History of Velankanni

Velankanni is a small town located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, a famous Catholic pilgrimage site.

The history of Velankanni dates back to the 16th century when the town was a small fishing village. According to legend, a miraculous event occurred in the village when a ship carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary was caught in a storm. The sailors prayed to the Virgin Mary for their safety and the storm subsided. The ship then safely docked in the village, and the statue of the Virgin Mary was left behind.

The local people, who were predominantly Hindu, soon began to venerate the statue, believing it to have miraculous powers. Over time, a small shrine was built to house the statue, and it became a popular place of worship for both Christians and non-Christians.

In the 17th century, a small chapel was built on the site of the shrine, and it was dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. The chapel was expanded over the years, and in 1962, it was declared a basilica by Pope John XXIII.

Today, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees every year. It is also known for its annual festival, which takes place in September and draws large crowds of pilgrims from all over the world.