The St. Thomas Mount Church, located in Parangimalai, Chennai, has been officially elevated to the status of a National Basilica Shrine by the Vatican. This announcement was made by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) to India, during a solemn religious ceremony attended by clergy, dignitaries, and devotees from across the country.
This new status as a National Basilica Shrine is a significant recognition of the church’s spiritual and historical importance in Christianity. The church is believed to be the very site where Saint Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, attained martyrdom in 72 AD. It stands as one of the three places in the world that holds a direct connection to the life and mission of Saint Thomas — the other two being in Syria and Armenia.
Built originally in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, the church is an iconic Christian heritage monument in India. Over the centuries, it has become a place of pilgrimage for thousands of faithful, both from India and abroad. The recognition by the Vatican is seen as a reaffirmation of the church’s religious significance, not just within the Christian community, but in India’s broader religious and cultural landscape.
The title “Basilica” is a prestigious designation granted by the Pope to churches of particular spiritual, historical, and architectural importance. In India, only a select few churches enjoy this status. By becoming a National Basilica Shrine, St. Thomas Mount Church is now on par with other globally recognized Christian shrines and pilgrimage centers.
During the declaration ceremony, Archbishop Girelli emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of Saint Thomas in India and encouraging interfaith harmony and peace. He acknowledged the long-standing devotion of the faithful and the role of the church in promoting values of service, compassion, and faith.
Local church authorities expressed gratitude to the Vatican for this honor and pledged to enhance the church’s role in religious tourism, heritage conservation, and spiritual education. The Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, under which the church falls, also announced plans to improve infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims expected to visit after this declaration.
The event also included special prayers, a thanksgiving mass, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. Devotees from various parts of Tamil Nadu and neighboring states participated in the celebration, marking it as a historic moment for Indian Christians.
This recognition not only honors the faith of millions but also positions the St. Thomas Mount Church as a vital part of India's diverse and rich religious fabric.
