subject: St. Mary's Basilica, a church with a magical history [print this page] St. Mary's Basilica, a church with a magical history
St. Mary's Basilica as it now stands is an impressive church in the Gothic tradition. It was conceived by an architect from France, and constructed to form the shape of a cross. The majestic tower forming the church's faade stands 160 feet tall. The major object of veneration is a striking 6 foot statue of Mother Mary cradling the Infant Jesus, which is located in an appealing shrine outside the principal church building. This statue is a huge source of inspiration for the people of the area.
Each day, the statue of mother Mary is attired in a sari, the traditional clothing of the Indian lady. A legend surrounds this mysterious statue; when the new church was completed in the year 1875, an attempt was made to remove the statue so that it could be given pride of place in the new building. However the statue was immovable and this is taken as a symbol of the power of this iconic statue.
At the main entranceway to the shrine can be seen another smaller statue of Mother Mary, and this figure too has a story behind it. It is said that in 1832 the church was assaulted by a group of thugs, who demolished everything in the church with the exception of this object of worship. When the vandals attempted to remove the statue, they were struck blind. This miraculous statue is placed in a magnificent illuminated flower-adorned palanquin and carried in procession during the days of devotion.
On the main feast day of the church a huge multitude of people throng the area, regardless of caste or social status, some even devotees of other religions, to participate in the festival. With the arrival of evening, the statue of Our Lady, adorned in an exquisite sari, is taken on the streets in the vicinity, accompanied by a magnificent parade.
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