St Andrew’s Basilica or St Andrew’s Forane church is located
in Arthunkal, which is a coastal town and a major pilgrimage centre which is
located in Cherthala in Alappuzha District of the state of Kerala. The nearest
railway station is Cherthala Railway station and the nearest airport is
Nedumbassery Airport in Kochi. This Basilica is situated in Aleppey, the land
of backwaters and lagoons where house boat rides attract the tourists.
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| A Photograph of St Andrew's Basilica |
This church has a very significant role in the history. This
church was originally built by the Portuguese missionaries in the 16th
century. The church was later re-built in 1584. In 1674, the idol of St.
Sebastian, struck with arrows all over his bleeding body, which was sculptured in
Milan, was brought here and was placed. This church, the first parish of the
Diocese of Aleppey was elevated to the status of Basilica on 9th
July 2010.
The feast of St Sebastian is a grand celebration here which
exceeds till two weeks of January. Many devotees who recovered from serious
illness visit this Basilica as a part of thanksgiving. It is believed that the
saint has the powers to heal the crippled and ill. This basilica is open to
believers of all religions thus creating a communal harmony in the society.
Arthunkal Beach is a tourist as well as a pilgrimage spot.
The straight road from the Basilica ends in Arthunkal beach which is half – a –
kilometer away from the Basilica. The localites of Arthunkal, especially the
fisher-folk earns their bread through fishing. English-medium schools, banking
facilities and accessibility to the spot via road makes this place a developing
village. Lots of pilgrims from all over the world visit this basilica every
year, especially during the feast.
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| A Snap of Arthunkal Beach |
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