St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 13°2′1″N 80°16′40″E / 13.03361°N 80.27778°E / 13.03361; 80.27778
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Tags: Reverted section blanking
 
(33 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''San Thome Church''', officially known as '''St Thomas Cathedral Basilica''' and '''National Shrine of Saint Thomas''', is a [[minor basilica]] of the [[Catholic Church in India]], at the [[Santhome]] neighbourhood of [[Madras (Chennai)|Chennai]], in [[Tamil Nadu]]. The present structure dates back to 1523&nbsp;AD, when it was built by the [[Portuguese in Goa and Bombay|Portuguese]] over the tomb of [[Thomas the Apostle]].<ref>[https://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/143635-Santhome-Basilica-in-Chennai-A-Historical-Pilgrimage.aspx Santhome Basilica in Chennai — A historical pilgrimage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830073622/https://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/143635-Santhome-Basilica-in-Chennai-A-Historical-Pilgrimage.aspx |date=30 August 2021 }} ''indiastudychannel.com''. Retrieved 30 August 2021</ref> In 1896, it was [[renovation|renovated]] in the [[Madras province]] according to [[Gothic revival|neo-Gothic design]]s, as was favoured by [[British architecture in India|British architect]]s in the late 19th century.
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{coord|13|2|1|N|80|16|40|E|display=title}}
{{Infobox church
{{Infobox church
| name = Santhome Church
| name = Santhome Church
| fullname = National Shrine of Saint Thomas Basilica
| fullname = National Shrine of Saint Thomas Basilica
| image = Santhome_Basilica.jpg
| image = Santhome_Basilica.jpg
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| landscape =
| landscape =
| caption = Santhome Basilica
| caption = Santhome Basilica
| mapframe = no <!-- infobox too long already without map. Don't add map without removing at least twelve other terms. Keep it short per MOS:INFOBOXPURPOSE. -->
| pushpin map = India Chennai#India
| map caption = Location within Chennai
<!--| pushpin map = India Chennai#India
| location = 38 Santhome High Road, [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]
| map caption = Location within Chennai -->| location = 38 Santhome High Road, [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]
| country = [[India]]
| country = [[India]]
| denomination = [[Catholic Church]]
| coordinates = {{coord|13|2|1|N|80|16|40|E|display=inline,title}}
| denomination = [[Catholic Church]]
| previous denomination =
| tradition = [[Latin Church]]
| tradition = [[Latin Church]]
| churchmanship =
| churchmanship =
| membership =
| membership =
| attendance =
| attendance =
| website = {{url|santhomechurch.com}}
| website = {{url|santhomechurch.com}}
| former name =
| former name =
| bull date = 16 March 1956
| bull date = 16 March 1956
| founded date = 1523 ({{ago|1523}}).
| founded date = 1523 ({{ago|1523}})
| founder = Portuguese explorers.
| founder = Portuguese explorers
| dedication = [[Thomas the Apostle|St. Thomas the Apostle]]
| dedication = [[Thomas the Apostle|St. Thomas the Apostle]]
| dedicated date =
| dedicated date =
| consecrated date =
| consecrated date =
| cult =
| cult =
| relics = [[Thomas the Apostle]] (claimed)
| relics = Thomas the Apostle (claimed)
| events =
| events =
| past bishop =
| past bishop =
| people =
| people =
| status = [[Minor basilica]]<ref name=santhomebasilica>{{cite web|url=http://www.santhomechurch.com/new/|title=Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas|publisher=SanThomeChurch.com|access-date=20 February 2010|archive-date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226133556/http://www.santhomechurch.com/new/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| status = [[Minor basilica]]<ref name=santhomebasilica>{{cite web|url=http://www.santhomechurch.com/new/|title=Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas|publisher=SanThomeChurch.com|access-date=20 February 2010|archive-date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226133556/http://www.santhomechurch.com/new/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| functional status = Active
