530 after a Portuguese voyage to Kerala.

The Muthedath king ultimately granted Christians and missionaries permission to establish the Church after a bloody conflict that lasted from 1560 to 1581. On November 30, they constructed St Andrews using coconut palm leaves and lumber. Also. make sure to check out Flyopedia.ca to grab the cheapest flights from Canada to India.

6. Philomena’s Church, Mysore

You must stop at one of the largest churches in Asia and the continent every time you leave your Mysore hotel for a city tour. Visiting St. Philomena’s Church is well worth it because it shares the same Neo-Gothic style as the renowned Cologne Cathedral in Germany and St. Patrick’s Church in New York.  The architecture will be with you forever. The Church’s vast cross-shaped hallways are not conducive to taking pictures, yet even a stroll through them is an amazing experience. Walking around St. Philomena’s is actually like admiring a great piece of art.

To Sum Up

India, a country of many faiths, is home to a large number of fascinating basilicas, cathedrals, and churches. Therefore, to truly appreciate the spiritual grandeur of the area, book last minute flight deals to India from USA with Flyopedia, take a pilgrimage tour to India, and visit all of the significant religious sites in the country.

Also Read: St. Thomas Mount Mysteries That have yet to be Explore