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{{short description|Catholic church in India}}
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{{Infobox church
{{Infobox church
| name = Varapuzha Basilica
| name = Varapuzha Basilica
| fullname = Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St Joseph
| fullname = Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Joseph
| image = Varapuzha Church, Former Cathedral 2019-07-30.jpg
| image = Varapuzha Church, Former Cathedral 2019-07-30.jpg
| imagesize = 150px
| imagesize = 150px
| caption = Varapuzha Basilica

| location = [[Varapuzha]], [[Ernakulam district]], [[Kerala]]
| caption = Minor Basilica; Former Cathedral
| country = [[India]]
| location = [[Varapuzha]], [[Ernakulam district]], [[Kerala]]
| coordinates =
| country = [[India]]
| denomination = [[Catholic Church]]
| coordinates =
| denomination = [[Latin Church]]
| sui iuris church = [[Latin Church]]
| churchmanship =
| churchmanship =
| membership = 3360
| membership = 3360
| attendance =
| attendance =
| website = [http://www.varapuzhabasilica.org www.varapuzhabasilica.org]
| website =
| former name = Cathedral of Our lady of Mount Carmel and St Joseph's
| former name = Cathedral of Our lady of Mount Carmel and St Joseph
| bull date =
| bull date =
| founded date = 1673
| founded date = 1673
| founder = Matheus of St Joseph
| founder = Matheus of St Joseph
| dedication = [[Our Lady of Mount Carmel]], [[St Joseph]]
| dedication = [[Our Lady of Mount Carmel]], [[Saint Joseph]]
| dedicated date = 17 November 1673
| dedicated date = 17 November 1673
| consecrated date =
| consecrated date =
| cult =
| cult =
| relics =
| relics =
| events =
| events =
| past bishop =
| past bishop =
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| status = [[minor basilica]], [[parish]], [[monastery]]
| status = [[minor basilica]], [[parish]]
| functional status = active
| functional status = active
| heritage designation =
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| designated date =
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| architect =
| architectural type = [[Gothic architecture]]
| architectural type = [[Gothic architecture]]
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| parish = Basilica of Our lady of Mount Carmel & St Joseph
| parish = Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Joseph
| deanery = Koonanmmavu, [[St.Philomena's Forane Church, Koonammavu]]
| deanery = Koonanmmavu, [[St.Philomena's Forane Church, Koonammavu]]
| archdeaconry =
| archdeaconry =
| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Verapoly]]
| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Verapoly]]
| province = St. Pius X Manjummel Province of Discalced Carmelites
| province = St. Pius X Manjummel Province of Discalced Carmelites
| presbytery =
| presbytery =
| synod =
| synod =
| district =
| district =
| division =
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| archbishop = [[Joseph Kalathiparambil]]
| archbishop = [[Joseph Kalathiparambil]]
| bishop =
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| dean =
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| precentor =
| archdeacon =
| archdeacon =
| prebendary =
| prebendary =
| priest = Basil Padua
| priest = Joshy George
| asstpriest = Suji John
| asstpriest = Shon Jose
| assistant = Bernad, John, Justin
| assistant = Bernad, John, Justin
| honpriest =
| honpriest =
| deacon =
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| deaconness =
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}}
}}
'''Basilica of Our lady of Mount Carmel & St Joseph''', known as '''Varapuzha Basilica Church''', is in [[Varappuzha|Varapuzha]], a northern suburban town of Kochi City in the [[Ernakulam district]] of [[Kerala]] state, India. It was built in the year 1673. The basilica is dedicated to [[Our Lady of Mount Carmel]] and [[Saint Joseph|St Joseph]]. The solemnity of the [[Assumption of Mary|Assumption of Our Lady]] is celebrated as an annual sixteen-day confraternity festival, from 31 July to 15 August. The basilica is also famous as a pilgrimage centre in the southern part of India. It serves as the Mother Church for 14 churches.
The '''Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Joseph''', popularly known as '''Varapuzha Basilica''', is in [[Varappuzha|Varapuzha]], a northern suburban town of Kochi City in the [[Ernakulam district]] of [[Kerala]] state, India. It was built in 1673. The solemnity of the [[Assumption of Mary]] is celebrated as an annual sixteen-day confraternity festival, from 31 July to 15 August. The basilica is also a pilgrimage centre in the southern part of India. It serves as the mother church for 14 churches.


