Vatican declares Malayattoor an international shrine
The Vatican has declared St. Thomas shrine
located at Malayattoor hilltop as an international shrine. The shrine of St.
Thomas in Malayattoor, where the apostle of Jesus Christ, St. Thomas is believed
to have spent many days in prayer, is the only shrine in India that has been
bestowed the prestigious status by the Vatican.
At a special gathering of priests and religious representatives of Malayattoor
parishes of Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese in the Major Archbishop's house in
Kochi, Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil read out the Vatican declaration conferring
the Malayattoor shrine its international status among other famous Christian
shrines such as Lady of Lourdes shrine in France.
Every year, about four million pilgrims visit the Malayattoor shrine, which is
near Kalady; the birthplace of India's famous philosopher, Sri Sankaracharya.
Speaking on the occasion, Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil said, "The fact that
the shrine is situated near Adi Sankara's birthplace speaks volumes of the
religious harmony in the State."
Conferring the recognition on Malayattoor shrine, the document of Congregation
for the Clergy stated that it is a historic centre of Christianity in India
closely linked with the preaching of St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ and the
evangelization of the sub-continent.
A great number of foreign tourists, who arrive in Malayattoor during their
annual holidays in Kerala, also make pilgrimage to the mountain shrine of St.
Thomas. Over the years, the shrine has acquired an international character.