Medak Church (Andhra pradesh)

image credit : shajeethomas_kaudiar

Once the centre of a flourishing Buddhist culture, Medak is richly endowed with archaeological treasures. The magnificent Catholic Church at the place is said to be one of the three big churches in South India. It’s foundation was laid in 1914 and it is was completed in 1924. On special occasions such as Easter, Christmas and New Year, this church attracts large crowds.

The Exquisite Architectural Splendour is that it Built with solid white granite, the lofty structure with its sylvan ambience is profoundly aesthetic, luring the faithful from far and wide. The main prayer hall of the church is 91m long and 45.5m wide.

The church has an impressive style of vaulting and large windows on either sides of the hall and the windows at the entrance are provided with pieces of coloured glass fitted in metal frames. The coloured glass pieces are beautifully arranged to depict scenes from the bible and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They serve as a picture book of the Bible to those who cannot read. The colour spectrum produced by these windows inside, by the early and late afternoon sun is marvellous.

The Cathedral is 61m high and accommodates 5,000 people at a time. The tower over the entrance is 53m high. The British artist, Sir O. Salisbury took 40 years creating this work of art at his studio in London.

The Legend has it that this church was born out of a famine that struck Medak during World War I. Mr. Charles Walker Posnett, a dedicated English missionary from England, was posted as the Reverend of Medak, which was reeling under an unprecedented famine that continued for as long as three years.

Hundreds of families approached the Reverend for food and blessings. Their pathetic condition moved him and he provided them with enough food. As an act of thanks giving to God who helped him provide food for the starving people of Medak, he proposed building a church. The grateful inhabitants of Medak instantly accepted the proposal. Thus with the labour of love from those simple peasants, the church rose. Started in the year 1914, it took ten years to complete it. It was consecrated in 1924 during Christmas.

With its immensity and beauty, this century old church stands out as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in India.

Cathedral Church of the Redemption (Delhi)

Image credit : ramesh_lalwani

The story of the Cathedral Church of the Redemption India revolves around its journey from an Englishman’s congregation to a multicultural one. In its diversity and its community work, the present Church has come to fulfil the founders’ vision of a common home, a meeting place for all sects and creeds.

Situated to the east of Parliament House in New Delhi, the Cathedral Church of the Redemption was built in eight years and was completed in the year 1935. It was designed by architect, Henry Medd. Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy, was so impressed by its high curved arches and subtle domes that it came to be known as ‘Viceroy’s Church’. Later, when the Viceroy escaped a near fatal accident in 1929, when an attempt was made to blow up his train, he presented the picture at the east end and a silver cross to the church as a thanksgiving gesture to the God for saving his life.

Image credit : Gary_Rice

Tucked away from the bustle of New Delhi, in the quiet Church lane north of Jaipur Column and to the west of Parliament House at North Avenue, stands the Cathedral Church of the Redemption India. The Church’s centralized plan blends neatly with Sir Edwin Lutyens?s city plan. With Viceroy Lord Irwin’s keen support, the Church, built on Henry Alexander Medd?s (1892-1977) design, was opened for public worship on Sunday, 18 January 1931. H.A.N. Medd’s design was inspired by the Palladio Church of Il Redentore in Venice as well as Lutyens?, Hampstead church.

Image credit : ramesh_lalwani

The linear plain exteriors of the church are in contrast with the high rounded arches inside. The spiritual aura of the church is enhanced by the light streaming through its crescent windows and a group of angels that look down from the curved roof above the altar. Regular mass takes place at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption on Sunday mornings. Apart from this, the cathedral also hosts religious concerts on festivals such as Christmas and Easter. It also maintains a personal choir, called the Capital City Minstrels. You can catch these concerts of choral music and carol singing on religious occasions and festivals.

The Church, a witness to nearly eight decades of history, is a sanctuary of quiet meditation, prayer and generous giving. It is home to a vibrant parish and a wonderful tribute to Indian Christian life.