| functional status = Active
| heritage designation = [[National Shrine]]<ref>[http://www.santhomebasilica.com/history.html National Shrine Status] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227014355/http://www.santhomebasilica.com/history.html |date=27 February 2009 }}</ref>
| heritage designation = [[National Shrine]]<ref>[http://www.santhomebasilica.com/history.html National Shrine Status] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227014355/http://www.santhomebasilica.com/history.html |date=27 February 2009 }}</ref>
| designated date =
| designated date =
| architect = Captain J.A. Power (current structure)
| architect = Captain J.&nbsp;A. Power (current structure)
| architectural type =
| architectural type =
| style = [[Gothic revival|Neo-Gothic]]
| style = [[Gothic revival|Neo-Gothic]]
| groundbreaking = 1500
| groundbreaking = 1500
| completed date = 1523 (Current building 1896)
| completed date = 1523 (Current building 1896)
| construction cost =
| construction cost =
| closed date =
| closed date =
| demolished date =
| demolished date =
| capacity =
| capacity =
| length = {{convert|64|m|ft}}
| length = {{convert|64|m|ft}}
| width = {{convert|12.2|m|ft}}
| width = {{convert|12.2|m|ft}}
| width nave = {{convert|10|m|ft}}
| width nave = {{convert|10|m|ft}}
| height = {{convert|41|m|ft}}
| height = {{convert|41|m|ft}}
| diameter =
| diameter =
| other dimensions =
| other dimensions =
| floor count =
| floor count =
| floor area =
| floor area =
| spire quantity =
| spire quantity =
| spire height = {{convert|47.2|m|ft}}
| spire height = {{convert|47.2|m|ft}}
| materials =
| materials =
| parish =
| parish =
| deanery =
| deanery =
| archdeaconry =
| archdeaconry =
| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore|Madras and Mylapore]]
| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore|Madras and Mylapore]]
| province = Chennai
| province = Chennai
| presbytery =
| presbytery =
| synod =
| synod =
| circuit =
| circuit =
| district =
| district =
| division =
| division =
| subdivision =
| subdivision =
| language(s) = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and English
| language(s) = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and English
| archbishop = Archbishop [[George Antonysamy]] (2012–present)
| archbishop = Archbishop [[George Antonysamy]] (2012–present)
| bishop =
| bishop =
| dean =
| dean =
| subdean =
| subdean =
| provost =
| provost =
| provost-rector =
| provost-rector =
| viceprovost =
| viceprovost =
| canon =
| canon =
| canonpastor =
| canonpastor =
| precentor =
| precentor =
| archdeacon =
| archdeacon =
| prebendary =
| prebendary =
| rector =
| rector =
| vicar =
| vicar =
| curate =
| curate =
| priest = Rev. Fr. M. Arulraj
| priest = Rev. Fr. M. Arulraj
| asstpriest = Fr Antony Anand
| asstpriest = Fr. Antony Anand
| minister =
| minister =
| assistant = Fr. Dyson Raja Rathinam
| assistant = Fr. Dyson Raja Rathinam
| honpriest =
| honpriest =
| deacon =
| deacon =
| seniorpastor =
| seniorpastor =
| pastor =
| pastor =
| abbot =
| abbot =
| chaplain =
| chaplain =
| reader =
| reader =
| organistdom =
| organistdom =
| director =
| director =
| organist =
| organist =
| organscholar =
| organscholar =
| chapterclerk =
| chapterclerk =
| laychapter =
| laychapter =
| warden =
| warden =
| flowerguild =
| flowerguild =
| musicgroup =
| musicgroup =
| parishadmin =
| parishadmin =
| serversguild =
| serversguild =
| logo =
| logo =
| logosize =
| logosize =
}}
}}{{Copyedit|date=October 2022}}

