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 | July 16, 2023
Be thankful to the Lord for all the blessings He showers upon us. We take things for granted and sometimes you don’t know you are blessed…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | July 09, 2023
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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | July 02, 2023
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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | June 25, 2023
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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | June 18, 2023
Happy Father’s Day. Let us appreciate and value the sacrifices that our dads have done for us. Let us be thankful for the persons they are. Let us pray for them as they have gone to the Lord. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;” Psalm 103:13…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | June 11, 2023
St. Anthony of Padua – the patron Saint of Father nathan’s Home church in India. FEAST OF ST. ANTHONY – June 13, 2023. Anthony joins the Franciscan order, hoping to preach to Muslims and be martyred. Anthony becomes sick with ergotism and dies on June 13 on the way to Padua, where he is now buried. Anthony is canonized by Pope Gregory IX on May 30, 1232, at Spotelo, Italy for his spiritual teachings and devotion to the Church.