== History ==
== History ==


This Church was the seat of the Metropolitans until 1904. The headquarters was then shifted to the town of Ernakulam, for easier administration. As the original seat of the Latin Bishop, the church holds a unique place in the history of Latin Catholics in the area. Presently the church offers solace to the faithful who gather there for the powerful intercessions of Our Lady and St. Joseph.
This church was the seat of the metropolitans until 1904. The headquarters was then shifted to the town of Ernakulam, for easier administration. As the original seat of the Latin bishop, the church holds a unique place in the history of Latin Catholics in the area. Presently the church offers solace to the faithful who gather there for the powerful intercessions of Our Lady and Saint Joseph.


In 1653 Mathew of Saint Joseph reached Goa as a missionary. The old Varapuzha Church was built in 1673. On 20 February 1700 [[Pope Clement XI|Pope Clement]] appointed the [[Carmelites|Carmelite]] missionary Angelus Francis as the Vicar Apostolic Malabar. All those who guided the life and activities of the Church from 1700 AD to 1886 AD were known as [[Apostolic vicar]]s. On 13 March 1709 the Holy See suppressed the Malabar Vicariate, and the Varapuzha Vicariate was erected officially. In 1886 the Varapuzha Vicariate was raised to the status of archdiocese. Until 1904, Varapuzha was the official residence of the Archbishops of Varapuzha. From 1886 onwards the bishops took charge and care of the diocese of Varapuzha from this place named "Varapuzha".
1653 Fr. Mathew of St. Joseph reached Goa as a missionary
The old Varapuzha Church was built in 1673.


On 1 September 1886 the Varapuzha Vicariate was officially raised to the status of archdiocese, and Rev. Dr. Leonardo Mellano OCD was consecrated as the first archbishop of the Archdiocese of Varapuzha.
On 20 February 1700 [[Pope Clement XI|Pope Clement]] appointed [[Carmelites|Carmelite]] Missionary Fr. Angelus Francis as the Vicar Apostolic Malabar.
All those who guided the life and activities of the Church from 1700 AD to 1886 AD were known as "Vicar Apostolics".
On 13 March 1709 the Holy See suppressed the Malabar Vicariate and the Varapuzha Vicariate was erected officially.
1886 the Varapuzha Vicariate was raised to the Status of the Archdiocese.
Till 1904 Varapuzha was the official residence of the Archbishops of Varapuzha.
From 1886 onwards the bishops took charge and care of the diocese of Varapuzha from this place named "Varapuzha".

On 1 September 1886 the Varapuzha Vicariate was officially raised to the Status of the Archdiocese and Rev. Dr. Leonardo Mellano OCD was consecrated as the first Archbishop of the archdiocese of Varapuzha.


In those years the Varapuzha Church was the only Catholic Church of this locality. At that time this was the home to all the Syrian Catholics of this locality.
In those years the Varapuzha Church was the only Catholic Church of this locality. At that time this was the home to all the Syrian Catholics of this locality.


The famous Carmelite Missionary Fr. Paulinus (missionary from 1744-1780) in his famous book "India Orientalis Christiana" describes this Church as the "Church of Latin and Chaldean rites".
The Carmelite missionary Paulinus (from 1744 to 1780) describes this church in his book ''India Orientalis Christiana'' as the "Church of Latin and Chaldean rites". The church has two patron saints, Saint Joseph resulted from the special devotion of its founder, Mathew of Saint Joseph.


The old church underwent a major uplift and reconstruction in 1927 when its old front doom collapsed in 1919.
This Church has two Patron saints; Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Joseph, the latter resulted from the special devotion of its founder Fr. Mathew of St. Joseph.


In 1886 the Archdiocese of Varapuzha was established, and the church became the cathedral church of the archdiocese. This status remained with the church until 1936, when Saint Francis Cathedral was built in Ernakulam. The church is the final resting place of 28 Carmelite missionaries, including eight bishops of the Diocese of Varapuzha.
The old Church underwent a major uplift and reconstruction in 1927 when its old front doom collapsed in 1919.


