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Basilica of Our Lady of Snows, Thoothukudi, is located at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Catholic pilgrimage centers in India dedicated to the Our Lady of Snows, a title given to Mother Mary. The shrine name refers to the Basilica di Santa Maria MaggioreinRome. The site is known for Portuguese architecture and Portuguese prayers and now it is recognised as a Tamil Nadu notable pilgrim site.
| Basilica of Our Lady of Snows, Thoothukudi | |
|---|---|
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| 8°47′58″N 78°09′23″E / 8.799444°N 78.156389°E / 8.799444; 78.156389 | |
| Location | Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu |
| Country | India |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Website | www.snowsbasilica.com |
| History | |
| Status | Basilica |
| Founded | 16th century |
| Dedication | St. Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Style | Portuguese |
| Administration | |
| District | Tuticorin |
| Diocese | Tuticorin |
| Clergy | |
| Bishop(s) | Most. Rev. Dr.Stephen Anthony. |
| Rector | Rev. Dr. Kumar Raja |
| Assistant priest(s) | Rev. Fr. Kingston |
In 1713, a new church was built and consecrated in Tuticorin, which would become the Basilica of Our Lady of Snows.[1]
The first of the notable golden festivals that take place at the church began in 1720, when Paravar elites ordered the construction of a golden car to house the Mother Mary statue and a ten-day festival. That car was used until 1806, followed by the construction of the car that is still used today.[2]
On 30 July 1982, Pope John Paul II elevated the building to the status of a minor basilica in an apostolic letter entitled Pervenusta Illa. [3]
Servant of God Rev Fr. Antony Soosainather
