Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Velankanni ( Lourdes of East )

Basilica of Our Lady of Health is also known as Lourdes of East is located in Velankanni Coastal town in Tamilnadu,  the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is one of the most famous Christian pilgrimage centers in India. Every year, millions of devotees from different religions visit this sacred place seeking blessings, healing, and peace.

About the Church

Velankanni Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health (Mother Mary). The shrine became famous through stories of miraculous appearances of Mother Mary and healing experiences reported by devotees over the centuries.

The church started as a small chapel and later grew into the magnificent white basilica seen today. In 1962, it was granted the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope John XXIII.

Special Sacred Places to See

Sacred Image of Jesus Christ

Inside the basilica, pilgrims pray before the Divine Image of Jesus Christ, seeking strength, healing, and guidance. Many visitors spend quiet moments here offering personal prayers and thanksgiving.

Sacred Image of Mother Mary

The Divine Image of Our Lady of Good Health is the most venerated presence in the shrine. Devotees believe Mother Mary intercedes for those who pray here with sincere faith. The shrine is filled with offerings and thanksgiving messages from pilgrims who believe their prayers were answered.

The Holy Water Well

One of the most remarkable places in the shrine complex is the Holy Water Well. Despite being located very close to the sea, the water in the well remains sweet. Pilgrims often collect this water, believing it carries special blessings.

The Apparition Chapel

This chapel marks the traditional site where Mother Mary is believed to have appeared to the shepherd boy. Many pilgrims light candles and offer prayers here.

The Votive Offering Hall

The votive hall displays countless offerings from pilgrims who received blessings. These offerings include miniature models of houses, body parts symbolizing healing, and other objects given in gratitude.

]The Morning Star Church

Another beautiful church within the shrine complex is the Morning Star Church, a modern structure that accommodates large gatherings of pilgrims during major celebrations and feast days.

Mass Timings

Mass timings may change during feast days and special occasions.

Weekdays

• Morning: 5:00 AM onwards
• Multiple Masses throughout the day
• Evening Mass available

Sundays

• Several Masses in Tamil, English, Malayalam, Hindi, and other languages

Visitors are advised to check the official schedule before planning their visit.

Annual Feast

The famous Annual Feast of Our Lady of Good Health is celebrated from August 29 to September 8 every year. Thousands of pilgrims participate in processions, special prayers, and Holy Masses.

Location

📍 Velankanni, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India

Nearby Attractions

• Velankanni Beach
• Nagapattinam Town
• Nagore Dargah
• Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)
• Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Mass Timings at Velankanni Basilica

Visitors can attend Holy Mass in several languages throughout the day.

Daily Mass Schedule

• 6:00 AM – Tamil
• 7:00 AM – Tamil
• 8:00 AM – Telugu
• 9:00 AM – Malayalam
• 10:00 AM – English
• 11:00 AM – Hindi
• 12:00 PM – Tamil
• 6:00 PM – Evening Mass (Tamil)

Sunday Mass Schedule

• Additional Masses are held from early morning.
• English Mass: 10:00 AM
• Evening Mass: 5:00 PM
• Rosary and Novena followed by Mass: 6:00 PM

Note: Mass timings may vary during feast days, special celebrations, and pilgrimage seasons. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the latest schedule before their visit.

Where to Stay in Velankanni?

Velankanni offers a wide range of accommodation options for pilgrims and tourists. The Basilica manages several rooms and halls for visitors, with booking assistance available near the bus stand.

In addition, many private hotels and guest houses are located throughout the town, offering both AC and non-AC rooms to suit different budgets. During the annual feast season, accommodation fills up quickly, so advance booking is recommended.

Visitors can also find numerous restaurants, small eateries, and food stalls serving affordable meals within walking distance of the shrine.?

Accommodation at Velankanni Basilica

Velankanni offers a wide range of accommodation options for travellers and tourists. The Basilica manages several rooms and halls for visitors, with booking assistance available near the bus stand.

In addition, many private hotels and guest houses are located throughout the town, offering both AC and non-AC rooms to suit different budgets. During the annual feast season, accommodation fills up quickly, so advance booking is recommended.

Visitors can also find numerous restaurants, small eateries, and food stalls serving affordable meals within walking distance of the shrine.

The Shrine Basilica offers affordable accommodation facilities for the visitors. A dedicated Room Booking Office operates throughout the day to assist guests with reservations and inquiries.

The shrine manages 13 flats for stay with around 933 rooms in different categories to suit various needs. Accommodation is available at reasonable rates, making it convenient for families, groups, and individual pilgrims visiting Velankanni. The shrine rooms booking is only accept the cash payment and there is no online payment available and hence the online payment or prior booking is difficult in shrine rooms by the church.

Note: Room availability and maintenance charges may change from time to time. Visitors are advised to contact the shrine directly for the latest details before planning their stay.

FAQ

Why is Velankanni Church famous?

It is famous for devotion to Our Lady of Good Health and its long history as a pilgrimage center.

Why is Velankanni called the Lourdes of the East?

The shrine received this title because of its strong Marian devotion and the many testimonies of healing connected with prayers offered there.

Can people of other religions visit?

Yes. People from different faiths can visit

When is the main feast celebrated?

The annual feast is held from August 29 to September 8.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is generally allowed in open areas, but inside church it is very strict.

How can I reach Velankanni?

Velankanni is accessible by road and rail, with nearby airports at Tiruchirappalli and Chennai. Private vehicles are more convenient.