The Story of Poondi Madha Basilica: A Historical Church in India

Quick Info:

Location: Poondi Madha Basilica, Google Maps

 

Distance From Trichy: 35 kms (1 – 1.5 hrs travel time)

 

Poondi Madha Church Timings:  Mon-Sun [6:00 AM – 5: 15 PM]

 

Poondi Madha Basilica Built On: 1622 AD

 

Dedicated To:  The Lady of Lourdes

 

History of Poondi Madha Basilica:

A great Italian Jesuit missionary Rev. Fr. Constantine Joseph Beschi S.J., popularly known as “Veeramamuniver,” built a church and named it “Mary Queen of Immaculate Conception” in the early 18th century. The miraculous Lady of Poondi statue is housed in the church’s dome. This miraculous statue is one of three that were created in France following Our Lady’s appearance at Lourdes. The statues were brought from France by Rev. Fr. Darras, MEP.

Rev. Fr. Lourdes Xavier, who was appointed Parish Priest of Alamelupuram-Poondi on September 1, 1955, paid immediate attention to improving the condition of the Church, the central roof of which was in poor condition, and it was feared that it would collapse at any moment, causing significant damage. So he sought the advice of an engineer. They intended to demolish only the central roof, leaving the front elevation, the doom, and the altar intact. Fr. Lourdes Xavier was concerned that rebuilding the Church would be too expensive and beyond his means. Fr. Lourdes Xavier, a great devotee of Our Lady, trusted and prayed to Our Lady of Poondi to show him a way out.

He predicted that the central roof of the church would collapse on a specific day and time, and he was right. Even today, people recall and describe this event vividly.

Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy designated the Shrine of Our Lady of Poondi as a permanent pilgrimage site for the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady. Pope John Paul II declared the shrine to be a Minor Basilica on August 3, 1999.

Poondi Madha Church – The Temple that is “One of a Kind”:

Poondi Madha church is a popular tourist attraction near Trichy. There are few famous churches in Trichy, but Poondi Madha Basilica which is one and hour kilometers drive from trichy is a well know spot for tourist.  It was built in the 16th century and is one of India’s oldest churches. The church is located in Poondi, which is approximately 35 kilometers from Trichy. The church, dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health, was built in 1622 AD by Italian Jesuits. The Jesuits came to India to spread the Christian faith through the construction of churches.

Our Lady of Lourdes is the patron saint of the church. The Poondi Madha Church is a prime example of Gothic architecture and one of India’s largest. It holds 1,000 people and is decorated with beautiful paintings and stained glass windows. The church also houses a museum with a collection of historical artifacts. It consists of a central nave and two transepts. There is also a tower and a porch at the church. The Romanesque-style tower has a staircase that leads to the top. A panoramic view of the surrounding area is available from the top of the tower.

The Poondi Madha Basilica is a popular tourist destination, drawing both domestic and international visitors. The church is also a popular destination for Catholic pilgrims. The Poondi Madha Church contains a relic of the True Cross, thought to be the one on which Christ was crucified.

Poondi Madha Basilica houses a small piece of the original cross. There will be a special blessing on the feast of the Holy Cross, and on the 5th Friday of Lent, there will be a procession of the relic from Michealpatty to Basilica, accompanied by mass, commemorated by Most Rev.F. Antonisamy, Bishop of Kumbakonam.

Spiritual Events:

• 3rd January (Consecration of the Basilica)
• 6th Friday of Lent
• 15th May ( Annual Festival )
• 29th June ( Feast of Sts. Peter & Paul )
• 3rd August ( The Basilica’s Elevation Day )
• 8th September ( Mother Mary’s Birth)

Facilities Offered:

There are numerous facilities available near the Poondi Madha Church for tourists to use and enjoy the location to the fullest.

• Poondi Madha Basilica Retreat also serves as a Worship Center.
• Basilica Depot
• Religious Articles Shops – Holy Books, Medals, Rosaries, Vestments, Candles, etc.
• Tonsure Hall
• Rooms for Accommodation
• The Community Hall is available for religious and social functions.
• Fr. Lourdu Xavier Restaurant
• Marriage Bureau
• Children’s Park
• Two and Four Wheelers Parking lot
• Washroom Facility for the Pilgrims
• Drinking water facility
• Phone Booth STD, ISD & recharge facility is available
• 24×7 ATM Machine
• Common Kitchen

Holy Masses:

There are three holy masses offered daily in the Poondi Madha Basilica.

On Weekdays:

On Saturdays:

On Sundays and Feast Days:

Conclusion:

Poondi Madha Basilica is a must-see for everyone. It is ideal for anyone interested in history and architecture. Visitors of all faiths are welcome to visit the church. Poondi Madha Church can also be used for a memorable wedding day.