Our Lady of Health Shrine Basilica Vailankanni Tamilnadu India
Our Lady of Health Shrine Basilica in Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, stands as one of India’s largest Catholic pilgrimage centers. Known as the "Lourdes of the East," the basilica honors Our Lady of Good Health and dates back to the 16th century. Its origins connect to three key miracles: the apparition of Mary and Jesus to a shepherd boy, the healing of a buttermilk vendor, and the rescue of Portuguese sailors caught in a violent storm.
Initially, the Portuguese modified the basilica’s Gothic structure, and later, they expanded it to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims. In 1962, Pope John XXIII elevated it to the status of a basilica. Each year, around 20 million pilgrims visit, with 3 million attending the annual festival from August 29 to September 8. This 11-day celebration concludes with the Feast on September 8, drawing believers from all over.
According to tradition, Mother Mary, holding the Infant Jesus, appeared in Vailankanni during the late 16th or early 17th century. Since that time, the shrine has become a vital pilgrimage destination, attracting people from diverse faiths and languages. Moreover, it symbolizes unity among global devotees as a synthesis of Marian sanctuaries.
Additionally, the basilica’s depiction of Our Lady of Good Health is unique, portraying Mary in an Indian sari. The church hosts multilingual prayers, especially during Christmas, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Although the Holy See has not formally approved the apparition, the basilica remains a revered site of devotion and miracles. Pilgrims consistently regard it as a sacred place of faith and healing.
The nearest airport are Tiruchirappalli Airport (60.8 Kms) and Chennai Airport (306 Kms) from Our Lady of Velankanni.
Railways
The nearest railway station is Velankanni Railway Station which is (900 Meters) from Our Lady of Velankanni.
Roadways
Our Lady of Velankanni is (95.2 Kms) from Thanjavur Old Bus Stand, (102 Kms) from Thanjavur New bus stand, (157 Kms) from Trichy Central Bus Stand.
Map Location
Mass Schedule
Week Days
5.40 am : Morning Prayer in the Main Shrine
6.00 am : Mass in Tamil in the Main Shrine
7.00 am : Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica
8.00 am : Mass in Telugu in the Upper Basilica
9.00 am : Mass in Malayalam in the Lower Basilica
10.00 am : Mass in English in the Lower Basilica
11.00 am : Mass in Hindi in the Upper Basilica
12.00 noon : Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica
6.00 pm : Rosary and Litany in Tamil followed by Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica
All Sundays
7.30 am : Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica (Instead of at 7.00 am during the week)
5.00 am : (Additional) Mass in Tamil for the Parishioners of Vailankanni in the Lower Basilica
6.00 pm : Rosary, Novena Prayer, Benediction and Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica
All Saturdays
7.00 am : Mass in Tamil at Our Lady’s Tank Chapel
5.45 am : Car Procession of Our Lady of Health around the Shrine Benediction and Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica
First Friday
6.00 pm : Mass in Tamil Eucharistic Procession around the Shrine Sermon and Benediction from the front view of the Upper Basilica
First Saturday
5.30 pm : Car Procession of Our Lady of Health thought the Beach Road Blessing of the Sick with the Blessed Sacrament Benediction and Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica
9.00 pm : A Three-Hour Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament in the Main Shrine
Second Saturday
9.00 am : A Healing and Fasting Prayer Service from 9 am to 4 pm at Vailankanni Retreat House
Third Saturday
One Hour Intercessory Prayer Service at Our Lady’s Tank Chapel after 7.00 am Mass
Fourth Saturday
6.30 am : Mass in Tamil at Naduththittu Chapel
8.00 pm : Children’s Evangelization Programme in front of the Presbytery
Month of May
Our Lady’s Car Procession around the Shrine on all the days
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Open hours today: 5:30 am - 8:00 pmToggle weekly schedule
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