A Roman Catholic Latin Rite shrine, St. Xavier’s Church is situated at Kottar, Nagercoil located in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.

The place is neat and clean and exudes positive vibes. Hindus, too, visit the church. They make vows there and pour oil.

History

St. Xavier’s Church was built in the memory of St. Xavier. He was a brilliant and dedicated priest, who traveled from Goa to visit Tamil Nadu’s coastal areas. It is said that he never missed visiting Kottar, which was a renowned commercial hub at that time.

During St. Xavier’s stay at Kottar, he worshipped St. Mary in the small temple. The locals of Kotta called him “Valiya Pandaram.” During his visit at Kottar, he prevented the attack of Padagas on the people of Venad. The king of this land was impressed by this. He soon built a close rapport with the priest. The king allotted land to the priest for building a catholic church in Kottar.

The spot where St. Xavier’s Church stands harbored an old church earlier. According to church records, its building was constructed in 1600 AD. The Church was expanded in 1865. The shrine of Our Lady was vaulted over and refurbished in the same year. It was in 1930 that the Church obtained the status of Cathedral.

The 4th centenary of St. Xavier’s arrival in India was in 1942. In its commemoration, a striking tower was dedicated to the priest. Along with this, a small shrine was dedicated to St. Ignatius, who sent St. Xavier to India, plus a grotto to Our Blessed Mother was built in the premises of the Cathedral.

The Church was further enlarged in 1955 to accommodate the chapel of Our Lady in the premises.

Architecture

The church’s design and architecture are attractive. It is bathed in white from the outside and exudes beautiful artistry inside.

The chief altar, which is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, is built of 24 carat gold. The cathedral also preserves the Relics of St. Francis Xavier, the Holy Tomb of Blessed Devashayam Pillai and St. Ignatius Loyola.

Church Festivals

St. Xavier’s Church is famous as the place of miracles since long. One of its main attractions is the 10-day Church Festival that usually begins from November 24 and ends on December 3 every year.

During this festival, a procession passes through the streets of Xavier and Asarimar, through Kambolam Road and Railway Road, and through Cape Road it reaches the premises of St. Xavier Church.

During the festival days, special masses are arranged. On the last two days of the festival, tourists can find a string of street shops along the roadside. The place witnesses a lot of fanfare at this time.

The district administration announces St. Francis Xavier’s Feast day as a local holiday. The rush from all over India and abroad is such that the police has to make special security arrangements.

Thousands of worshippers, tourists, and admirers of this church join to celebrate St. Francis Xavier’s Feast. The traditional offering here is of salt and pepper.

Church Timings

The Church is open all 7 days of the week from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening. It is also open on public holidays during the same time.

The Chapel, where priest St. Francis Xavier prayed during his visit in Kottar, witnesses Eucharistic Adoration on all week days from morning till evening.

Best Time to Visit

Months of November and December are the best, as tourists can attend the church festival.

How to Reach

Tourists can avail themselves of special bus services to Kottar during the church festival time.