St.Lourde's Shrine

Hi Everyone,

This blog is about St. Lourde's Shrine situated in Chetpet (Thiruvannamalai district), I'll walk though some of the highlights of the church and why you need to visit with your family.

History:

St. Lourdes's Shrine in Chetpet was constructed by the Roman Catholic friar Jean Francis Darras in the 1890's and it is one of the largest and oldest church in Tamil Nadu. The church is known for it's rich heritage and baptized nearly 3000 people in the year 1876.

A Picture from Annual Fest

Fr. Darras turned his sight in a small hill, 3 kms away from the Shrine gracefully, gently shedding its light on the people of Chetpet.  In 1880, the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was carried in procession on foot and thus the hill became known as 'Madha Hill', 'Hill of Mother Mary', which was once upon, called Satan Hill. 

This procession became historical as a lakh's of people participated in it annually. By the time he died the Christians increased to 8000. It is said, he baptized more than 30000 people and is proudly and worthily called the Apostle of North Arcot (presently known as Vellore district.)

The Hill Shrine:

The Hill Shrine has a Grotto which is an exact replica of the Grotto found in the town of Lourdes, France and a shrine is constructed on top of the Hill. 

Grotto in France which is a look alike in Chetpet

The Hill Shrine contains lots of attractions such as,

(a). Station of the Cross.

(b). Adoration Chapel.

(c). A small park (near sacred spring).

(d). A Huge prayer hall.

'Girivalam' is a pious pilgrimage undertaken by the devotees around the holy hill chanting the praise of the Lord and of Our Lady on every full moon day.

Every full moon day the event pulls thousands of people around Tamil Nadu and Bangalore. Prayers been offered through the whole day and if you want to spend a quality time with your family it's the perfect spot to do so.

St. Lourde's Shrine:

The magnificent church with the twin towers reminds the elegant French design & artifacts.

Interior view of the Church

The miraculous Statue of Lady of Lourdes brought from France is installed inside the glass gloriously crowned and wonderfully carrying the twelve Stars praying for all who approach her.

Every week masses and prayers are offered daily in the chapel and every year a 10 days of annual fest takes place in the month of May which attracts thousands of people from all over Tamilandu and nearby states.

There were numerous stories of miracles been told related to the church where recently people have reported that Mother Mary has shed her blood in tears!

Click on - next page - to know more about the shrine and how to get around the place..