Education
Velankanni : Lourdes Of The East - The church's origins trace back to the 16th century, based on three reported miracles: an apparition to a shepherd boy whose milk jug refilled miraculously, the healing of a lame buttermilk vendor, and the rescue of Portuguese sailors from a storm. Mary is locally known as Arokia Matha (Our Lady of Good Health) and is venerated by people, even non-Christians, who seek healing and blessings. The first shrine was a simple thatched chapel, now transformed into a stunning Gothic-style basilica with white walls and striking red-tiled roofs. The basilica was officially raised to its status in 1962 by Pope John XXIII.