'''San Thome Church''', officially known as '''St Thomas Cathedral Basilica''' and '''National Shrine of Saint Thomas''', is a [[minor basilica]] of the [[Catholic Church in India]], at the [[Santhome]] neighbourhood of [[Madras (Chennai)|Chennai]], in [[Tamil Nadu]]. The present structure dates to 1523 AD, when it was rebuilt by the [[Portuguese in Goa and Bombay|Portuguese]] over the tomb of [[Thomas the Apostle]].<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 [[renovation|renovated]] in the [[Madras province]] according to [[Gothic revival|neo-Gothic design]]s, as was favoured by [[British architecture in India|British architect]]s in the late 19th century.
==History ==
===Portuguese Era===
[[File:JPG 1.jpg|thumb|Santhome Church, as built by the Portuguese in 1523]]
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}

In 1521, the [[Portuguese in Goa and Bombay-Bassein]] sent missionaries to [[Madras (Chennai)|Madras]] (now Chennai) in search of the tomb of [[Thomas the Apostle]], who by local tradition had come to South Asia to preach the Gospel and spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. The site they found was neglected and the Portuguese decided to rebuild the [[shrine]] over the tomb. With the support and authority of King [[John&nbsp;III of Portugal]] they started building the church, which was consecrated in 1523. Portuguese ''[[Padroado]]'' priests resumed the daily celebration of [[liturgy]] ([[Holy Mass]]) at the site.

In 1545, [[Francis Xavier]] visited the shrine and lived for about one year in the [[Presbytery (architecture)|presbytery]] of the Santhome Church before he left for his mission in Ilha Formosa ([[Taiwan]]). When he lived in the church, he regularly [[pray]]ed in front of a statue of the [[Mary of Nazareth|Virgin Mother Mary]] and celebrated Holy Mass; he also prayed regularly at the tomb. The church was made a cathedral in 1606 by [[Pope Paul&nbsp;V]] with the creation of the [[Diocese of Saint Thomas of Mylapore]].
===British Era===
[[File:SANTHOME CATHEDRAL.jpg|thumb|Santhome Cathedral, as rebuilt by the British in 1896]]
The church was rebuilt in 1896 by the [[British Raj|British]] in the style of [[Gothic Revival architecture]]. The place where Thomas is believed to be buried is marked by the second small tower in the centre of the cathedral. [[Pope Pius&nbsp;XII]] honoured this cathedral church, elevating it to the dignity and rank of a [[minor basilica]] in 1956. [[Pope John Paul&nbsp;II]] is the only pope to have visited the church, in 1986. The church was declared a [[National Shrine]] in 2004 by the [[Catholic Bishops' Conference of India]], and became known as the National Shrine of Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica.


==Architecture==
==Architecture==
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}
Santhome Church was built in the [[Gothic revival architecture]] style of the late 19th century. The church has a [[rib vault]] ceiling made of teak wood. It was built with 16 windows and 34 [[stained glass]] with a main stained glass in the altar representing "'''Saint Thomas Touching the Wound of Jesus Christ'''". The statue in the main altar indicates "Saint Thomas the apostle as Priest and Jesus Christ as King", with both sides the statue of Saint Thomas the Apostle and [[Saint Peter the Apostle]]. In addition, there are 14 [[Stations of the Cross]] attached at the side wall of the cathedral. The cathedral was built with [[teak wood]], [[marble]], and [[granite]].
Santhome Church exhibits the Gothic revival architecture style of the late 19th century. It has a [[rib vault]] ceiling made of [[teak wood]], with marble and granite used in other parts of the construction. It was built with 16 windows and 34 [[stained glass]] panels, with a main stained glass over the altar representing Thomas the Apostle touching the wound of Christ. The statue in the main altar represents "Thomas the Apostle as priest and Jesus Christ as king". In addition, there are 14 [[Stations of the Cross]] attached at the side wall of the cathedral.


The church has two [[spire|spires]]. The primary spire, at the left side of the church's entrance, is {{convert|147|ft|m|order=flip}} tall. It can be seen from a distance and serves as a bell tower. The second spire rises from the center of the church to indicate the position of the believed tomb of Thomas.
There are two [[spire|spires]] in this church :
* ''First spire'' : Acts as bell tower in the left side of church. It is 147 feet tall and can be seen from a distance.
*''Second spire'' : Was built in the center of the cathedral to indicate the tomb of [[Saint Thomas the Apostle]].


