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Coordinates: 13°2′1″N 80°16′40″E / 13.03361°N 80.27778°E / 13.03361; 80.27778
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'''San Thome Church''', is known as '''St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica''' and '''National Shrine of Saint Thomas''', is a [[Roman Catholic]] [[Minor basilica|minor]] [[basilica]] in [[Santhome]], in the city of [[Chennai]] ([[Madras]]), [[India]]. It was built in 1523 by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] explorers, over the tomb of [[Thomas the Apostle|Saint Thomas]], one of the [[Apostle of Christ|twelve apostles of Jesus]].<ref>[https://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/143635-Santhome-Basilica-in-Chennai-A-Historical-Pilgrimage.aspx Santhome Basilica in Chennai — A historical pilgrimage] ''indiastudychannel.com''. Retrieved 30 August 2021</ref> In 1896, it was rebuilt by the [[United Kingdom|British]]. The British style church still stands today. It was designed as [[Gothic revival|Neo-Gothic]] style, favoured by British [[architect]]s in the late 19th century. This church is one of the only three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus, the other two being [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Vatican City]] and [[Santiago de Compostela Cathedral]] in [[Galicia, Spain]].
'''San Thome Church''', is known as '''St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica''' and '''National Shrine of Saint Thomas''', is a [[Roman Catholic]] [[Minor basilica|minor]] [[basilica]] in [[Santhome]], in the city of [[Chennai]] ([[Madras]]), [[India]]. It was built in 1523 by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] explorers, over the tomb of [[Thomas the Apostle|Saint Thomas]], one of the [[Apostle of Christ|twelve apostles of Jesus]].<ref>[https://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/143635-Santhome-Basilica-in-Chennai-A-Historical-Pilgrimage.aspx Santhome Basilica in Chennai — A historical pilgrimage] ''indiastudychannel.com''. Retrieved 30 August 2021</ref> In 1896, it was rebuilt by the [[United Kingdom|British]]. The British style church still stands today. It was designed as [[Gothic revival|Neo-Gothic]] style, favoured by British [[architect]]s in the late 19th century. This church is one of the only three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus that are still standing today, the other two being [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Vatican City]] and [[Santiago de Compostela Cathedral]] in [[Galicia, Spain]]. In antiquity there was a Basilica built over the tomb of the [[Philip the Apostle|Apostle Philip]] in [[Hierapolis]] of [[Phrygia]], near modern day [[Pamukkale]].


==History of St. Thomas the Apostle==
==History of St. Thomas the Apostle==

Revision as of 17:22, 6 November 2021

Santhome Church
National Shrine of Saint Thomas Basilica
Santhome Basilica
Santhome Church is located in Chennai
Santhome Church
Santhome Church
Location within Chennai
13°2′1″N 80°16′40″E / 13.03361°N 80.27778°E / 13.03361; 80.27778
LocationChennai, Tamil Nadu
CountryIndia
DenominationRoman Catholic
TraditionRoman Rite
Websitesanthomechurch.com
History
Authorising papal bull16 March 1956
StatusMinor Basilica[1]
Founded1523; 498 years ago.
Founder(s)Portuguese explorers.
DedicationSt. Thomas the Apostle
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Heritage designationNational Shrine[2]
Architect(s)Captain J.A. Power (current structure)
StyleNeo-Gothic
Groundbreaking1500
Completed1523 (Current building 1896)
Specifications
Length64 metres (210 ft)
Width12.2 metres (40 ft)
Nave width10 metres (33 ft)
Height41 metres (135 ft)
Spire height47.2 metres (155 ft)
Administration
ProvinceChennai
DioceseRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore
Clergy
ArchbishopArchbishop George Antonysamy (2012- present)
Priest(s)Rev. Fr. M. Arulraj
Assistant priest(s)Rev. Fr. A. Ritchie Vincent

San Thome Church, is known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai (Madras), India. It was built in 1523 by Portuguese explorers, over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.[3] In 1896, it was rebuilt by the British. The British style church still stands today. It was designed as Neo-Gothic style, favoured by British architects in the late 19th century. This church is one of the only three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus that are still standing today, the other two being St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, Spain. In antiquity there was a Basilica built over the tomb of the Apostle Philip in Hierapolis of Phrygia, near modern day Pamukkale.

History of St. Thomas the Apostle

According to Bible Saint Thomas was born in Judea the Roman province. He was one of the twelve disciple of Jesus. He was the one who touched the wound of Jesus after he was risen from his death. Later on in AD 52 he came to Kerala, India to preach about Jesus later on he moved to present-day Chennai. In AD 72 he was killed in St. Thomas Mount and he was buried in Mylapore (presently Santhome) by his disciples and they built a small structural building (church) to mark his tomb.

Later on the tomb of St. Thomas was respected and maintained by Muslims and they called the tomb as "Bothuma" (House of Thomas). Centuries later, it became an abandoned structure although many pilgrims came to visit the tomb from East and Kerala. In 1327 Marco Polo visited this church and confirmed the tomb of St. Thomas.

Portuguese Era

Santhome Church built by Portuguese in 1523

In 1521, the Portuguese in Goa and Bombay-Bassein sent missionaries to Madras (Chennai) seeking the tomb of the famed Thomas the Apostle, which had become neglected or was maintained nominally by Muslims, they decided to rebuild the shrine over the tomb of the apostle. With the order and funding of King John III of Portugal they started building the church. In 1523, the structure was consecrated as a church, and Portuguese Padroado priests resumed the daily celebration of Liturgy (Holy Mass) at the site.

