A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people closest to my heart!
God bless you and your generous heart.
Nativity of our Blessed Mother – September 8th
Traditional Indian Celebration will be held on September 6th (Saturday) at 6:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Gabriel following the traditional way of honoring our Blessed Mother, taking her on a decorated chariot
September 8th, we are going to celebrate the Nativity of our Blessed Mother. Nestled along the serene Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu, in the small town of Velankanni, lies one of the most revered and iconic Christian pilgrimage destinations in India—the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, more popularly known as Velankanni Church.
the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, more popularly known as Velankanni Church
This magnificent Roman Catholic Latin Rite shrine attracts millions of pilgrims and visitors each year, transcending boundaries of caste, creed, and religion. Fondly referred to as the “Lourdes of the East,” Velankanni Church stands as a symbol of faith, healing, and divine grace, drawing devotees not only from across India but also from various parts of the world.
miraculous occurrences
The origins of the shrine are steeped in pious legends and miraculous occurrences that date back to the 16th century. According to popular belief, three key apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus took place in and around Velankanni.
The first involved a young shepherd boy who offered milk to a radiant lady holding a child, the second featured a handicapped boy who was miraculously healed, and the third occurred when Portuguese sailors, caught in a storm in the Bay of Bengal, prayed for salvation and were saved after invoking Our Lady’s intercession. In gratitude, they are said to have built the first modest chapel at Valankanni.
interfaith appeal
One of the most striking aspects of Velankanni Church is its interfaith appeal. Hindus, Muslins, and Christians alike flock to the shrine, making it a vibrant symbol of religious harmony and unity. The inclusive spirit of Velankanni has turned it into a national shrine, one that transcends religious labels and emphasizes universal compassion and faith.
Every year, whenever I go home for my holidays, I try to visit that shrine. It’s my delight. This year, the Indian community on September 6th (Saturday) at 6:00 p.m. is going to celebrate the Mass at St. Gabriel following the tradiional way of honoring our Blessed Mother, taking her on a decorated chariot and praying the rosary. It’s so popular all over India and in particular in my state. People go walking on bare feet like a few hundred miles. This year if you want, please do come and experience this different kind of popular devotion to our Blessed Mother.
With lots of love and blessings.
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | August 2, 2026
A Tribute to my Mother
She loved God, the Church, and her priests.
“The greatest gift God can give to a family is a priestly or religious vocation. A vocation born in a family is God’s blessing to that family, a joy to the parish, and a grace to the whole community.” The quote above is often attributed to St. John Bosco, and I have always felt it speaks the truth about my own family.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | July 26, 2026
The Gift of Time and Prayer.
If the secular world cannot come to Christ in prayer, why don’t we bring them to Christ through our prayers? They are weary and burdened, and they, too, need to find rest in Christ Jesus. Prayer honors God. It acknowledges His presence and His greatness. It exalts His power, trusts in His providence, seeks His help, and, above all, makes us humble.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | July 19, 2026
The Eucharist: The Center of Our Lives. My dearest people, closest to my heart,
As a second and third grader, I would sometimes go to church at 3:00 a.m. and sleep on the church steps until it was time to open the doors. That was simply part of my routine. I wanted to be an altar server…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | July 05, 2026
Discover the meaning of the Holy Mass, why it is the heart of Catholic worship, and the many intentions for which a Mass may be offered.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | June 28, 2026
God Bless America! 🇺🇸
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12
As we celebrate 250 years of American freedom, let us give thanks to Almighty God for the many blessings bestowed upon this great nation.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 10, 2026
We are planning many events for our Jubilee Year. I encourage each of you to take part in these activities. Get Involved Volunteer. I will be in India next weekend.