St.Thomas Mount Church at Chennai
Inside of Mount Church.
Holy Shrine of St.Thomas Mount
Friday, February 06, 2009
St Thomas, it`s believed, was the first Christian to set foot on Indian shores. One of the Christ`s Apostles [the famous Doubting Thomas], he arrived in India within a couple of decades of the crucifixion. Having landed on the Kerala coast, St. Thomas moved to what is now Chennai and is believed to have lived in a tiny cave atop this hill. Today asimple church built by the Portuguese in the 16th century forms the entranceto the cave which houses a large image of St. Thomas.
It is said that he used to live in a cave on a hill. He spent the last years of his life at a small hill that is known as the Little Mount area of today.He escaped from his cave to take shelter on a nearby hill, but here he was shot by an arrow and died. Since then the Hill where he had died has become St. Thomas Mount.
The Santhome Cathedral Basilica Church in Chennai is a sacred place especially for the Catholic Christians.The cathedral at Santhome was built by the Portuguese between 14th and 15th century A.D. The cathedral has been built in a typical neo Gothic style. The shrines included in the cathedral is a small hand bone and the lance that was used to end the life of the apostle in this world. The 50 metres high building has been constantly renovated, following the ravages made by the time. An important fact regarding the cathedral is that, it is the second only church in the world that has been erected over the burial place of an apostle. The cathedral holds a 3 feet high statue of Virgin Mary, believed to be imported from Portugal in the year 1543 A.D. The reaching spire goes as high as 50 metres and the width of the nave is about 10 metres. The cathedral is provided with stained glass and 14 wood plaques that depict St. Thomas' encountered with the resurrected Christ. The cathedral, which was blessed in 1896 A.D. and raised to the dignity of a basilica by Pope Pius XII, in the year 1956 gathers pilgrims from far off places. The renovation works from last decade has restored the damages caused to the monument. The cathedral walls might have been weakened but the the glory is still there.
Monday, January 26, 2009
NEW YEAR at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
As i am relocate to Chennai earlier known as Madras at Tamil Nadu, i attend New year Day celebration at St. Thomas Basilica at Mylapore. Its a unique celebration and am happy to see many faithful believers from many nationals around the world on this New Year Day 2009.
The tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles (disciples) of Jesus Christ, attracts people from all over the world. It is a pilgrim centre for Christians, especially during Christmas and Easter seasons. Its history, battles fought over the mortal remains of the saint, burial, excavation, relocation of the tomb, etc., all form part of a high drama the church witnessed over the centuries
Today Santhome has in its possession only a piece of bone and the metal spearhead with which the saint was assassinated in Madras. These are kept under the safe custody of the priests. It is exposed for public veneration during the annual solemn novena for the feast of St. Thomas on July 3rd every year.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Entry - 46
THANK YOU JESUS
You have given me life
To begin this New Year
Thank You Jesus
Those years are gone
With your countless love and blessings
Thank You Jesus
Be my guide, my stronghold
And protect me from all dangers
Each day and throughout the year
Let thy Holy Spirit
Lead my way and bring wisdom
As I begin each day
Teach me your love again
That I can give LOVE
To all mankind
I surrender my whole being
Unto You O Lord
Now and Forever
AMEN!
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