Catholicism in India
Christianity has a long history in India, dating back to the arrival of the apostle Thomas in the first century AD. He founded early Christian communities known as "St. Thomas Christians." During the colonial era, European powers such as Portugal and Spain introduced Catholic missionaries to India, including figures such as St. Francis Xavier. India now has a sizable Catholic population, primarily of the Latin Rite, as well as Eastern Catholic Churches such as the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara.
Mother Mary is very important in India, especially among Indian Catholics. She is revered as the mother of Jesus and is held in high regard. Many Catholic cathedrals and churches in India have revered Mother Mary, and some have even depicted her in forms that bridge the cultural influences of both Hindu and Christian traditions, emphasizing the Mother Goddess's common worship throughout India.
Ārōkkiya Annai
In Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, there is a revered Marian apparition and a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics. The shrine is named after the Virgin Mary, also called "Our Lady of Good Health" and "Our Lady of Vailankanni". In the mid-16th century, the Virgin Mary appeared to a young boy carrying milk to a customer, according to legend. People of various faiths come to the shrine to seek blessings and to express their devotion.
Our Lady of the Mount
Mumbai, Maharashtra is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, popularly referred to as Mount Mary Church. Known for its yearly Bandra Fair, it is an important site of prayer for the Catholic community in Mumbai. Mother Mary's statue is known locally among Koli fishermen as Mot Maoli, which translates to "Pearl Mother" or "Mother of the Mount." The shrine, which represents a location of intercommunal harmony, draws both Catholics and Hindus.
Milagres Saibin
Milagres Saibin, also known as Our Lady of Miracles, is a venerated figure in Mapusa, Goa. "Saibin" is the feminine form of 'Saib,' which means 'Lord' in Konkani. Some believe she is an embodiment of Meerabai and a guardian figure in Goa's Saptamatrika tradition.
St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica, located in Shivajinagar, Karnataka, India, is one of Bangalore's oldest churches and the state's first minor basilica. The basilica's most important event is St. Mary's Feast, which commemorates the birth of Mother Mary and draws over 500,000 visitors each year.
Our Lady of Ransom
This church in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Our Lady of Ransom.
Our Lady of Snows
This basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Snows and is located in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. Portuguese for "Our Lady of Snows," Santa Maria Das Nevis is another name for her. This shrine, which takes its name from the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, has prayers and Portuguese architecture. In Tamil Nadu, it is currently a major pilgrimage place. It is well-known for its annual feast, which draws pilgrims from all over India.
Our Lady of Happy Voyage
Our Lady of Good Voyage is a title attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary that originated in nautical communities in Portugal and Spain. The devotion grew worldwide as sailors carried it with them on their journeys. In India, Our Lady of Happy Voyage is enshrined on the rooftop of Bandel Basilica, one of West Bengal's oldest Christian churches.
Korvi Mata
Korvi Mata Church is located in Narmada, Gujarat. She is a regionalized version of Mother Mary.
Dhori Mata
Coal miners from the Bilaspuri community were employed in the coalfields in 1956. Rupa Satnami, a miner, discovered a statue of a woman and child embedded in the coal wall one day. Rupa Satnami's pickaxe had broken one of the statue's arms. In Jarangdih, Jharkhand, the idol is worshipped as Dhori Mata, a form of Mother Mary.
