Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan at the centenary celebrations of the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Puthenpally) in Thrissur on Sunday with Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, and Mayor M. K. Varghese by his side.
| Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB
Describing the historic Puthenpally as “a sheltering tree offering comfort to all,” Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church Mar Raphael Thattil inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (popularly known as Puthenpally), Thrissur, on Sunday.“Puthenpally has been a place where people of every faith and background have found peace,” Mar Thattil said. “In this city, if there is a place that not only listens to prayers, but also extends a helping hand to human suffering, it is Puthenpally. Those who cannot afford medicines prescribed by doctors find care and compassion here — without barriers of caste or religion.”Emphasising the church’s enduring legacy of charity, he added, “Puthenpally’s journey must continue — offering refuge to the homeless, clothing to the poor, and care to the sick.”Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan, in his address, said, “A church becomes sacred not through its walls, but through the fervent prayers of its faithful. For a century, this majestic basilica has witnessed the joys and sorrows of its people.”Significant faith centreRevenue Minister K. Rajan called the basilica “one of the most significant faith centres recorded in Kerala’s history.”The shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours began humbly on October 10, 1925 with a simple altar set up in a school under the presbytery, recalled Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath. The foundation stone was laid on December 21, 1929, and the grand structure was consecrated on November 24, 1940. In 1992, Pope John Paul II elevated it to the status of a basilica.An architectural marvel, the basilica spans 25,000 square feet and houses 11 ornate altars adorned with murals, icons, and biblical sculptures. Its iconic Bible Tower, soaring to 260 feet, makes it the tallest church tower in Asia — a true landmark of faith and craftsmanship.Yet, its greatness lies beyond its gothic beauty — in its tireless service to humanity. The basilica’s health care society, founded in 2000, has supported thousands of poor patients by providing medicines and meals, especially at the Jubilee Mission Hospital and Government Medical College.New initiativesMarking its centenary, the church launched new charity initiatives, including building a house for a homeless family and financial support to a widow for her daughter’s marriage.Mor Kuriakose Cleemis, Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Thrissur Diocese, Thrissur Corporation Mayor M. K. Varghese, and other dignitaries also spoke at the event, celebrating the basilica’s century-long mission of compassion, faith, and service. Published - October 05, 2025 08:30 pm IST
