Velankanni Church: A Pilgrimage Destination with Miraculous History

Velankanni Church, also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni, is one of the oldest churches in India and a major pilgrimage destination for Christians. Established in 1593 by Portuguese missionaries, the church is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, under the title 'Our Lady of Velankanni.' The church's architecture reflects a blend of Gothic and Tamil styles, and it holds significant cultural and historical importance in Tamil Nadu. The shrine is often referred to as the 'Lourdes of the East' due to its reputation for miraculous healings.