13°2′1″N80°16′40″E / 13.03361°N 80.27778°E /13.03361; 80.27778
| Santhome Church | |
|---|---|
| National Shrine of Saint Thomas Basilica | |
 Santhome Basilica | |
| Location | 38 Santhome High Road,Chennai,Tamil Nadu |
| Country | India |
| Language(s) | Tamil and English |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Tradition | Latin Church |
| Website | www |
| History | |
| Authorisingpapal bull | 16 March 1956 |
| Status | Minor basilica[1] |
| Founded | 1523 (502 years ago) |
| Founder | Portuguese explorers |
| Dedication | Thomas the Apostle |
| Relics held | Thomas the Apostle |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | National Shrine[2] |
| Architect | Captain J. A. Power (current structure) |
| Style | Neo-Gothic |
| Groundbreaking | 1500 |
| Completed | 1523 (Current building 1896) |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 64 metres (210 ft) |
| Width | 12.2 metres (40 ft) |
| Nave width | 10 metres (33 ft) |
| Height | 41 metres (135 ft) |
| Spire height | 47.2 metres (155 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Province | Chennai |
| Diocese | Madras and Mylapore |
| Clergy | |
| Archbishop | ArchbishopGeorge Antonysamy (2012–present) |
| Priest | Rev Fr M Arulraj |
| Assistant priest | Fr Antony Anand |
| Assistant | Fr Dyson Raja Rathinam |
San Thome Church, officially known as theNational Shrine of St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, is a church of theCatholic Church in India, at theSanthome neighbourhood ofChennai, inTamil Nadu. It is thecathedral of theArchdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, and a minor basilica dedicated toSaint Thomas the Apostle. The present structure dates back to 1523 AD, when it was built by thePortuguese over the tomb of Thomas.[3] In 1896, it wasrenovated in theMadras province according toneo-Gothic designs, as was favoured byBritish architects in the late 19th century. On April 1, 1896, it was solemnly consecrated by Bishop Reed da Silva of Madras, assisted by the Bishop of Dhaka,Peter Joseph Hurth.
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In 1521, thePortuguese in Goa and Bombay-Bassein sent missionaries toMadras (now Chennai) in search of the tomb ofThomas the Apostle, who by local tradition had come to South Asia to preach the Gospel and spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. The site they found was neglected and the Portuguese decided to rebuild theshrine over the tomb. With the support and authority of KingJohn III of Portugal they started building the church, which was consecrated in 1523. PortuguesePadroado priests resumed the daily celebration ofliturgy (Holy Mass) at the site.
In 1545,Francis Xavier visited the shrine and lived for about one year in thepresbytery of the Santhome Church before he left for his mission in Ilha Formosa (Taiwan). When he lived in the church, he regularlyprayed in front of a statue of theVirgin Mother Mary and celebrated Holy Mass; he also prayed regularly at the tomb. The church was made a cathedral in 1606 byPope Paul V with the creation of theDiocese of Saint Thomas of Mylapore.
The church was rebuilt in 1896 by theBritish in the style ofGothic Revival architecture. The place where Thomas is believed to be buried is marked by the second small tower in the centre of the cathedral.Pope Pius XII honoured this cathedral church, elevating it to the dignity and rank of aminor basilica in 1956.Pope John Paul II is the only pope to have visited the church, in 1986. The church was declared aNational Shrine in 2004 by theCatholic Bishops' Conference of India, and became known as the National Shrine of Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica.
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Santhome Church exhibits the Gothic revival architecture style of the late 19th century. It has arib vault ceiling made ofteak wood, with marble and granite used in other parts of the construction. It was built with 16 windows and 34stained glass panels, with a main stained glass over the altar representing Thomas the Apostle touching the wound of Christ. The statue in the main altar represents "Thomas the Apostle as priest and Jesus Christ as king". In addition, there are 14Stations of the Cross attached at the side wall of the cathedral.
The church has twospires. The primary spire, at the left side of the church's entrance, is 45 metres (147 ft) tall. It can be seen from a distance and serves as a bell tower. The second spire rises from the centre of the church to indicate the position of the believed tomb of Thomas.
A 200-year-old Britishpipe organ is installed in the church's gallery, reached by stairs at the entrance.
Anadoration chapel adjoining the main church provides for silent moments before theBlessed Sacrament. This chapel can be approached from the left wing of the church apart from an exclusive entrance from the outside.
A gold-painted wooden statue ofMother Mary was brought fromLisbon toSanthome Church in 1523. It is installed at the left side of the church altar and is referred to as Our Lady ofMylapore or, locally, Mylai Matha.
The feast of Mylai Matha is celebrated inDecember. Worshippers show devotion to Mylai Matha on the second Saturday of the month, with special prayers, procession, rosary and benediction in the evening. The tradition is held to have begun withFrancis Xavier.
A wooden pole at the church is believed by worshippers to have been washed ashore and erected byThomas the Apostle. These worshippers believe the presence of the pole saved the church from the2004 tsunami.
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Relics claimed to be held at the church include:
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