St. Thomas Mount Shrine, Chennai, Elevated as Minor Basilica

Chennai, July 3, 2025: A defining moment for the Catholic Church in India unfolded atop St. Thomas Mount on July 3, as the National Shrine of St. Thomas was solemnly elevated to the dignity of a Minor Basilica by decree of the Holy See. The historic event, held on the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, honoured the sacred memory of the Apostle who brought the Gospel to Indian soil and was martyred here.

The Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, presided over the day’s events, conveying the joy, blessings, and paternal affection of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Thousands of pilgrims, along with Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, religious, civil leaders, and lay faithful, gathered in a spirit of faith, heritage, and national pride.

A Church Restored, a Basilica Born

The celebration commenced with the blessing and opening of the magnificently renovated Main Church, home to the Bleeding Cross of St. Thomas—a relic venerated as having been carved by the Apostle himself. Tradition holds that this Cross miraculously oozed blood on December 18th, the date commemorated as the martyrdom of St. Thomas, for 150 consecutive years.

Earlier that morning, in a private rite, Most Rev. Dr. Neethinathan, Bishop of the Diocese of Chengalpattu, which oversees the Shrine, consecrated the new altar of the Main Church.

The official Elevation to Minor Basilica was declared during the Holy Eucharistic Celebration. The Solemn Decree, issued by Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, was read aloud in English by Archbishop George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore and President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council, followed by its Tamil rendition by Bishop Neethinathan.

As the Gloria resounded in the newly declared Basilica, the Apostolic Nuncio handed over the decree to the diocesan bishop, marking the culmination of years of vision, prayer, and collaboration.

Chapels Reborn in Prayer

The day was rich with sacred symbolism as three other renovated chapels on the Mount were also blessed:

- Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, Blessed and opened the Chapel of Our Lady of Expectations, patroness of the shrine.

- Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, Blessed and reopened the Chapel of St. Thomas, now called the Sanctuary of the Apostle.

- Archbishop George Antonysamy blessed the newly refurbished Eucharistic Chapel, inviting pilgrims to rediscover adoration in silence.

The Word Proclaimed: Faith, Martyrdom, Eucharist

In his homily, Archbishop Girelli extended the heartfelt blessings of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, expressing confidence that this new Minor Basilica “will bring peace, nourishment and peace to all those who have faith in the Lord and come here as pilgrims.”

The Nuncio emphasized the example of St. Thomas, offering four enduring lessons to the faithful:

1. “Do not doubt, but believe in Jesus.”

2. “Be ready to sacrifice your life for Jesus.” “In India, we are called—maybe in the coming time—to be ready to sacrifice ourselves for Jesus,” he added solemnly.

3. “Follow Jesus always, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

4. “Stay with the risen Christ—especially in the Eucharist.”

The Apostolic Nuncio concluded his address, urging the faithful: “Be the spark of faith in the world.” His message was received with deep spiritual resonance and was faithfully translated into Tamil by Bishop P. Soundararaju Ambrose of Vellore, ensuring that the message of faith reached the hearts of all.

Gratitude and Unity

In his opening remarks, the Nuncio congratulated Bishop Neethinathan and Fr. A. D. Michael, the Rector of the Shrine, for leading the renovation and pastoral care of the historic site. He also praised the visionary role of Archbishop George Antonysamy, whose guidance as President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council played a vital role in securing the Basilica status.

The Church and the Nation Celebrate

The event drew a diverse and distinguished gathering—with politicians, ministers, government officials, and dignitaries attending alongside thousands of the faithful. For the Catholic Church in India, this day reaffirmed the nation’s apostolic roots, anchored in the blood of St. Thomas and nurtured through generations of witness.

The Holy Mass was celebrated solemnly, and as the Basilica bells echo over Chennai, the faithful depart with hearts lifted and a renewed sense of mission—to live as witnesses of the Risen Christ, as St. Thomas once did on this very soil.

By Fr. Ritchie Vincent