Mount Mary Church

Mount Mary Church, West Bandra, Mumbai, India
	Mount Mary Church is an also well-known as 'the basilica of our Lady of the mother' and islocated in the town of Bandra, Mumbai. It is situated on a hillock and about 80 meters above sea level. This church was built in the year 1640 and there are lot many stories that are connected with the destruction of the church, but finally it was completed in the year 1761. This one of the most famous and most visited churches of Mumbai. There is the main statue of Mother Mary inside the church as usual but apart from that there is one more statue outside the church, in front of the gate. There people light candles and thank Mother Mary for her blessing. People even wait there and pray for the welfare of their close relatives and for their dear ones. Mount Mary Church had made a special place in the heart of the locals. There is no cast, creed and religion barriers for visiting this church as anyone can enter this church. The Marathas refer as Math Mauli and give her special respect. In the year 1700, the Arabs pirate stained the statue to achieve a gold line object in mother Mary's hand. This church was rebuilt and was replaced with the statue of 'Our Lady Navigators'. Legends say that there was a letter that was published in 'St. Andrew's church' book, that a koli fish man had dreamt that he will be getting a statue in the sea and his dream came true. Later he really found a statue in the sea. In the year 761 the original statue of Mother Mary was renovated and placed with a child in her arms. There after renovated statue of Mother Mary is worshiped here. Bandra Fair There is a very famous fair that is held in Bandra every year called as the 'Bandra Fair'. This fair is held to celebrate the 'Feast of Mother Mary' on the Sunday following 8th September. This fair takes place in the Mount Mary Church, as it is the birth day of Mother Mary. This feast lasts for about 7 days and is named as the Bandra fair. During this period there are thousands of devotees who visit this church to seek blessing of Mother Mary. This is a time for celebration and the church is decorated that attracts many people. There are numbers of stalls that are arranged during the fair. They sell many religious items here such as wax idols of the virgin Mother Mary, beautiful and unique collections of candles. This collection includes different shapes such as hand, feet, face and different parts of the body. People have a strong belief that whoever is sick and has a fault in some part of their body, buy that shape candle and light that candle in the church. They have faith that mother Mary will cure them. Travel Route Airways: There is a domestic as well as international airport in Mumbai. There are regular flights that are operated from here to all the major cities of India. Railways: Mumbai is the main centre of the central western railway. Hence it is well connected with all the important states and cities of India via rails. There are even localtrains that are running 24x7 continuously Road Ways: There are many state transport and luxury bus services available from here to all the major cities of India. There are even local buses and taxis that are available from bus station to Mount Mary Church Best Time To Visit Ideal time to visit is during the month of September for the Bandra fair.

St. Thomas Cathedral

St. Thomas Cathedral, Mumbai, India
	St. Thomas Cathedral has a beautiful structure that show off the beings of the first Anglican Church in Mumbai the capital city of Maharashtra. This church was completed inthe year 1718 A.D. this church is now preserved as the world's heritage monuments that is conserved. The foundation of this church was laid in the year 1676. But it took about 40 years to complete. The entrance of this church was built by the east India Company to protect it for the settlement and this entrance is called as the "Church gate". It is called the same even today. In the year 1714 there was an enthusiastic captain known as Richard Cobbe took the initiative to complete this church. In the year 1718 this building was open to celebrate and for divine service on Christmas day, hence forth this was used as a church. This church was named after St. Thomas as he was the 12th Disciple of Christ and was one of the apostles of India. This church became a cathedral in the year 1837, when the sea of Mumbai along with Bishop was founded. The clock and the tower of the church were added in the year 1838 at the western end. In the year 1920 the tiled roof of the church was damaged and there were cracks in the roof. There were heavy leakages in the walls of the church. During this time there were renovations of the church. The stained glass of the church that is on the altar and on the St. Thomas chapel was restored to its original condition. This renovation was completed on the auspicious occasion of Christmas in the year 2003. People of all religions are welcomed here and there are no barriers of caste, creed and religion for entering these churches. People visit this place with great faith that all their wishes will be fulfilled here and all their sickness will be cured here. People light candles in the altar area as a token of love for St. Thomas. This church is open for seven days a week and from 7 am to 6 pm in the evening. There are masses conducted on every Sundays and Fridays. People, who visit this place after spending time in prayers, try to spend some more time in meditating. The festival of Christmas is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, as there are thousands of people who visit this place. St. ThomasCathedral is decorated on the eve of Christmas with lighting and other decorative articles. Travel Route: Airways: There is domestic as well as international airport located in Mumbai. There are regular flights operated from here to all the major cities of India. There are taxis and local buses available from airport to St. Thomas Cathedral. This church is easily assessable from any point of Mumbai. Railways: Mumbai is connected will all the major states and cities via central rail lines. There are many trains that are operated from here to all the major cities of India. There are even local trains available from different stations with in Mumbai. Roadways: There are State transport and luxury bus services that are available from Mumbai to all the major cities of India. There are local buses and taxi services availablefrom Bus station to St. Thomas Cathedral

