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A major pilgrim centre for Christians, Church of Our Lady of Ransom is
one of the oldest European Churches in India built by the Portuguese Missionaries.
The church dedicated to the Holy Mary of Vallarpadam popularly known as
'Vallarapadath Amma', is located in the middle of Vallarpadam, a small
idyllic island on the Vembanad lake, 1 km north from the mainland Kochi
(Ernakulam), Kerala. Today the church elevated to the status of
a Basilica as well as a National shrine attracts more than five lakh people
including pilgrims and tourists, annually. One of the three Basilicas
in Kochi, the Church is under the diocese of Verapoly (Varappuzha). The
church earlier accessible only by boat is now linked to the mainland Ernakulam,
and the islands of Bolghatty, Mulavukad and Vypin by three adjacent bridges
called the Goshree bridges. Vallarpadam island, about 3.9 km in length
and 1.5 km in width is located between the islands of Mulavukad and Vypin,
and to the east of Bolghatty
island. Vallarpadam container Terminal, a proposed project here could
make this small island one of the best hub ports in the world.
There is no concrete evidence as to when the original
church was built. But it was believed to be the first church in Asia dedicated
to the Holy Spirit. Later the Portuguese missioners who settled in Kochi,
rebuilt the old church which was almost in ruins and installed an image
of the Blessed Mother and Infant Jesus (39 inch high and 26 inch wide)
at the top of the altar of the Shrine. But this church was completely
destroyed by a heavy flood in the late 17th century and it is believed
that Paliyath Raman Valiyachan, the Diwan of the Maharaja of Cochin recovered
the image from the flood waters. He handed over the image to the then
parish vicar and it was installed in a temporary made up shed which
was known as 'Panampu Pally'. A wooden flag staff (160 ft) was also installed
at the place where he exchanged the holy picture, which was replaced much
later in 2002, by a steel flag staff (102 ft). A beautiful church was
then built in the land donated by the Diwan in 1676. Subsequent renovations
were made to the church in 1888,1931 and 1947. The church alter is adorned
with the miraculous image of the Holy Mary and Infant Jesus, and the 'Kedavilikkku'
(sanctuary lamp) which he donated on the day the new church opened, burns
at the altar even today. Paliath Valiachan also promised to supply
the oil for burning the lamp from his palace and this practice continued
till 1947. In 1994, the Paliyath family, visited the shrine and rekindled
the sanctuary lamp.
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