Basilica of Our Lady of Snows

Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica 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 St. Mary. The Shrine name refers to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.The history of Shrine Basilica is closely connected with the history of the conversion of the Paravars (Tuticorin), the indigenous people of the Pearl Fishery Coast. In fact, Our Lady of Snows, was fondly called in Portuguese Nossa Senhora das Neves which means Our Lady of Snows. She has been given the unique title of Yelu Kadalthurai, Yega Adikala Thai in Tamil which means the Mother of Refuge for the seven major coastal villages, viz Vembar, Vaippar, Thoothukudi (Snows Basilica, Tuticorin), Punnaikayal, Virapandianpatinam, Alanthalai and Manapad (Thoothukkudi District). It is a stunning church and one of the biggest in all of Tamil Nadu. Tales of numerous miracles have been associated with this Church. Made in European Architecture, it takes influences from Rome and Italian styles. One of the most celebrated festivals, Our Lady of Snows Festival is celebrated in Tuticorin when devotees offer prayers and thanks to the Saint. The Saint idol is taken in a golden car all over the city in a procession on August 5, every year. The Basilica itself is a spectacle at that time.

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