Afghan Church

Afghan Church, Mumbai, India
	Afghan Church is also known as the Afghan Memorial Church of St. John the Baptist and islocated in South Mumbai, Colaba. This church was established in the year 1847 A.D. This church is dedicated to St. John Evangelist. It was built in the honor of the soldiers who lost their lives in the first war of Afghan in the 19th century. History of Afghan Church Afghan Church was first a small thatched chapel located just one kilometer away from the "Sick Bungalows". There were no chairs to seat and devotee had to get their own. Later the government arranged a new area for setting new church, but they had a condition that the spire must be visible from miles and should serve as a landmark for the ships that would come on the harbor. Afghan Church has a grand basalt structure along with a towering limestone spire. This church is very beautiful and attractive because of its wide Gothic arches and amazing stained-glass windows. This church is designed by Henry Conbeare who was one of the city engineers of that time. Afghan Church was sanctified in the year 1858 on 7th January by the hands of Bishop Harding. The chapel has an aisle with a chancel and there is altar at the end. This altar is 50ft in length and 27ft in width. The towers and the spire in this church are about 198 ft high. The flooring and the stained-glass are of the best qualities, which are specially imported from England. The west and east side windows are designed by the James Wailles. The main attraction of this church is that its significant bell tower, where are pearls of 8 bells and this bells remains unrivalled in the western side. This church not only commemorates to British soldiers, but also to the Mumbai army, Ranjit Singh's army from Lahore and the Madras army. It is believed that there were altogether 16000 men who had gone for the war and out of them only one reached exhausted. There is a memorial stones with inscription on the stone in the chancel. Most of the tourists get attracted towards it because of its architecture and decoration. Christians visit this place every Friday and Sunday for their Sunday and Friday masses that are held in this church. It is also believed that all their wishes are granted by lord here. People light candles in the altar as a token of love for the Lord. Travel route Airways: Mumbai is a metro city; there is domestic as well as international airport. There are regular fights that are operated from here to all the major cities of India. Railways: Mumbai is connected will all the major states and cities via center rail lines. There are many trains that are operated from here to all the major cities of India. Road ways: There are state transport and luxury bus services available from Mumbai to all the cities of India. There is local bus transport and taxi services that are available from bus station to Afghan Church. Best time to visit Ideal time to visit this church is from November to January as during this period the annual festival of Christians, Christmas is being celebrated with great fervor and joy. Thousands of people visit this church on the eve of Christmas.

Santa Cruz Basicillica

Santa Cruz Basicillica, Kochi, Kerala, India
	Santa Cruz Basicillica is located in the city of Kochi, Kerala. This church was built by the Portuguese and later elevated to a cathedral in the year 1558 by Pope IV. Finally the British destroyed the main structure and Bishop Joao Gomes Ferreira commissioned a new structure of the church in the year 1887. Finally in the year 1984 this was honored as the Basilica by Pope John Paul II. Santa Cruz Basicillica is a roman catholic church that is one of the oldest and finest churches in Kerala. The structure of the church is very impressive and hence attracts thousands of devotees towards it. This is a place of worship as well as holds some historical significance that has an artistic and colorful gothic style design. This church is very close to the 'capital church of Kochi, St. Francis Church Kerala. History of Santa Cruz Basicillica Santa Cruz Basicillica history begins in the year 1500 with the arrival of the Portuguese disciples. They were accompanied along with 2nd Portuguese fleet. Godha Varma I king of Kochi received them with warm welcome. Due to this the Calicut Zamorin declared war against them. But with the help of Portuguese who were under the commander Dom Afonso de Albuquerque defeated their enemies of Kochi and gave them the permission to build a fort in Kochi. In 1503 the Dom Francisco de Almeida got the permission from the king of Kochi to build a church, so the foundation of the Santa Cruz Basicillica was laid on 3rd May 1505. This is the feast day of 'Invention of the holy cross' and hence this church is named as Santa Cruz Basicillica. Later in the year 1663 when the Dutch's dominated Kochi they destroyed the entire catholic establishment, expect this church. In the year 1887 when Bishop Dom Joao Gomes Ferreira had taken the initiative to rebuilt the church and was successful. This is one of the 8 basilicas in India. This church has completed 5 centuries of existence in the year 2004. This church is built in the indo-European style. There are Italian paintings showing the time of the church from the beginning till date. This gives a different look to the interiors of the church. People from all over the world visit this church for taking the blessing of the lord. People confess their mistakes and ask for forgiveness in front of the lord. They light candles and ask for blessing. The 500th anniversary of church was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm all over Kerala. Travel Route: Airways: There is domestic as well as international airport located in Kochi. There are regular flights that are operated from here to all the major cities of India. Railways: Kochi is the main railway station of Kerala. There are many rails that are operated from here to all the major cities of India. Road ways: There are state transport and luxury bus services available from Kochi to all the major cities of India. There are local transport and taxi services available from busstation to Santa Cruz Basicillica.

