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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.
There are many legends associated with this church, the most famous was
in 1752, a Nair lady Meenakshiamma hailing from a noble Nair family
of Palliveetil who along with her infant son, were believed to have been
rescued miraculously from the bottom of the backwaters near the church
after they went missing for three days. The then parish priest, Fr. Miguel
Correa had a dream where the Lady of Ransom appeared and gave him instructions
to rescue the drowning mother and son. After this miracle, Vallarpadam
became a famous pilgrim center. In gratitude, all the members of the Palliveetil
family vowed to remain loyal servants of Our Lady forever and Meenakshiamma
and her son spend the rest of their lives in and around the church.
'Adima' a ritual practice - submitting one's lives to the protection of
Our Lady of Vallarpadam was thus established and now this ritual is the
popular offering in Vallarpadam Church. During this ritual, the priest
lays his hands on the head of the devotee, says a prayer and sprinkles
holy water. It is believed that once the ritual is performed Our Lady
protects the person from all dangers and grant favors in abundance. In
memory of this miracle, the picture of Meenakshiamma and her son seeking
blessings, was added to the original holy picture of the Blessed Mary
and Infant Jesus. Even today, the members of the Palliveetil family, the
house of the Nair lady, bring their children to perform the practice of
'Adima' and also supply curd water to devotees during the festivities
of the church. Taking into consideration its spiritual importance,
His Holiness Pope Leo XIII elevated the main altar of Vallarpadam Church
to the status of 'Altare previlegiatum in Perpetuum Concessum' in 1888.
In 1951, it was declared a major pilgrim centre by the government of India.
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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