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The Govt. of Kerala declared the shrine a tourist center in 2002. A
request was submitted by Archbishop Daniel Acharuparampil of Varappuzha
to make the church a Basilica. The Church was declared a National shrine
on September12th 2004 by the Catholic Bishop's Conference of India (CBCI)
and the same year on December 1, His Holiness Pope John Paul II elevated
the Shrine to the status of 'Basilica'. It was officially declared
by the Archbishop on February 12, 2005.
Our lady here is hailed to be the protector of people who travel, especially
through water. Local fishermen usually come to this church to get their
new boats and nets blessed, before they are taken out to sea for the first
time. A 100m wide canal has been constructed from the backwaters to the
church for their access. Our Lady is also known to bless childless couples
with kids. Besides the popular ritual of 'Adima' another prayer practice
done by the devotees at Vallarpadam, is to sweep the church compound to
convey their gratitude. Novena is conducted every Saturday at the church.
Now
there is a new Rosary park in front of the church with a walkway which
has sculptures and paintings featuring the four Mysteries of Faith celebrated
by Catholics all over the world.
Every year the Feast of Our Lady of Vallarpadam is
celebrated from September 16 to 24, and thousands of people irrespective
of cast and creed from different parts of the country visit this
Holy Place of Worship. Along with the Blessed Mary's feast, the festival
of the Holy spirit / Pentecostal festival is also celebrated with great
enthusiasm.
Reference : 'Vallarpadathamma' by
Father Shyju Thoppil
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