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The Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine, a monument to St. Thomas is situated
at Marthoma Nagar, Azhikode, Kodungallur, Kerala. Built in the model of
St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, this shrine is a historic pilgrim centre of
the Indian Christians, situated on the beautiful banks of the river Periyar.
It is known from historical evidence as well as from
the living traditions of the people that St. Thomas, one of the 12 disciples
of Jesus Christ landed in Kerala, on November 21, 52 A.D. at Kodungallur,
then known as Musiris. After sharing his deep faith experience with the
people of India, St. Thomas himself is believed to have formed seven churches
or Christian communities here in Kerala, the first one being in Kodungallur
itself. Kodungallur or Musiris, an ancient harbour, lost its ecclesiastical
significance and commercial prominence due to the attack of Tipu Sultan
and the development of Cochin port in its place. But its historical importance
was rightly acknowledged when on the occasion of the 19th centenary celebration
of the coming of St. Thomas to India, Holy See, the official seat of the
Vatican, thought to offer a befitting gift to St.Thomas Christians in
Kerala. Late Eugene Cardinal Tisserant, the then Prefect of Oriental Congregation
solemnly brought the bone of the right arm of the apostle from Ortona
in Italy and enthroned it in the present Shrine on December 6th, 1953.
From the great day onwards, the Shrine has been attracting pilgrims from
all over the world irrespective of caste and creed who come to venerate
that hand which belonged to the great Saint, a disciple of Lord Jesus
Christ.
The Marthoma Pontifical Shrine carrying the holy relic
of St.Thomas was entrusted by the Holy See to the C.M.I. fathers of
Devmatha Province, Thrissur. The relic is enclosed in a glass case and
exposed daily from 9am -6pm for veneration of the faithful with befitting
briefing. There is also a repository of Holy relics of Bl. Chavara, Bl.alphonsa
and Bl. Mariam Teresa. Special mediatory prayer services (Novena) is conduced
on request every Sunday. The main feast of the church is celebrated on
November 21 in Commemoration of the apostles 'Entrance to India' and it
lasts for a week.
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