[[File:Santhome pipe.jpg|thumb|Pipe organ in Santhome Church]]
A 200 year old British [[pipe organ]] is kept at upstairs of the church. Visitors can see the pipe organ by climbing the stairs located at the [[Narthex]] of the church.


A 200-year-old British [[pipe organ]] is installed in the church's gallery, reached by stairs at the entrance.
[[File:Santhome pipe.jpg|thumb|Santhome Cathedral pipe organ.]]


An [[Eucharistic adoration|adoration chapel]] adjoining the main church provides for silent moments before the [[Blessed Sacrament]]. This chapel can be approached from the left wing of the church apart from an exclusive entrance from the outside.
===Our Lady of Mylapore===


==Observances==
A statue of [[Mother Mary]] was brought from [[Lisbon]] to Santhome Church in 1523. It can be found at the left side of the church altar and is referred to as Our Lady of Mylapore or, locally, Mylai Matha.
===Mylai Matha===


A gold-painted wooden statue of [[Mother Mary]] was brought from [[Lisbon]] to [[Santhome Church]] in 1523. It is installed at the left side of the church altar and is referred to as Our Lady of [[Mylapore]] or, locally, Mylai Matha.
The Mylai Matha feast is celebrated in the month of December. The second Saturday is devoted to Mylai Matha devotion, with 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.
The feast of Mylai Matha is celebrated in [[December]]. Worshippers show devotion to Mylai Matha on the second Saturday of the month, with special prayers, procession, rosary and benediction in the evening. The tradition is held to have begun with [[Francis Xavier]].


===Pole of St. Thomas===
===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 a [[Tsunami]] on 26 December 2004.
A wooden pole at the church is believed by worshippers to have been washed ashore and erected by [[Thomas the Apostle]]. These worshippers believe the presence of the pole saved the church from the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|2004 tsunami]].

[[File:SANTHOME CATHEDRAL - JUST BEFORE EVENING MASS.jpg|thumb|Santhome Cathedral, interior.]]


==Timeline==
==Timeline==
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2023}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2023}}
* AD 72 – [[Saint Thomas the Apostle]] believed to have died in [[St. Thomas Mount]] and buried in [[Mylapore]] (presently [[Santhome]]).
[[File:SANTHOME CATHEDRAL- SIDE VIEW FROM BACK SIDE (EVENING MASS).jpg|thumb|Santhome Cathedral, side view from behind.]]
* 1291 – [[John of Montecorvino]] visited the believed tomb.
* AD 72 – [[Saint Thomas the Apostle]] died in [[St. Thomas Mount]] and buried in [[Mylapore]] (presently [[Santhome]]).
* 1291 – [[John of Montecorvino]] visited the tomb in [[Mylapore]].
* 1292 – [[Marco Polo]] visited.
* 1292 – [[Marco Polo]] visited the tomb.
* 14th century – [[Franciscan]] missionaries visited.
* 14th century – [[Franciscan]] missionaries visited the tomb.
* 1425–1430 – [[Niccolò de' Conti|Nicolo Conti]] visited.
* 1517 – Portuguese missionaries arrived in Mylapore.
* 1425 - 1430 – [[Niccolò de' Conti|Nicolo Conti]] visited the tomb
* 1522 – Construction begun.
* 1517 – Portuguese missionaries arrived to Mylapore.
* 1522 – They started building Santhome Church.
* 1523 – Santhome Church was opened.
* 1523 – Santhome Churc] was opened.
* 1545 – [[Francis Xavier]] visited.
* 1606 – Santhome Church raised to cathedral by [[Pope Paul&nbsp;V]].
* 1545 – [[Saint Francis Xavier]] visited Santhome Church.
* 1606 – Santhome Church raised to cathedral by [[Pope Paul V]].
* 1893 – British rebuild the Portuguese cathedral.
* 1893 – British rebuild the Portuguese cathedral.
* 1896 – Santhome Church opened by British with the status of cathedral.
* 1896 – Santhome Church opened by British with the status of cathedral.
* 1927 – Santhome Church raised to minor basilica by [[Pope Pius XI]].
* 1927 – Santhome Church raised to minor basilica by [[Pope Pius&nbsp;XI]].
* 1986 – [[Pope John Paul II]] visited Santhome Church.
* 1986 – [[Pope John Paul II]] visited.
* 1996 – Century of British structure celebrated.
* 2004 – The church undergoes renovation.
* 2004 – The church undergoes renovation.
* 2006 – Santhome Church was declared as [[National Shrine]] of [[India]] by [[CCBI]].
* 2006 – Santhome Church was declared a [[National Shrine]].
* 2023 – Santhome Church celebrated the 1950 years of martyrdom of Saint Thomas under [[Archbishop]] [[George Antonysamy]]