When Tipu Sultan (1750–1799), the Muslim conqueror, attacked, plundered and killed many, Varapuzha was providentially left out being an island, but it became the place of refuge for all from all religions and castes. The Carmelite missionaries took care of all of them.{{fact|date=June 2023}}
In 1886 when the Archdiocese of Varapuzha was established and this Church became the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese. This status remained with this Church till 1936 when St. Francis Cathedral was built in Ernakulam


In 1682 the Carmelite missionaries of Varapuzha requested the Propaganda Fidei for the construction of a seminary for the formation of the indigenous clergy.{{fact|date=June 2023}}
This Church is the final resting place of 28 Carmelite Missionaries including 8 Bishops of this Diocese of Varapuzha


In 1685 the seminary was closed down. A new seminary was built in 1766 in Varapuzha. At that time it accepted candidates from both Latin and Syrian rites.{{fact|date=June 2023}}
When Tipu Sultan (1750-1799) the notorious Muslim Conqueror attacked, plundered and killed many, Varapuzha was providentially left out being an island, but it became the place of refuge for all from all religions and castes. The Carmelite missionaries took care of all of them.


In 1790 this seminary was closed following the attack of Tipu Sultan. The seminary was reopened in 1832. In 1866 the Syrians were shifted to the Puthenpally Seminary.{{fact|date=June 2023}}
In 1682 the Carmelite Missionaries of Varapuzha requested the Propaganda Fidei for the construction of a Seminary for the formation of the Indigenous Clergy.


From 1659 to 1904, sixteen bishops and two archbishops guided the diocese from this place. In those days all travels and transportation were through water.{{fact|date=June 2023}}
In 1685 the Seminary was closed down. A new Seminary was built in 1766 in Varapuzha. At that time it accepted candidates from both Latin and Syrian rites.


In a letter dated 11 December 2020, the office of the [[Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments]] approved the application of the Archdiocese of Verapoly to elevate the status of the former cathedral of Varapuzha to a [[minor basilica]]. As a minor basilica, it will be one of only 28 nationwide and 10th in Kerala, and the first one in the country to be named after St Joseph.<ref name="gcatholic">{{cite web |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/asia/5468.htm |website=gcatholic|title=Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Joseph }}</ref>
In 1790 this seminary was closed following the attack of Tipu Sultan, the Muslim conqueror. The Seminary was reopened in 1832. In 1866 the Syrians were shifted to the Puthenpally Seminary.


== Venerable Eliswa of Blessed Virgin Mary TOCD ==
From 1659 to 1904, sixteen Bishops and two Archbishops guided the diocese from this place. In those days all travels and transportation were through water.
The tomb of Venerable [[Eliswa Vakayil]] (1831–1913), the foundress of the first indigenous Carmelite congregations (CTC and CMC) in Saint Joseph's convent, Varapuzha, is here.

In a letter dated January 27, 2021, the office of the [[Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments]] approved the application of the archdiocese of Verapoly to elevate the status of the former cathedral of Varapuzha to a [[minor basilica]].As a minor basilica, it will be one of only 28 nationwide and 10th in Kerala, and the first one in the country to be named after St Joseph.<ref name="gcatholic">{{cite web |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/asia/5468.htm |website=gcatholic}}</ref>

== Servant of God Mother Eliswa ==

The tomb of the Servant of God, Mother Eliswa (1831–1913), the Mother Foundress of the first indigenous Carmelite Congregations (CTC and CMC) in St. Joseph’s Convent, Varapuzha, is here.


