Church of Our Lady of Expectations In Chennai

Church of Our Lady of Expectations popularly known as Luz Church, is located in a tiny corner of Mylapore, in Chennai. The church, built by Franciscan missionaries from Portugal in honor of Mother Mary in 1516, is commonly known as ‘Kaatu Kovil’ amongst the local people.

About Church of Our Lady of Expectations :

A church dedicated to “Our Lady of Expectation” (Mother Mary) was built by Portuguese in 1523 on the top of this hill. It is believed that the altar of this church was built on the spot where St. Thomas was killed. At the northern foot of the mount, an impressive gateway with arches inscribed in 1547 welcomes you to the church. You can reach the church located at a height of 300 feet above the sea level by climbing around 135 steps. On the way you can find the sight of fourteen statues (Stations of the Cross) which talk about the last day of Jesus Christ.

Attraction Of Church of Our Lady of Expectations In Chennai :

Church of ‘Our Lady of Light’, popularly known as Luz Church, is located in a tiny corner of Mylapore, in Chennai. The church, built by Franciscan missionaries from Portugal in honor of Mother Mary in 1516, is commonly known as ‘Kaatu Kovil’ (Church located in a forest) amongst the local people.. It is the first church built in honor of ‘Our Lady of Light’ and is believed to be the oldest church in Chennai. The church, over the years had withstood the vagaries of time and human misadventures: it was damaged when Golconda forces occupied it in the 17th century; later Hyder Ali occupied it in the late 18th century. The East India Company also occupied Luz church for some time. The Luz Church is noteworthy for its old European ecclesiastical architecture. The arches in Gothic style and well-designed classical lines in European style, add to its beauty.

Church of Our Lady of Expectations Features :

St Thomas, the Apostle of India visited and settled down in what is now Chennai around 70 AD. He is said to have carved a stone cross with his own fingernail. This cross was alleged to bleed, for close to 100 years. The mountain and cave, which is called as home, was discovered by the Portuguese who built the Church of “Our Lady of Expectations” in Chennai. Believers thronging to this place believe that this sacred church does miracles to those who offer prayers.

Overview Church of Our Lady of Expectations In Chennai :

An ancient city, which has got a rich record of long 350 years, Chennai has been able to conserve its civilization and appeal. In between the long busy sandy beaches, parks, sculptures and historic landmarks, one can see a lively and lively city which is ever growing, developing, rising and shifting in accord with the modern trends. St Thomas, the disciple of India visited and settled down in what is now Chennai around 70 AD. He is said to have engraved a stone cross with his own fingernail. This cross was suspected to bleed, for close to hundred years. The mountain and pothole, which is called as residence, was exposed by the Portuguese who built the Church of “Our Lady of Expectations” in Chennai. Believers thronging to this place accept as true that this holy church does miracles to those who tender prayers.

History Church of Our Lady of Expectations In Chennai :

Pazhaiyakayal which had been an important port ( Port of Kayal ) of the Pandiya kings, was with Punnaikayal parish until 1921. Having been first among the 16 substations of Punnaikayal, became an independent parish on the 21 st of September 1920 with Fr. Gaspar Roche as its first parish priest. St. Francis Xavier while working in the pearl fishery coast, built a thatched church and preached good news in 1542. History has it that Xavier prayed over a woman in labor for three days until she gave birth to a son and hence the church was dedicated to Our Lady of Expectation. A stone tablet depicts that a grotto named â€œXaveri Navastanâ€ was constructed in memory of the above mentioned miracle, and blessed by the first Bishop of Tuticorin on the 3 rd of December 1938 . In his letter dated 23 May 1543 , St. Francis Xavier mentions that Paravas of Pazhaiyakayal were converted to Catholicism. This village came under the governance of Tiruchirapolly diocese from the diocese of Goa . In the place where a native of this village killed one Fr. Ambrose with a club, Fr. Pouget built a chapel dedicated to St. Sebastian. All these information can found in a tablet in the chapel within the Bishopâ€™s house of Thoothukudi diocese. Due to earnest efforts of the Jesuits â€œJesu Kurusadiâ€ was built in the forest about 3 kilometers east of the village, which is known now as â€œJesu Kovilâ€.