St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal, Kerala

[Nishahameetha]

* St. Andrew's Forane Church of Arthunkal is one of the oldest Christian churches in Kerala, is about 22 kilometers north of Alappuzha town.

* It was once a Buddhist temple and the name Arthungal derived from Arhant+kall (temple). Portuguese rebuilt this in 17th century.

* The church, officially Arthunkal St. Andrew's Forane Church, was originally built by the Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century.

* Devotees fondly referred to him as Arthunkal Veluthachan, which in English translates to fair skinned father. Fr. Fenicio died in 1632.

* Eight years after his death, the church was rebuilt again, this time facing the west towards the long white-sand beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea.

* In 1647, the idol of St. Sebastian, struck with arrows all over his bleeding body sculptured in Milan, was brought and placed in the Arthunkal church.

* Arthunkal St Andrews Forane Church, the first Parish of the Diocese of Alleppey has been elevated to the status of Basilica on 9 July 2010.

* Arthunkal Basilica will become the first Basilica in the diocese of Alleppey and the 7th Basilica in Kerala.

* It will become the 3rd Basilica on the Latin Catholic church of Kerala.

Picture: challiyan@flickr

- Thanks to
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