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==


<gallery>
<gallery>
IMAG3510 BURST010.jpg|Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
IMAG3510 BURST010.jpg|Miraculous image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Ancient Statue of BVM.png|Ancient Statue of BVM
Salve statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.jpg|Salve statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Salve statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.jpg|Salve statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
IMAG3538 BURST007.jpg|Varapuzhathamma
Varapuzhathamma, Varapuzha Church.jpg|Varapuzhathamma
IMAG3595 BURST004.jpg|Miraculous Image of St Joseph
Miraculous Image of St Joseph, Varapuzha Church.jpg|Miraculous image of Saint Joseph
Statues of Saint Joseph and Jesus Christ, Varapuzha Basilica, Kochi, Kerala, 2017.jpg|Saint Joseph
IMAG3334.jpg|St Joseph
Altar of Varapuzha Church.jpg|Old Altar of Varapuzha Basilica
Altar of Varapuzha Church.jpg|Old Altar of Varapuzha Basilica
IMAG3538 20190814 213952.jpg.jpg|Churchfeast 2019
Churchfeast 2019, Varapuzha Basilica, Kerala.jpg|Churchfeast 2019
IMAG3538 20190814 213952jpg.jpg.jpg.jpg|Santo Entierro
Santo Entierro, Varapuzha Basilica.jpg|Santo Entierro
IMAG3533 BURST004.jpg.jpg|Risen Lord
Risen Lord, Varapuzha Basilica.jpg|Risen Lord
IMAG2169.jpg|St Sebastian
St.Sebastian, Varapuzha Basilica, Kerala, 2017.jpg|St Sebastian
IMAG2426.jpg|St Sebastian Karikattuthuruth
St.Sebastian Karikattuthuruth, Varapuzha Basilica, Kerala, 2017.jpg|St Sebastian Karikattuthuruth
IMAG3598.jpg| Church Feast
Church Feast, Varapuzha Basilica.jpg| Church Feast
IMAG3002 BURST018.jpg|Fatima@Varapuzha
Fatima, Varapuzha Basilica, Kerala, 2017.jpg|Fatima@Varapuzha
IMAG1852 BURST007.jpg|Gesu Bambino
Gesu Bambino, Varapuzha Basilica, Kerala, 2016.jpg|Gesu Bambino
IMAG1613.jpg|Rosary month Celebrations
Rosary month celebrations, Varapuzha Basilica, Kerala, 2016.jpg|Rosary month Celebrations
IMAG1613.jpg.jpg|Relic of Holy Cross
Ancient Statue of Our Lady of Dolours.jpg|Ancient Statue of Our Lady of Dolours
Ancient Statue of Our Lady of Dolours.jpg|Ancient Statue of Our Lady of Dolours
Tomb of Servant of God Mother Eliswa Vakayil of BVM CTC.jpg|Tomb of Servant of God Mother Eliswa Vakayil of BVM CTC
Tomb of Servant of God Mother Eliswa Vakayil of BVM CTC.jpg|Tomb of Venerable [[Eliswa Vakayil]]
Renovated Basilica.jpg|Renovated Varapuzha Basilica
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Verapoly]]
*[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Verapoly]]
*[[National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam]]
* [[Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health|Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni]]
* [[National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam|Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam]]
*[[St.Philomena's Forane Church, Koonammavu|St. Philomena's Forane Church & St. Chavara Pilgrimage Centre]]
*[[St.Philomena's Forane Church, Koonammavu|St. Philomena's Forane Church & St. Chavara Pilgrimage Centre]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.varapuzhabasilica.org www.varapuzhabasilica.org]


{{Christianity in Kerala}}
{{Christianity in Kerala}}
{{Churches of Kerala}}
{{Churches of Kerala}}
{{Basilicas in India}}


{{coord missing|Kerala}}
{{coord missing|Kerala}}


[[Category:Christian organizations established in the 17th century]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic churches in Kochi]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic churches in Kochi]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic shrines in India]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic shrines in India]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic churches completed in 1673]]

Latest revision as of 06:52, 25 November 2024

Varapuzha Basilica
Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Joseph
Varapuzha Basilica
LocationVarapuzha, Ernakulam district, Kerala
CountryIndia
DenominationCatholic Church
Sui iuris churchLatin Church
Membership3360
Websitewww.varapuzhabasilica.org
History
Former name(s)Cathedral of Our lady of Mount Carmel and St Joseph
Statusminor basilica, parish
Founded1673
Founder(s)Matheus of St Joseph
DedicationOur Lady of Mount Carmel, Saint Joseph
Dedicated17 November 1673
Architecture
Functional statusactive
Architectural typeGothic architecture
Administration
ProvinceSt. Pius X Manjummel Province of Discalced Carmelites
DioceseRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Verapoly
DeaneryKoonanmmavu, St.Philomena's Forane Church, Koonammavu
ParishBasilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Joseph
Clergy
ArchbishopJoseph Kalathiparambil
Priest(s)Joshy George
Assistant priest(s)Shon Jose
AssistantBernad, John, Justin