In 1545, St Francis Xavier visited the shrine and lived for about one year in the Presbytery of the Santhome Church before he left for his mission in Ilha Formosa, Portuguese name for the Chinese island of Taiwan. When he lived in Santhome Church he regularly prayed in front of a statue of the Virgin Mother Mary and celebrated Holy Mass, he also prayed regularly at the tomb bearing the relics of St Thomas.

British Era

Santhome Cathedral rebuilt by British in 1896

This church became cathedral on 1606 by Pope Paul V with erecting the Diocese of Saint Thomas of Mylapore. Later this church was rebuilt with a status of cathedral in 1896 by British in late 19th century style as Gothic Revival architecture. The exact place where St. Thomas was buried is marked by the second small tower in the center of the cathedral. Pope Pius XII honoured this cathedral church, elevating it to the dignity and rank of minor basilica in March 1956. Pope John Paul II the only pope visited Santhome Church in the year of 1986. This church was extended as National Shrine in 2004 by Catholic Bishops' Conference of India. This church is called "National Shrine of Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica", Shortly known as "Santhome Church". It is a very Important church for worldwide Christians as it is the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.

Architecture

Santhome Church was built in the style of Gothic revival architecture the late 19th century architecture style. The church has Rib vault ceiling made of teak wood. It was built with 16 windows and 34 stained glass with a main stained glass in altar represent "Saint Thomas Touching The Wound Of Jesus Christ". The statue in main altar indicates "Jesus Christ as Priest and Jesus Christ as King", with both sides the statue of Saint Thomas the Apostle and Saint Peter the Apostle. And there are 14 Stations of the Cross attached at the side wall of Cathedral. The Cathedral was built with materials Teak wood, Marble and Granite.

There are two spire in this Church :

  • First spire : acts as bell tower in the left side of Church it is 147 feet tall and it can also be seen from distance.
  • Second spire : was built in the center of the cathedral to indicate the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle.

A 200 years old British Pipe Organ is kept at upstairs of the Church. The visitors can see the pipe organ by climbing the stairs located at the Narthex of the Church.

Santhome Cathedral Pipe Organ

Our Lady of Mylapore

The Portuguese statue of Mother Mary was brought from Lisbon to Santhome Church in 1523 and now it is kept at left side of the church altar is now called as Our Lady of Mylapore.

Our Lady of Mylapore, locally known as Mylai Matha, feast is celebrated in the month of December with great devotion. Second saturday is devoted to Mylai Matha devotion. Special prayers, procession, rosary and benediction in the evening.

The wooden statue of Our Lady of Mylapore is painted in gold and placed on a special altar. Saint Francis Xavier used to spend long hours in front of this statue in prayer and deep contemplation, prayers, procession, rosary and benediction in the evening.

Pole of St. Thomas

It is believed that Apostle Saint Thomas erected this pole made out of the wood washed ashore. Faithful believe that the presence of this pole saved their life and cathedral during the devastation of Tsunami on 26 December 2004.

Santhome Cathedral—Interior.

Timeline

Santhome Cathedral—Side view from back side

Relic held in Santhome Church

Spearhead that used to kill Saint Thomas in AD 72

Burials in Santhome Church

Santhome Museum

Santhome Church has an attached museum contains lot of historical things belongs to Saint Thomas the Apostle and Santhome Church and the tomb. It has oldest Cross of 7th-8th centuries and Inscription. It is located at the backside of Santhome Church. And that is the way to enter the tomb of St. Thomas erected under Santhome Church. The museum has an information center about Saint Thomas the Apostle, Tomb of St. Thomas and about Santhome Church and more.

Currently there are two new structures one being the Tomb Chapel below the Basilica and the other a Museum-cum-Theatre. Exclusive films on the Patron saint Thomas and the church are screened twice daily for local and foreign pilgrims. The new underground chapel has a separate access from outside the church structure, allowing pilgrims and tourists to visit or pray at the tomb without disturbing the sacred proceedings in the church. Eucharistic celebrations happen every day at the fully air-conditioned tomb chapel.

Santhome museum interior

Holy Eucharist Chapel

A meditation chapel adjoining the main church provides perfectly for those soulful, silent moments with the Eucharistic God. This chapel can be approached from the left wing of the church apart from an exclusive entrance from the outside. The day does not begin for scores of local public without a short or prolonged visit to this Holy Eucharistic chapel.

Santhome high altar—Jesus statue.
Statue of Mylapore Matha.
Santhome Cathedral—St. Thomas and Jesus.
Santhome Cathedral during evening mass
Chair of Santhome Church
Santhome church bell tower.
Santhome church second spire.
Santhome church aerial side view.
Santhome church eagle pulpit.
Saint Thomas Tomb.
Santhome Main Altar

Stained glass

Santhome church stained glass—Left Wing.
Santhome church stained glass—Main Altar.
Santhome Church lower window.
Santhome Church Main Door.
Santhome upper window—Main Altar.
Santhome church stained glass—Upper floor.
Santhome stained window.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas". SanThomeChurch.com. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  2. ^ National Shrine Status Archived 27 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Santhome Basilica in Chennai — A historical pilgrimage indiastudychannel.com. Retrieved 30 August 2021
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