St Thomas built a church at San Thome. After his martyrdom, his body was buried in the Church built by him. A pot containing earth, moistened by his blood and the lance with which he was pierced were both buried in his tomb.The foundation for a new Church was laid on 2nd July 1523.
About San Thomas Basilica :
San Thome Basilica is a Roman Catholic (Latin Rite) minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai (Madras), India. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, and rebuilt again with the status of a cathedral by the British in 1893. The British version still stands today. It was designed in Neo-Gothic style, favoured by British architects in the late 19th century.
Christian tradition holds that St. Thomas arrived in Kerala from Israel in 52 A.D. preached between 52 A.D. and 72 A.D., when he was martyred on St. Thomas Mount.[citation needed]The basilica is built over the site where he was believed originally to be interred.
San Thome Basilica is the principal church of the Madras-Mylapore Catholic Archdiocese. In 1956, Pope Pius XII raised the church to the status of a Minor Basilica, and on February 11, 2006, it was declared a national shrine by the Catholic Bishops` Conference of India. The San Thome Basilica is a pilgrimage centre for Christians in India. The church also has an attached museum.
Attractions Of San Thomas Basilica :
Chennai Santhome church is one of the oldest Church that are present in Chennai. The name Santhome or San Thome is derived from Saint Thomas (St. thomas), one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.It is a holy place of worship for the Christians, especially the Catholics, and is located near the famous Chennai Beach, Marina.
Santhome Cathedral Basilica has a statue of Virgin Mary which is supposed to have been imported from Portugal. The cathedral was raised to the status of a Basilica by Pope Pious XII. Thenceforth the church has seen thousands of pilgrims coming from far and wide. It is a famous place of worship and also a favorite place for tourists. Its gothic architecture makes the cathedral look magnificent and is a feast to the eye. The church had been damaged due to the ravages of time, but has been periodically renovated to regain its pats glory. There is a museum attached to the church as well.
The greatness and importance of the Santhome Church is known to the people as such people come to Church for the purpose of getting a good piece of Mind.
Features of San Thome Cathedral in Chennai:
- San Thome Cathedral in Chennai also has a museum attached with it.
- To appreciate the architecture of San Thome Cathedral in Chennai , its necessary that you also get to known about the details of the structure.
- The nave of the Cathedral is 112 feet long and 33 feet long.
- There is a transept between the central part of the church and the sanctuary, which is 104 feet in length and 25 feet in width.
- You will also notice that the tower of San Thome Cathedral in Chennai till the spire consists of three storeys.
- The storey at the top was built for grabbing a clock
- The second storey is now used as the belfry.
- You will find that the tip of the cross on the spire, is 50 meters above the ground level
The Central Hall of Santhome Cathedral has 14 wooden plaques displaying pictures of the last days of Christ.
History of San Thomas Basilica :
There are three places in Chennai that stand out as monuments of honour, speaking aloud about the presence, activity and the martyrdom of St Thomas, the Apostle of India. They are 1) Little Mount, 2) St Thomas Mount, 3) San Thome Cathedral Basilica.
St Thomas built a church at San Thome. After his martyrdom, his body was buried in the Church built by him. A pot containing earth, moistened by his blood and the lance with which he was pierced were both buried in his tomb.The foundation for a new Church was laid on 2nd July 1523. The Church was rebuilt and erected as a Parish. Father Penteado from Portugal was the first Parish Priest. In 1893 His Excellency, Dom Henry Joseph Reed Da Silva, Bishop of Mylapore demolished the old Cathedral and laid the foundation for the new Basilica, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Day of the Episcopal Consecration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII. In this church the second tower, a smaller one, points to the exact place where the Apostle was buried. The new Basilica was constructed and consecrated on 1st April 1896 AD. The tip of the cross on the spire is 155 feet from the ground level. In this Church, the statue of our Lady of Mylapore is enthroned, before which St Francis Xavier prayed intensely for several days while he stayed in Mylapore.
The Bishop of Dacca consecrated a new bell on 9th May 1896, His Excellency, Dom A S Valente, Patriarch of the East Indiesconsecrated the main altar of the Cathedral. The Bishop of Mylapore consecrated the altar of Saints Peter and Paul on 29th June 1896 AD. A sun-dial from the old Cathedral is placed on the rear side of the Sacristy. This Cathedral Basilica is a matter of pride to the nation and to all of us, because it is built over the tomb of St Thomas.
Museum In San Thomas Basilica :
The San Thome Cathedral Basilica houses a museum that is a treasure house of great antiquity, which includes the lance head thatkilled St. Thomas, a rare piece of his precious bone, an Episcopal chair and a stone receptacle.
The San Thome Cathedral Basilica houses a museum that is a treasure house of great antiquity, which includes the lance head thatkilled St. Thomas, a rare piece of his precious bone, an Episcopal chair and a stone receptacle.
Mass Timing San Thomas Basilica :
Sunday Mass Timings / Language: 6.00 am, 8.15 am & 6.00 pm – Tamil
7.15 am, 9.30 am & 12.00 noon – English
10.30 am – Malayalam
Daily Mass : 6.00 am – English / 11.00 am & 6.00 pm – Tamil
Eucharistic Chapel Timings: 5.45 am to 5.30 pm