Christianity is one of the prominent religions in India. It is the third largest religion in India. Nearly 24 million people in India are the true followers of Christianity that constitutes to 2.3% of total population. Christianity arrived at 1st centaury here.

There are few very famous churches in India. Know more about them at famous in India.

St.Francis Church

Image credit : posaune.rm

Image credit : skasuga

St.Francis Church in India is the oldest European church. This church is located in the Kochi. It was built originally in the year 1503. This church stands today in the evidence of history of Christianity in India. There is an interesting story associated with St.Francis Church. In 1503, the then Rajah of Kochi permitted Alphonso Alburquerque to build this church. It describes about the struggle of the European colonies in India. The famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. And then his body was buried in this church only. But later the remains of his body were taken back to Libson in Portugal

The church became a protected monument in 1923. This church can be visited from the city of Ernakulam

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Image credit : mckaysavage

Image credit : meckleychina

Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most famous church in India. This church is located in the beach city Goa. This church was constructed in India in the year 1695. It is located near the capital city panjim of the state of Goa. Bom Jesus means good Jesus. This church is famous and sacred for Christians since it holds the remains of St Francis Xavier. Basilica of Bom Jesus church has been declared as the world heritage site. In this church the body of the holy saint is opened for public display and at that period of time the church is visited by millions of visitors, Indians as well as foreigners.

Malayattoor

Image credit : keralavoyages

Malayattoor church is one of the famous churches in India. This prominent Christian pilgrimage is located in the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala in India. St. Thomas the Apostle was the one who started Christianity teachings in south India. He built this church in the Cochin region of Kerala. This church is also very old, it date backs nearly to 52 AD. This church is located at a hill top nearly 10 KM away from Kalady. Malayattoor church has been declared as the international pilgrimage spot by the Vatican.

This Shrine was promoted to Archdiocesan status by Archbishop Mar Varkey Vithayathil on 4th September 1998.

Santa Cruz Basilica

Image credit : abhi_saveEarth

Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the oldest and famous churches in India. This church was originally built by the Portuguese in the year 1505. It was later in the year 1558 that it was elevated to the cathedral by then Pope, Pope Paul IV. This church was spared by the Dutch people who invaded and destroyed many catholic buildings. This church is located in Kochi region in Kerala, state of southern India. Later this sacred building was demolished and renovated by the British in 1887 by the orders of Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira. In the year 1984 Santa Cruz was titled as Basilica by the Pope John Paul II.

Vallarpadam Church

Image credit : EMILJOHNS

Image credit : saneenarayan

Vallarpadam Church is one of the famous pilgrimage spots in India. The famous church is here called as The Church of Our Lady of Ransom. This church is dedicated to the Mother Mary, mother of the Jesus. This church is named after Mother Mary who is also known as Vallarpadathamma. Initially this church was built by the Portuguese in the year 1524. But later it was destroyed by the Dutch. The present day Vallarpadam Church is was rebuilt in the year 1676. It is located in the Kochi, in the state of Kerala. This church is very sacred and has been declared a major pilgrim centre by the Union government of India in the year 1951.

Velankanni

Image credit : joe vadassery

Image credit : RC Sreejith

Velankanni is one of the most sacred Christian pilgrimages in India. Velankanni town is located at the sand shores of the Bay of Bengal. It is just at the distance of 12 KM from the famous coast of Coromandel. The town is famous for the shrine Basilica that is dedicated to ‘Lady of health’. Velankanni has also been declared a holy city by the Pope. This shrine is considered as the divine city and it has been proved from the centauries. Velankanni is fondly known as the ‘Lourdes of the East’. The shrine is a great combination of international, multicultural, and religious harmony.

There is an interesting practice here that pilgrims offer candles to the mother to cure themselves. Candles are in shape of the respective ailment- a heart in case of cardiac complications and lungs in case of tuberculosis and so on.