The shrine of Annai Velankanni becomes a minor basilica

The Annai Velankanni shrine in Besant Nagar was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Leo XIV. A celebration to mark the occasion was held on Sunday when 12 bishops from across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh gathered in a prayer hall by the sea.

It is now the 30th basilica in the country.

Very Reverend Msgr. Andrea Francia, chargé d’affaires ad interim, Apostolic Nunciature in India, New Delhi, read the papal decree. Symbols of the Catholic Church were placed during the ceremony, including the Umbracula and the coat of arms of the Vatican.

The Catholic shrine was started as a church in 1972 for local parishioners. It then became a shrine when the congregation was not limited to those of its parish.

Published – 22 Sep 2026 23:59 IST