San Thome Basilica is a highly revered place, especially by the Catholics of the country. It was built in the honor of St. Thome, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. He is believed to be the Father of Indian Christianity.

Location and History

San Thome Basilica is located in the Chennai city of Tamil Nadu. It is a stunningly beautiful church built in true Gothic style dedicated to the memory of St Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He arrived in Kerala in 52 AD and preached up to 72 AD when he was martyred. San Thome Basilica is the primary church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mylapore and Madras.

The church was elevated to the status of a Basilica in 1956 by Pope Pius XII. The Catholic Bishops Conference in India declared the Church a national shrine in 2006. The attached museum is a key attraction of the church and draws a large number of visitors every year from all over the country and from abroad too.

Important Facts

The church is one of the three basilicas built over the tomb of an apostle. The other two are the St. Peter's at Rome and St. James at Santiago in Spain. An underground tomb chapel rests below the Basilica. Remains of the apostle along with a part of the bone of the disciple have been preserved here. The second tower which is a smaller one is the exact place where the Apostle was buried. There is a statue of Virgin Mary also in the Cathedral that was brought by the Portuguese. Just adjacent to the Basilica is the official residence of the Archbishop of Madras (now Chennai).

Events and Features

The first Parish Priest of the Church was Father Penteado. Some of the key events and features associated with the San Thome Cathedral Basilica are:

• In 1893, the old cathedral was demolished and foundation for the new Basilica was put in place to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Day of the Episcopal Consecration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII.
• The new Basilica was constructed and consecrated in April 1896.
• The spire stands at 155 feet from the ground.
• The figure of our Lady of Mylapore is ordained here.
• A new bell was consecrated in 1896.
• The name of San Thome Cathedral Basilica is in fact, the Tamil version of St. Thomas.

The Museum

The museum attached to the church has many artifacts related to the era and lifestyle of St. Thomas. The spear that killed the saint has also been carefully preserved here. There are stone inscriptions and postage stamps also on display here. Visitors can know more about the revered saint from the short film that’s screened in the mini theatre.

How to Reach

By Road

San Thome Cathedral Church is in the city of Chennai and hence, easily accessible by bus, cab or auto.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Chennai Egmore Junction at four kilometers from the church.

By Air

The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport at 11 kilometers from the Church.