Heritage Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to Everyone
In Chennai, besides St Thomas Mount, the other important destination to visit is the famous Basilica of San Thome also known as the International Shrine of St Thomas Basilica. Situated at the southern end of Marina Beach, this is the original site of the tomb of Thomas the Apostle.
Thomas the Apostle reached the southwestern coast of India in 52 AD via Sri Lanka to spread Jesus' news of salvation. Sri Lankans believe that Thomas preached at Kotahena, Colombo before landing in Chennai. In Chennai, he lived in Mylapore and was killed on St Thomas Mount where he was interned.
Later in the 16th century, the Portuguese built the settlement of San Thome, and another church in St Thomas Mount where his mortal remains were transferred from the Basilica.
In 1898, the Gothic-style basilica was constructed with beautiful stained glass windows. As centuries passed, the Basilica is both a cathedral and the sort-of Apostles' gallery. Here visitors can learn about the lives of the 12 Apostles as mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible including Batholomew the Apostle who also preached in India once.
History is presented credibly in front of anyone. It is through the visit to the Basilica that anyone will appreciate the reality and importance of treasuring Christ's death and resurrection, missionary work, regardless of religious background. Everyone is fallible. We need God's pardon and cleansing of sins and we can do our part in sharing the good news of heavenly pardon with everyone.
One can deduce if one never visited St Thomas Mount and the Basilica, one had never truly visited Chennai, one of life's marvelous cities in calm.
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to Everyone
In Chennai, besides St Thomas Mount, the other important destination to visit is the famous Basilica of San Thome also known as the International Shrine of St Thomas Basilica. Situated at the southern end of Marina Beach, this is the original site of the tomb of Thomas the Apostle.
Thomas the Apostle reached the southwestern coast of India in 52 AD via Sri Lanka to spread Jesus' news of salvation. Sri Lankans believe that Thomas preached at Kotahena, Colombo before landing in Chennai. In Chennai, he lived in Mylapore and was killed on St Thomas Mount where he was interned.
Later in the 16th century, the Portuguese built the settlement of San Thome, and another church in St Thomas Mount where his mortal remains were transferred from the Basilica.
In 1898, the Gothic-style basilica was constructed with beautiful stained glass windows. As centuries passed, the Basilica is both a cathedral and the sort-of Apostles' gallery. Here visitors can learn about the lives of the 12 Apostles as mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible including Batholomew the Apostle who also preached in India once.
History is presented credibly in front of anyone. It is through the visit to the Basilica that anyone will appreciate the reality and importance of treasuring Christ's death and resurrection, missionary work, regardless of religious background. Everyone is fallible. We need God's pardon and cleansing of sins and we can do our part in sharing the good news of heavenly pardon with everyone.
One can deduce if one never visited St Thomas Mount and the Basilica, one had never truly visited Chennai, one of life's marvelous cities in calm.
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