About

The Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam-Ernakulam is a famous centre of pilgrimage. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as "Vallarpadathamma". This is an ancient Christian Church built in 1524. Portuguese merchants headed by Vasco da Gama enthroned this miraculous picture of Our lady of Ransom at the shrine. The church was dedicated to the Holy Spirit, which was the first of its kind in Asia. The beautiful church was however destroyed by a heavy flood in 1676. The church was re-established in 1676 and the famous picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected by Portuguese who brought it from their native land. The picture is believed to have miraculous powers. The Portuguese built the first church on the site of the present church in 1524. It was destroyed in a flood in the late 17th century and a new church was built on the same spot in 1676. It was declared a special church by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 and in 1951 the Union Government declared it a major pilgrim centre.

Miracles of Vallarpadamma: In the year 1752, a woman by the name of Palliveetil Meenakshiamma and her child were miraculously saved through the intercession of Vallarpadamma after 3 days when they almost submerged in the flood waters. At the time when the woman and her child have swept away in the flood, the woman prayed to the Lady of Ransom that if we she and her child were saved, she would become an Adima (slave) of Our Lady. The spiritual practice of submitting oneself to the protection of Vallarpadamma thus originated at this time and became a popular form of devotion. This Adima ritual is performed by the fishermen and sailors to invoke the divine protection before they venture out to the sea.

From this day, travelers in this part began praying to the Lady of Vallarpadam for their safe journey. In the year 1888, prompted by the continuing miracles attributed to the Lady of Vallarpadathamma , Pope Leo XIII elevated the main alter of this shrine to the status of Altare Privilegiatum in Perpetuummeaning 'privileged altar for the celebration of daily mass'. The Government of India declared this shrine as a 'Major Pilgrimage Center of the Country' in the year 1951. In the year 2004, this church is declared as a National Shrine. The Venerable Pope John Paul II elevated this Church to the status of a Minor Basilica in the same year.

This church belonging to the Archdiocese of Verapoly has the following Mass timings and Novena: Saturday - 6.30 am, 10.30 am; 4.00 pm ; 4.30 pm; 6.00 pm English.

Timings