==Relics held in Santhome Church==
==Relics==
[[file:chennai, basilica di san tommaso apostolo, museo, reliquiario dell'osso di s. tommaso e della lancia che lo uccise, 02.jpg|thumb|Spearhead said to have killed Saint Thomas]]


[[Relic]]s claimed to be held at the church include:
* Bones of [[Saint Thomas the Apostle]]
* Spearhead that was used to kill Saint Thomas in AD 72 at [[St. Thomas Mount]]
* Bones of [[Thomas the Apostle]]
* Spearhead that was used to kill Saint Thomas at [[St. Thomas Mount]]
* Holy [[relic]] of [[Saint Francis Xavier]]
* Holy relic of [[Francis Xavier]]
* Holy relic of [[Saint Bartholomew the Apostle]]
* Holy relic of [[Bartholomew the Apostle]]
* Holy relic of [[Saint Philomena]]
* Holy relic of [[Philomena]]


==Burials==
[[file:chennai, basilica di san tommaso apostolo, museo, reliquiario dell'osso di s. tommaso e della lancia che lo uccise, 02.jpg|thumb|The reliquaire of the spear which is said to have killed Saint Thomas kept in Santhome Church.]]


* [[Thomas the Apostle]]
===Burials in Santhome Church===
* Bishop [[Louis Mathias]]

* Bishop [[Antony Devotta]]
* [[Saint Thomas the Apostle]]
* Archbishop Casimir Gnanadickam
* [[Bishop]] [[Louis Mathias]]
* Archbishop Anthony Rayappa Arulappa
* [[Bishop]] [[Antony Devotta]]
* [[Archbishop]] Casimir Gnanadickam
* [[Archbishop]] Anthony Rayappa Arulappa
* Archbishop Aruldas
* Archbishop Aruldas
* Bishop Francis Arthur Carvalho
* Bishop Francis Arthur Carvalho
* [[Dominican Order|Dominican]] Nicholas of Pistoia
* [[Dominican Order|Dominican]] Nicholas of Pistoia
* Governor [[A. J. John]]

==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.

[[File:Santhome museum.jpg|thumb|Santhome museum interior.]]