St. Philomena's Church

St. Philomena's Church, Mysore, Karnataka
	St. Philomena's church is one of the oldest churches of India. It is about 200 year's old church, but initially there was a small church that was about 250 years old in its place. Legends say that in the year 1799 when the capital was shifted from Srirangapatnam to Mysore, there were many British officers and soldiers who came down to Mysore and settled here. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar 3 realized that they need a church for worshiping and hence he gave them a small land for building a church near Mysore-Bangalore Road. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar 4 had laid the foundation of the new church in the year 1933 on 28th October. The design of this church was made by a French man Daly. The floor plan of this cathedral is in the cross form. The longer part of cross is the 'nave' that is called as the congregation hall of the church. This hall has the capacity of seating 800 peoples at a time. There are stained glass windows that are depicting pictures from the birth of Christ, till the Ascension of Christ. The huge two arms of the cross are the 'transepts', of the church. The last and the forth part having the altar and the choir is the main crossing of the church. The entire church is constructed in the Gothic style; this is the largest cathedrals in South Asia. The construction of this church is completed under the supervision of Bishops Rene Fuga's. During that time Thamboo Chetty was the Huzur secretary of Maharaja and after hearing about the significance of the St. Philomena he obtained relic of saint from Pisani Apostolic delegates in 1926. This relic was given to the Fr. Cochet. There was a new state that was brought from France just a year after the relic. Legends say that Philomena was a famous saint and martyr of Roman Catholic Church. She was a young Greek princess martyred in the 4th century. Philomena was a daughter of the monarch in Greek. His father took her to Rome to gain the favor of Emperor. The emperor was impressed by her beauty and wanted to marry her. The young girl refused to marry him and swore to give herself to God. After being refused the emperor tortured her and beheaded her in Rome itself. But the devotion of the people spread all over and they honored her as Saint. There are holy masses that are conducted in the church daily and they are in three languages that are in Tamil, Kannada and in English. Behind this there is a wonderful marble altar on which there is a statue of Saint Philomena. There is also a deity of Christ lying in his holy wounds. The most beautiful and attractive part of this church are its towers or the spires. These towers are similar to the cathedral that is in Cologne in Germany and also to those of St. Patrick's church of New York. These towers are about 175 feet tall. This church runs an orphanage that is in the premises of the St. Philomena's church. There are mass during festivals also. There is an annual feat of the church that is held on the 11th of August . Visitors are not supposed to take photographs inside the cathedral of the church. This church is open for people from all religions; there is no restriction of cast, creed and religions. People visit this church for seeking spiritual satisfaction and happiness. The devotees come here to offer prayers and light a candle in the premises of the church as a respect for St. Philomena. Travel Route: Airways: There is a domestic airport in Mysore that is connected to all major cities of India. There are regular flights from here to all main cities of India. Railways: Mysore is well connected to all the major cities of India via rail lines and there are trains running from here to all the important cities of India. Road ways: There are state transport and luxury bus services from Mysore to all the major cities of India. There are also local buses and taxi services from bus station to St. Philomena's church. Best time to visit St. Philomena's church is from October to March as during this period there are festivals that are celebrated here.

