Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam (St. Mary's Church) , Kochi,

Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam (St. Mary's Church) 

Photos and Text By Viswas Menon, 

Mob: 09449825583

Mother Mary 

Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam (St. Mary's Church) 2.5 km from Kochi Sea Port Hotel, Vypeen, Kochi, Kerala, India.

The Cross on the tower

A major pilgrim center for Christians, St. Mary's church (The Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom) is located in the middle of Vallarpadam Island across the backwaters from the mainland Ernakulam This popular shrine was built by the Portuguese missionaries in 1524. 

Dome ceiling above the altar

History has it that the old church, which was then known as the Church of the Holy Spirit, was destroyed in floods in the 17th century and a new church was built on the same spot in 1676. It was declared a special church by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. 

Mother Mary and Infant Jesus Statue

In 1951, the Union Government declared it a major pilgrim center. The church was declared the status of a basilica on February 12, 2005. It is believed to be the first church in Asia dedicated to the Holy Spirit.

The View from the Top of the tower

It is believed that Paliyath Raman Valiyachan, the Diwan of the Maharaja of Cochin recovered the image from the flood waters. He handed over the image to the then parish vicar and it was installed in a temporary shed which was known as 'Panampu Pally'. 

The Cross in the church compound 

A wooden flag staff (160 ft) was also installed at the place where he exchanged the holy picture, which was replaced much later in 2002, by a steel flag staff (102 ft). 

Paintings on the wall of the belfry

' Palermo Annunciation : Mary, absorbed in reading
Painting by Antonello da Messina
in the stairwell of the belfry tower

A beautiful church was then built in the land donated by the Diwan in 1676. Subsequent renovations were made to the church in 1888, 1931 and 1947. The church alter is adorned with the miraculous image of the Holy Mary and Infant Jesus, and the 'Kedavilikkku' (sanctuary lamp) which he donated on the day the new church opened, burns at the altar even today. 

The Church Facade

Paliyath Valiachan also promised to supply the oil for burning the lamp from his palace and this practice continued till 1947. In 1994, the Paliyath family, visited the shrine and rekindled the sanctuary lamp.

The church has the famous picture of the 'Blessed Virgin Mary' which the Portuguese brought from their native land. The picture is believed to have miraculous powers. Portuguese merchants headed by Vasco da Gama enthroned this miraculous picture of this shrine.

The Miraculous picture of Blessed Virgin Mary

People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as "Vallarpadathamma".

There are many legends associated with this church, the most famous was in 1752, a Nair lady Meenakshiamma hailing from a noble Nair family of Palliveetil who along with her infant son, were believed to have been rescued miraculously from the bottom of the backwaters near the church after they went missing for three days. The then parish priest, Fr. Miguel Correa had a dream where the Lady of Ransom appeared and gave him instructions to rescue the drowning mother and son. After this miracle, Vallarpadam became a famous pilgrim center. In gratitude, all the members of the Palliveetil family vowed to remain loyal servants of Our Lady forever and Meenakshiamma and her son spend the rest of their lives in and around the church.

Designs on the tower

Prayers in name of relatives

'Adima' a ritual practice - submitting one's lives to the protection of Our Lady of Vallarpadam was thus established and now this ritual is the popular offering in Vallarpadam Church. During this ritual, the priest lays his hands on the head of the devotee, says a prayer and sprinkles holy water. It is believed that once the ritual is performed Our Lady protects the person from all dangers and grant favors in abundance. 

The Altar 

In memory of this miracle, the picture of Meenakshiamma and her son seeking blessings was added to the original holy picture of the Blessed Mary and Infant Jesus. 

Devotees do Adima Service by sweeping the church compound

Even today, the members of the Palliveetil family, the house of the Nair lady, bring their children to perform the practice of 'Adima' and also supply curd water to devotees during the festivities of the church.