===Holy Eucharist Chapel===
An [[Eucharistic adoration|adoration chapel]] adjoining the main church provides perfectly for those soulful, silent moments before the [[Blessed Sacrament]]. 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 chapel.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
[[File:Santhome high altar.jpg|thumb|Santhome high altar Jesus statue.]]
<!--exteriors-->
[[File:Mylai mathq.jpg|thumb|Statue of Our Lady of Mylapore.]]
File:Santhome spire and church sideview.jpg|Aerial side view
[[File:SANTHOME CATHEDRAL- ST.THOMAS AND JESUS (INSIDE).jpg|thumb|Santhome Cathedral St. Thomas and Jesus.]]
[[File:SANTHOME CATHEDRAL DURING MASS.jpg|thumb|Santhome Cathedral during evening mass.]]
File:SANTHOME CATHEDRAL- SIDE VIEW FROM BACK SIDE (EVENING MASS).jpg|Side view from behind
[[File:Chair of Santhome Church.jpg|thumb|Chair of Santhome Church.]]
File:Spire 1 santhome.jpg|First spire (bell tower)
[[File:Spire 1 santhome.jpg|thumb|Santhome church bell tower.]]
File:Spire 2 Santhome.jpg|Second Spire
<!--general interiors-->
[[File:Spire 2 Santhome.jpg|thumb|Santhome church second spire.]]
File:SANTHOME CATHEDRAL - JUST BEFORE EVENING MASS.jpg|Cathedral interior
[[File:Santhome spire and church sideview.jpg|thumb|Santhome church aerial side view.]]
File:SANTHOME CATHEDRAL DURING MASS.jpg|Evening mass
[[File:Santhome church eagle pulpit.jpg|thumb|Santhome church eagle pulpit.]]
[[File:Saint Thomas tomb.jpg|thumb|Saint Thomas Tomb.]]
File:Santhome main altar.jpg|Main altar
<!--Interior features and artworks-->
[[File:Santhome main altar.jpg|thumb|Santhome main Altar.]]
File:Chair of Santhome Church.jpg|Chairs
File:Santhome church eagle pulpit.jpg|Eagle pulpit
File:Santhome high altar.jpg|High altar statue of Jesus
File:Mylai mathq.jpg|Statue of Our Lady of Mylapore
File:SANTHOME CATHEDRAL- ST.THOMAS AND JESUS (INSIDE).jpg|Thomas and Jesus
File:Saint Thomas tomb.jpg|Tomb of Thomas the Apostle
</gallery>
===Stained glass===
<gallery>
File:Santhome stained glass.jpg|Left wing
File:Santhome church stained glass.jpg|Main altar
File:Santhome Church window.jpg|Lower window
File:Santhome Church door.jpg|Main entrance
File:Santhome upper stained glass.jpg|Upper window, main altar
File:Santhome choir stained glass.jpg|Upper floor
File:Santhome coloured stained glass window.jpg
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|India|Christianity}}
{{Portal|India|Christianity}}
{{div col}}
* [[Roman Catholicism in India]]
* [[Roman Catholicism in India]]
* [[Saint Thomas of Mylapur]]
* [[Saint Thomas of Mylapur]]
Line 211: Line 228:
* [[St. Thomas Mount]]
* [[St. Thomas Mount]]
* [[Santhome]]
* [[Santhome]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

Latest revision as of 08:15, 17 May 2024

San Thome Church, officially known as St Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church in India, at the Santhome neighbourhood of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu. The present structure dates back to 1523 AD, when it was built by the Portuguese over the tomb of Thomas the Apostle.[1] In 1896, it was renovated in the Madras province according to neo-Gothic designs, as was favoured by British architects in the late 19th century. 13°2′1″N 80°16′40″E / 13.03361°N 80.27778°E / 13.03361; 80.27778

Santhome Church
National Shrine of Saint Thomas Basilica
Santhome Basilica
Location38 Santhome High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
CountryIndia
Language(s)Tamil and English
DenominationCatholic Church
TraditionLatin Church
Websitesanthomechurch.com
History
Authorising papal bull16 March 1956
StatusMinor basilica[2]
Founded1523 (501 years ago)
Founder(s)Portuguese explorers
DedicationSt. Thomas the Apostle
Relics heldThomas the Apostle (claimed)
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Heritage designationNational Shrine[3]
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
DioceseMadras and Mylapore
Clergy
ArchbishopArchbishop George Antonysamy (2012–present)
Priest(s)Rev. Fr. M. Arulraj
Assistant priest(s)Fr. Antony Anand
AssistantFr. Dyson Raja Rathinam

History[edit]

Portuguese Era[edit]

Santhome Church, as built by the Portuguese in 1523

In 1521, the Portuguese in Goa and Bombay-Bassein sent missionaries to Madras (now Chennai) in search of the tomb of Thomas the Apostle, who by local tradition had come to South Asia to preach the Gospel and spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. The site they found was neglected and the Portuguese decided to rebuild the shrine over the tomb. With the support and authority of King John III of Portugal they started building the church, which was consecrated in 1523. Portuguese Padroado priests resumed the daily celebration of liturgy (Holy Mass) at the site.

