Annai Velankanni Shrine

Brief History: In 1971, this Church was a substation of St Louis Church, Adyar. Fr PT Arulappa, the then Parish Priest, St Louis Church, Adyar and a great Missionary started Our Lady of Vailankanni Church under trying conditions. The Archbishop of Madras Mylapore, Most Rev Dr R Arulappa, erected it as a separate Parish in 1973. The imposing 97 feet belfry was declared open by the then Chief Minister Dr M Karunanidhi 27th August 1972. On 15th August 1985, a bigger Church was blessed and consecrated by Archbishop Most Rev Dr R Arulappa. By the efforts of Rev Fr PJ Lawrence Raj, several extensions and renovations were made to this Shrine. A beautiful community hall, stalls, Museum and classroom blocks were constructed. In May 2000, nearly 8 grounds were purchased and a beautiful stage was erected and dedicated to Jubilee 2000. In 2001 a small Chapel for the Blessed Sacrament was built. In 2002 a grotto depicting the miracles of Our Lady of Good Health was created. In 2003, Mother Mary’s Square and Reconciliation Chapel were constructed. From 2000 to 2003, 3 grounds were purchased in which the new Convent building stands. On 8th September 2005, this Church was decreed as a Shrine of the Archdiocese of Madras ‘ Mylapore by the Most Rev Dr AM Chinnappa SDB, Archbishop of Madras ‘ Mylapore. Madha Church (Shrine) The famous chapel dedicated to the Annai Vailankanni Our Lady of Good Health, Besant Nagar. This was originally built in 1972. The upper portion of the walls is covered with paintings on the Apparitions of Our Lady of Good Health. This was expanded in September 2000. Hundreds of devotees visit this Shrine daily. Visitors queue up in prayers to touch the feet of the Holy Mothers statue. Devotees offer flowers, candles and garlands as a respect to the Holy Mother. Many miracles take place and are continuing today. Church The big Church is where regular Sunday Mass, Marriage services and 1st Friday & 1st Saturday services are conducted. Mother Mary’s Square Mother Mary’s Square was constructed in the year 2003 to visually present the four apparitions of Blessed Virgin Mary recognized by the Catholic Church. They are as follows: Our Lady of Guadalupe (1531) Our Lady of La Salette (1846) Our Lady of Lourdes (1858) Our Lady of Fatima (1917) people come here to recollect the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and pay homage in the devotion to Our Mother. Adoration Chapel Opened in September 2001, this air-conditioned chapel creates and provides a serene atmosphere for people who come here to pray to the Eucharistic Lord. It is open to the faithful from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on all days. Every Thursday special Adoration service takes place in the evening from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. During the rest of the day the chapel is open for personal prayer, meditation and reflection. The Grotto The Grotto was constructed in the year 2002. A banyan tree is a base under which are depicted the 3 Apparitions of Our Lady of Good Health at Vailankanni. Devotees offer sarees in thanksgiving to Annai Vailankanni, which are draped around the statue of Mother Mary. Niches of the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary The niche of the mysteries of the Holy Rosary was constructed in the year 2000. It gives a conducive atmosphere for the devotees to meditate on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Museum The Museum has been renovated and reopened on September 6, 2008. It is a manifestation of the miracles endowed by the powerful intercession of Mother Mary. The various articles that are kept in the museum are the offerings made by the devotees to show their gratitude to Mother Mary. The articles are the replicas of the various favours received. The museum exists for the past 25 years, manifesting the faith in Mother Mary’s powerful intercession.

Elliots Beach Road, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600 090