 The National Shrine of St.Thomas Basilica is built over the tomb of Apostle St.Thomas. St.Thomas one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ came to India in A.D.52, martyred in A.D.72 and was buried here in Mylapore.
There are only three basilicas built over the tomb of an apostle. St.Peter's at Rome and St.Jame's at Spain (Compestella, Santiago)Â are the other two.
There is an underground tomb chapel below the Basilica. His Holiness Pope John Paul II visited and prayed at this tomb on 5th February 1986.
St.Thomas who brought christianity to india is considered to be the Father of Indian Christianity.
Pilgrims and visitors from all over the world visit this shrine throught the year. The shrine is in the heart of the City of Chennai (old Madras) at a place called Mylapore.
Chennai ( old Madras) is the capital of southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is well connected by air, sea and land routes ( trains and buses). The climate is usually hot. April to June is the hottest season. From October to February the climate will be pleasant. Christmas and New Year season is the best time to visit Chennai.
Please email this link/website URL to your relatives and friends so that they can read the daily themes  meditate, pray and to receive blessings more than ever during these feast days.
Updates
E C G Machine
Dr. Barry D' Rosario, Director of Ortho unit M.I.O.T Hospital inagurated the E C G machine procured by the society of St.Vincent de Paul on 14th February Sunday at 8.30a.m. Our spiritual director Fr.S.Kanickairaj presided over the function. Aux. Bishop Dr.Lawrence Pius, Dr & Mrs. Barry D' Rosario and their daughters did major part of the contribution towards the cost. The unit will function every Saturday from 4 to 6p.m. at a nominal charge of Rs. 100/=. It will be free for poor patients.
Please see 'Lent 2010' link for Lent and Holy Week programme.Â
Marriage preparation course will be conducted on March 14th, 21st and 28th 2010 sundays,Tamil medium. Tentative schedule for english is in April 2010.
( Read 'Wedding Preparation' link for contact details)
A film based on 'Our Lady of Lourds' will be available in DVD format soon. This was earlier screened for selected audience at the mini theatre. Auxiliary bishop Rt.Rev.Dr.Lawrence Pius graced the ocassion. Interested persons who want to purchase a copy may contact the church office.
Mobile website : www.santhomechurch.com will be soon available for mobile devices like iPhone, Blackberry and smartphones with GPRS or web browsing facility. Beta version is up and you may access this through your mobile device at http://mobi.santhomechurch.com
St.Vincent de Paul Society is soliciting  a  refrigerator, old (used) for keeping essential life saving drugs that need referigeration. Kind hearted people who are planning to replace their fridge  may consider donating the old one for a noble cause which will improve the free clinical service to the poor. Presently they are running to neighbouring places and borrows little space in their fridge.
Free download of Digital edition of the books
A Saga of Fatih - Please click to download
In The Steps of St.Thomas - Please click to download
Sunday Readings - 14th March 2010
Fourth sunday of Lent. Joshua 8:9-12, 2 Corinthians 8:17-21,   and Gospel of Luke 18:1-3, 11-32.
You may write your  thoughts, opinions,valuable suggestions , experience, favours received etc.. on clicking here.
You may please email this to your near and dear ones by clicking on the email (envelope) icon on the top right and participate in the mission of spreading the Good News.
Internet Ministry
We celebrated November 2009 as Internet Ministry Month. We thank you for the overwhelming response. Please continue your support.
Our Lady of Mylapore, locally known as Mylai Matha, feast is celebrated in the month of December with great devotion. Second saturday is devoted to Mylai Matha devotion. Special prayers,procession, rosary and benediction in the evening.
A Saga of Faith
Voice of St.Thomas is a quarterly magazine published from the National Shrine of St.Thomas Basilica. It carries articles on St.Thomas, Basilica, Liturgy, Celebrations, Special devotions, Family Life, Traditions, Christian Values and News Reports.