In 1545, 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 (Taiwan). When he lived in the 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. The church was made a cathedral in 1606 by Pope Paul V with the creation of the Diocese of Saint Thomas of Mylapore.

British Era[edit]

Santhome Cathedral, as rebuilt by the British in 1896

The church was rebuilt in 1896 by the British in the style of Gothic Revival architecture. The place where Thomas is believed to be buried is marked by the second small tower in the centre of the cathedral. Pope Pius XII honoured this cathedral church, elevating it to the dignity and rank of a minor basilica in 1956. Pope John Paul II is the only pope to have visited the church, in 1986. The church was declared a National Shrine in 2004 by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, and became known as the National Shrine of Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica.

Architecture[edit]

Santhome Church exhibits the Gothic revival architecture style of the late 19th century. It has a rib vault ceiling made of teak wood, with marble and granite used in other parts of the construction. It was built with 16 windows and 34 stained glass panels, with a main stained glass over the altar representing Thomas the Apostle touching the wound of Christ. The statue in the main altar represents "Thomas the Apostle as priest and Jesus Christ as king". In addition, there are 14 Stations of the Cross attached at the side wall of the cathedral.

The church has two spires. The primary spire, at the left side of the church's entrance, is 45 metres (147 ft) tall. It can be seen from a distance and serves as a bell tower. The second spire rises from the center of the church to indicate the position of the believed tomb of Thomas.

Pipe organ in Santhome Church

A 200-year-old British pipe organ is installed in the church's gallery, reached by stairs at the entrance.

An adoration chapel adjoining the main church provides for silent moments before the Blessed Sacrament. This chapel can be approached from the left wing of the church apart from an exclusive entrance from the outside.

Observances[edit]

Mylai Matha[edit]

A gold-painted wooden statue of Mother Mary was brought from Lisbon to Santhome Church in 1523. It is installed at the left side of the church altar and is referred to as Our Lady of Mylapore or, locally, Mylai Matha.

The feast of Mylai Matha is celebrated in December. Worshippers show devotion to Mylai Matha on the second Saturday of the month, with special prayers, procession, rosary and benediction in the evening. The tradition is held to have begun with Francis Xavier.

Pole of St. Thomas[edit]

A wooden pole at the church is believed by worshippers to have been washed ashore and erected by Thomas the Apostle. These worshippers believe the presence of the pole saved the church from the 2004 tsunami.

Timeline[edit]

Relics[edit]

Spearhead said to have killed Saint Thomas

Relics claimed to be held at the church include:

Burials[edit]

Gallery[edit]

  • Aerial side view
    Aerial side view
  • Side view from behind
    Side view from behind
  • First spire (bell tower)
    First spire (bell tower)
  • Second Spire
    Second Spire
  • Cathedral interior
    Cathedral interior
  • Evening mass
    Evening mass
  • Main altar
    Main altar
  • Chairs
    Chairs
  • Eagle pulpit
    Eagle pulpit
  • High altar statue of Jesus
    High altar statue of Jesus
  • Statue of Our Lady of Mylapore
    Statue of Our Lady of Mylapore
  • Thomas and Jesus
    Thomas and Jesus
  • Tomb of Thomas the Apostle
    Tomb of Thomas the Apostle

Stained glass[edit]

  • Left wing
    Left wing
  • Main altar
    Main altar
  • Lower window
    Lower window
  • Main entrance
    Main entrance
  • Upper window, main altar
    Upper window, main altar
  • Upper floor
    Upper floor

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Santhome Basilica in Chennai — A historical pilgrimage Archived 30 August 2021 at the Wayback Machine indiastudychannel.com. Retrieved 30 August 2021
  2. ^ "Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas". SanThomeChurch.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  3. ^ National Shrine Status Archived 27 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to San Thome Basilica, Chennai.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=St._Thomas_Cathedral_Basilica,_Chennai&oldid=1224264483"