KOTTAYAM: With the consecration of the new church just weeks away, the historic St Mary’s Church in Parel, Changanassery, has received a significant ecclesiastical distinction, with the Vatican elevating it to the status of a basilica. The recognition marks a milestone for the Changanassery archdiocese and the Catholic faithful of the region.
Elevating a church to the status of a basilica grants the building special ecclesiastical recognition title, and spiritual privileges. The Parel Marian Pilgrimage Centre will now be known as the Marth Mariam Immaculate Conception Shrine Basilica.
The elevation was granted by the Vatican’s dicastery for divine worship and the discipline of the sacraments on behalf of Pope Leo XIV. The official announcement will be made on November 21, coinciding with the consecration of the new Parel Marth Mariam Valiyapally.
Changanassery Archbishop Thomas Tharayil described the elevation as a divine blessing. He said the shrine’s new status and name would be formally announced on the day of consecration of the new church.
The decision to construct a new church was taken in view of the growing number of pilgrims visiting the shrine. Spread over more than 51,000 sqft, the new structure is among the largest churches in Keralam.
The designation of a church as a basilica is a special recognition conferred by the Pope, taking into account its liturgical and spiritual significance, historical and artistic value, and other relevant considerations. The title establishes a special bond with the Pope and grants the church certain liturgical privileges and the right to use distinctive symbols associated with basilicas.
The Parel shrine has attracted pilgrims for generations. Monsignor Mathew Changankary, rector of the pilgrimage centre and vicar general of the Changanassery archdiocese, described the recognition as a moment of pride for the archdiocese, the Syro-Malabar Church and the faithful. This will be the second basilica under the Changanassery archdiocese after the Basilica of St Mary in Champakulam.
51,000 sqft church
Spread over more than 51,000 sqft, the new structure is among the largest churches in Keralam
Elevating a church to the status of a basilica grants special ecclesiastical title, and spiritual privileges
The Parel Marian Pilgrimage Centre will now be known as the Marth Mariam Immaculate Conception Shrine Basilica
The title establishes a special bond with the Pope and grants the church certain liturgical privileges and the right to use distinctive symbols associated with basilicas
This will be the second basilica under the Changanassery archdiocese after after the Basilica of St Mary in Champakulam