Royal Chapel of St. Anthony

Royal Chapel of St. Anthony, Goa, India
	Royal chapel of St. Anthony is one of the main chapels in Panjim the capital city of Goa. It is not only a place of worship but also has the influence of Portuguese culture that is seen in their magnificent architectures. Hence Royal chapel of St. Anthony is one of the good examples of their architecture. This chapel was constructed in the 17th century. Royal chapel of St. Anthony is dedicated to the St. Anthony; he was regarded as the national saint of Portuguese. He was the most respected and honored saint of Portuguese. He was given highest esteem in Portuguese. The construction of this church was stopped in the year 1835, but in the year 1894 the construction again started for renovation. Finally when the construction was completed it was inaugurated in the year 1961. This church is situated in the west of the tower of the St. Augustine. This church has a dome chancel and there is a retable of St. Anthony that is respected in the main altar of the church. They are altars that are dedicated to our lady of Fever and Sts. Cosimo & Damian. There are paintings of four frescoes along with the pictures of five doctors of the chapel. There are also paintings of our lady of fever carrying a beautiful poem. This poem contains two verses concerning the 'spiritual fever'; this is very dangerous according to the poet. There is a tradition of queer that is surrounding the chapel. He was regarded as the patron saint of military force and also as their captain. There is an auspicious occasion of the vespers of his feast. There is a procession where the image of St. Anthony is open to public. His treasure is taken to public, here the treasurer is handed over with respect, and the payment for this great captainship is rewarded. People visit this place with great belief that all their wishes are granted here. There is a huge altar here where people light candles and pray for their welfare. There are thousands of people who visit during the feast and seek the blessing of St. Anthony. Travel Route: Airways: Nearest airport is Dabolim which is at a distance of about 30 kilometers from Panjim. This is a domestic as well as international airport; there are regular flights that are operated from here to all the major cities of India. Railways: Nearest railway station is the Margao and the Vasco-da-Gama. This railway line is connected to the konkan rail lines. There are trains that are operated from here to all the major cities of India. Road Ways: There are state transports and luxury bus services available from here to all the major cities of India. There are also local bus and taxis available from bus station to Royal chapel of St. Anthony.

Church of St. Francis Xavier

Church of St. Francis Xavier, Old Goa, India
	Introduction: Church Of St. Francis Xavier is located in a secluded region of Goa, India. This is the most famous and most visited place of Goa. This church is dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier. This is located on the bank of the river Mondovi. This chapel was built in the year 1545. There was an eruption of epidemic and due to this, consequently people had to vacate the college of St. Paul. After this the chapel had fallen into ruins, the new church was rebuilt in the year 1884. The chapel was designed in the Dorian style of architecture in its own unique piece of construction. Saint Francis Xavier was a patron saint of Goa. People used to call him as 'Lord of God'. He died in the year 1552 on his way to China. His body was brought back to Goa in the year 1554 and is preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The sacred relic of his is housed in a silver casket in the Bom Jesus cathedral. The mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier are brought to public after every ten years and this can be seen through a glass in the chapel. Saint Francis Xavier was born in the year 1506 on 7th April; he was a pioneering Roman Catholic missionary, in the kingdom of Navarre in Spain. Saint Francis Xavier was a student of Saint Ignatius Loyola and he was the one out the seven Jesuits who had dedicated their entire life in the services of God at Montmartre in the year 1534. He was considered as the person who had spread and maintained the values of Catholicism in most notably in India. He began his work of missionary in Portuguese in the year 1542. He gained great success in the state of Goa for a period of five months. After this he further proceeded to south India and even Sri Lanka, there he converted thousands of people to accept Christianity as the religion hence forth. In the year 1552 he was about to return to Goa with a proper plan to introduce his missionary and values of Christianity in China. Finally on his way to Goa he died on December 3rd in 1522. He was buried in Shang Chuan Island on one of the beaches. From there in the year 1553 his body was taken to St. Paul's Church in Malacca and finally from there it was shipped to Goa on 11th December 1553. This body of Saint Francis Xavier is still preserved here for more than 400 years that also in a non-decomposing state. He is honored as one the greatest missionaries of all time till date. In his honor, Saint Francis was declared as the patron of Orient in the year 1748, patron of all missionary in 1927, Patron of Faith in the year 1904. He was also declared as the patron of sailors. Feast and Festival: 3rd December is considered as the greatest day of celebration in the history of Christians, as this is celebrated as the death anniversary of Saint Francis Xavier. There is a celebration in old Goa on this auspicious day. There is a very grand celebration and there are thousands of people who come to seek the blessing of Saint Francis Xavier. This chapel is decorated with lights and flowers all over. People of all religions visit this chapel breaking the man made barriers of caste, creed and religion. Besides the feast that is celebrated here, Easter and Christmas are also celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. After every ten years his body is open for the public to have a look and seek his blessing. Even on these days the cathedral is decorated with flowers and lighting. People light candles and pray for good health of their near and dears ones. Travel Route: Airport: Nearest airport is the Dabolim airport which is at a distance of about 29 kilometers away from Church Of St. Francis Xavier. There are regular flights from here to all the major cities of India. There are international as well as domestic airports in Goa. Railways: Nearest railway stations are the Vasco da Gama and the Margo station, these stations are at a distance of about 30 kilometers away from church of St. Francis Xavier. There are regular trains that are operated from here to all the major cities of India. These railways stations are well connected with Konkan Rail lines. Road ways: There are state transports and luxury bus services that are available from here to all the major cities of India. There are even local bus and taxi services available from bus station to Church of St. Francis Xavier. There are many other transportation facilities available in Goa.