The Catholic Defender: Blessed Mary reportedly Visits India in 1580

The devotion to Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni, first originated in the mid-16th century following the occurrence of three miracles. First, there was the apparition of Mary and the Christ Child to a slumbering shepherd boy. Then, a lame buttermilk vendor was miraculously healed.

Our Lady of Vailankanni, is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary by devotees. She is said to have appeared twice in the town of Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, India, in the 16th to 17th centuries.

Our Lady of Good Health or "Our Lady of Vailankanni" first appeared to a Hindu boy who was under a banyan tree by a pond in the town of Vailankanni, India, during the 16th century.

The town is home to one of the most visited Latin Catholic shrines called the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. Velankanni has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme of the Government of India.

The devotion has existed since the mid—sixteenth century, and is attributed to three separate miracles believed by devotees to have been worked at the site: the apparition of the Madonna and Child to a slumbering shepherd boy, the healing of a handicapped buttermilk vendor, and the rescue of Portuguese sailors from a ...

Recently, a huge controversy had erupted over the claim that the water flowing from the statue at the Velankanni Church in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district was caused by a leak in the sewage system and not a miracle as claimed by the church.

With a sense of deep satisfaction the boy saw the Lady feeding her child with the buttermilk he had offered her. The Lady then cast a benevolent look at the lame boy and turned towards her Divine Child in her arms as if entreating him to heal the crippled lad. The Mother's silent request was instantaneously answered.

Many pilgrims walk the 600 m. sand path on their knees as an act of devotion, petition, or thanks. Many pilgrims crawl or walk barefoot along the 600-meter hot sand path as a sign of devotion at Velankanni.

Devotion to Our Lady of Good Health dates back to the 16th century, when Mary manifested herself three times to the faithful in Vailankanni, providing healing and protection. On the first occasion, Mary appeared with the Christ Child to a young shepherd boy.

On the fateful morning of December 26, 2004, an earthquake in the Indian Ocean near the island of Sumatra in Indonesia triggered a tsunami that killed thousands of people. Several fishermen and a large number of civilians who had gone to Velankanni to celebrate Christmas died due to the disaster.

Over 8,000 people lost their lives in Tamil Nadu to these giant waves. The world's deadliest tsunami killed over 230,000 people in 14 different countries, mostly in Indonesia. The death toll in India alone is above 18,000.

Velankanni Church is a must-visit for those with an interest in religion and culture. Dress conservatively, with shoulders and knees covered, out of respect for local customs.

The origins of this church can be traced back to the 16th century and its founding is attributed to three miracles: the apparition of Mary and Jesus to a slumbering shepherd boy, the curing of a lame buttermilk vendor, and the survival of Portuguese sailors assaulted by a violent sea storm.

It is a normal Indian beach experience with hawkers selling eatables, firing guns at balloons, etc. The sea is generally rough so it is not advisable to swim in it. Not very clean place with the magnitude of people visiting Velankanni it is to be expected.

Mary's tears have special significance for Catholics: She cries not only over the sins of the world, but also over the pain she endured in her earthly life, referred to as “the seven sorrows of Mary.” These sorrows, which include the crucifixion and death of Jesus, are depicted by seven swords piercing Mary's flaming

Another Hindu believer, Ayesha, who lives in Delhi Colony, said that the Lady of Velankanni is also a symbol of good health and prosperity. They come to the church to pray for her, and ask to her to give them good health.

Her message was a simple but important one: “Do penance, sacrifice, receive the sacraments frequently, and teach the children their catechism.” Adele would spend the rest of her life carrying out the Blessed Mother's wishes. The apparition was formally approved by Bishop David Ricken on December 8, 2010.