Our Lady Of Snows Basilica
Popularly known as Matha Koin in a native language, Our Lady of Snows Basilica is an ancient architecture and a famous Christian religious center in Tuticorin. This Catholic pilgrimage site is dedicated to Our Lady of Snows which is another name of St. Mary and is associated with Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The present construction of this prestigious shrine traces its history to 1713. Adding grandeur to its beauty, the church boasts remarkable Portuguese architecture and an impressive carving of Our Lady of Snows. Besides a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site, Our Lady of Snows Basilica is also amongst the top tourist attractions in Tuticorin, and hence, thousands of tourists visit this place every year. During the annual festival days, a large crowd of devotees from every region can be spotted at this place.
History of Our Lady of Snows Basilica
The history of the church is connected with the conversion of about 22 villages constituting around 30,000 people who embraced Christianity. These native people of the Pearl Fishery Coast had a sharp dispute with the Muslims regarding the right to Pearl Fishing. They converted to Christianity as a token of gratitude to the Portuguese who rescued them from the cruelties of Muslims.
There are many miracles associated with the statue of Our Lady of Snows. According to history, the statue was taken away and installed on a nearby island for a few years. It was returned to the church in the year 1610.
She is fondly referred to as the Mother of Refuge for the coastal villages Vembar, Vaippar, Tuticorin, Punnaikayal, Virapandian Patinam, Thiruchendur, and Manapad.
Architecture of Our Lady of Snows Basilica
Our Lady of Snows, built in an ancient architectural style is a famous Christian religious center in Tuticorin. The beautiful church boasts magnificent Portuguese architecture and an impressive carving of the shrine of Our Lady of Snows. The church is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site and also one of the top tourist attractions in Tuticorin. The place is thronged by a large crowd of devotees during the annual festival days.