The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Joseph, popularly known as Varapuzha Basilica, is in Varapuzha, a northern suburban town of Kochi City in the Ernakulam district of Kerala state, India. It was built in 1673. The solemnity of the Assumption of Mary is celebrated as an annual sixteen-day confraternity festival, from 31 July to 15 August. The basilica is also a pilgrimage centre in the southern part of India. It serves as the mother church for 14 churches.

History

[edit]

This church was the seat of the metropolitans until 1904. The headquarters was then shifted to the town of Ernakulam, for easier administration. As the original seat of the Latin bishop, the church holds a unique place in the history of Latin Catholics in the area. Presently the church offers solace to the faithful who gather there for the powerful intercessions of Our Lady and Saint Joseph.

In 1653 Mathew of Saint Joseph reached Goa as a missionary. The old Varapuzha Church was built in 1673. On 20 February 1700 Pope Clement appointed the Carmelite missionary Angelus Francis as the Vicar Apostolic Malabar. All those who guided the life and activities of the Church from 1700 AD to 1886 AD were known as Apostolic vicars. On 13 March 1709 the Holy See suppressed the Malabar Vicariate, and the Varapuzha Vicariate was erected officially. In 1886 the Varapuzha Vicariate was raised to the status of archdiocese. Until 1904, Varapuzha was the official residence of the Archbishops of Varapuzha. From 1886 onwards the bishops took charge and care of the diocese of Varapuzha from this place named "Varapuzha".

On 1 September 1886 the Varapuzha Vicariate was officially raised to the status of archdiocese, and Rev. Dr. Leonardo Mellano OCD was consecrated as the first archbishop of the Archdiocese of Varapuzha.

In those years the Varapuzha Church was the only Catholic Church of this locality. At that time this was the home to all the Syrian Catholics of this locality.

The Carmelite missionary Paulinus (from 1744 to 1780) describes this church in his book India Orientalis Christiana as the "Church of Latin and Chaldean rites". The church has two patron saints, Saint Joseph resulted from the special devotion of its founder, Mathew of Saint Joseph.

The old church underwent a major uplift and reconstruction in 1927 when its old front doom collapsed in 1919.

In 1886 the Archdiocese of Varapuzha was established, and the church became the cathedral church of the archdiocese. This status remained with the church until 1936, when Saint Francis Cathedral was built in Ernakulam. The church is the final resting place of 28 Carmelite missionaries, including eight bishops of the Diocese of Varapuzha.

When Tipu Sultan (1750–1799), the Muslim conqueror, attacked, plundered and killed many, Varapuzha was providentially left out being an island, but it became the place of refuge for all from all religions and castes. The Carmelite missionaries took care of all of them.[citation needed]

In 1682 the Carmelite missionaries of Varapuzha requested the Propaganda Fidei for the construction of a seminary for the formation of the indigenous clergy.[citation needed]

In 1685 the seminary was closed down. A new seminary was built in 1766 in Varapuzha. At that time it accepted candidates from both Latin and Syrian rites.[citation needed]

In 1790 this seminary was closed following the attack of Tipu Sultan. The seminary was reopened in 1832. In 1866 the Syrians were shifted to the Puthenpally Seminary.[citation needed]

From 1659 to 1904, sixteen bishops and two archbishops guided the diocese from this place. In those days all travels and transportation were through water.[citation needed]

In a letter dated 11 December 2020, the office of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments approved the application of the Archdiocese of Verapoly to elevate the status of the former cathedral of Varapuzha to a minor basilica. As a minor basilica, it will be one of only 28 nationwide and 10th in Kerala, and the first one in the country to be named after St Joseph.[1]

Venerable Eliswa of Blessed Virgin Mary TOCD

[edit]

The tomb of Venerable Eliswa Vakayil (1831–1913), the foundress of the first indigenous Carmelite congregations (CTC and CMC) in Saint Joseph's convent, Varapuzha, is here.

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Joseph". gcatholic.
[edit]