Our Lady of Ransom Church Kanyakumari

Our Lady of Ransom Church Kanyakumari (Timings, History, Built by & Facts)

Dedicated to Mother Mary, the renowned Catholic church known as Our Lady of Ransom Church is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari District. Constructed in the fifteenth century, the church is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and stands out against the ocean’s blue waves. What draws most people to this wonderful building are its beauty and calm, which are further enhanced by the gold cross on the central tower.

The community in Spain is patronized by Our Lady of Ransom, who long ago saved the Christians from Muslim assaults in 1218. The residents of Kanyakumari started referring to their patron as Alangara Upakara Matha from combining the names Ransom and Delight. This magnificent church was constructed in her honor. Three white spires of the main building rise to the sky, and the church’s colorful stained windows cast multicolored lighting inside the main edifice. When the church is illuminated at night and in the evenings, it is at its most beautiful. The statue of the Virgin Mary at the altar, dressed in a sari, is what most captivates people. And this in itself is reason enough to visit the enchanting Our Lady of Ransom Church.

History Of Our Lady Of Ransom Church 

The ‘Our Lady of Delights Grotto’ was discovered by St. Francis Xavier during his arrival in Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari) in India in 1542. After thereafter, the area became a hub for Jesuit missionary work from Thoothoor to Ramanathapuram. It is thought that St. Francis Xavier worshiped in this Our Lady of Delights Grotto, which subsequently evolved into the current Our Lady of Ransom church. By the year 1700 AD, the first little thatched church had grown into a major institution.

The statue of Mother Mary was transported all the way from Rome to the church and was constructed in the Roman architectural style. This figure, known as Alangara Matha, was revered and positioned in the middle of a golden altar in the church. The statues of St. Francis Xavier and St. Joseph were positioned to the left and right of this one. Fr. John Consolvez set the cornerstone for the new church, which includes this old church, on May 31, 1900. Mr. Pakiam Pillai was tasked with overseeing the church’s construction, and because to his leadership, the structure is today recognized worldwide as a model of ancient Gothic art and culture. The church bells, which were brought over from Italy in 1900 AD, are housed in the two side towers that are connected to the main tower and serve as a belfry.

Architecture & Structure Of Our Lady Of Ransom Church 

The church’s central tower is supported by a large number of Gothic piers. The church’s ceiling is supported by compound pillars that resemble vertical shafts. The wooden sculptures show Mary’s coronation as Queen of heaven and earth, and the church’s seven entrances are claimed to symbolize the seven fruits of the Holy Spirit. Visitors are astounded by the beautiful details and elegance of the carefully carved representations of angels playing musical instruments. Additionally, there are carvings of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples. A lamb is shown resting on the Bible at the lowest part of the church altar.

Annual Feast At Our Lady Of Ransom Church

In December, Our Lady of Ransom Church celebrates the Annual Feast over ten days. The flag hoisting, which is planned for Friday just after the feast of St. Francis Xavier, Kottar, which falls on December 3, marks the start of the feast. During the ten days of the feast, special prayers and sermons are held in the evenings, and festival mass is conducted in the morning. The Corpus Christi Procession takes place on the evening of the eighth day, and special vespers and festivities are planned for the ninth. The renowned golden car parade, which is a very magnificent spectacle in and of itself, is the feast’s conclusion.

Golden Car Procession At Our Lady of Ransom Church 

Our Lady of Ransom and St. Joseph are paraded in a huge procession of golden cars on the ninth and 10 days of the Annual Feast. The first automobile, manufactured in 1798 AD, is used to transport Our Lady of Ransom in the procession. The second automobile, built in 1833 AD, is used to transport Mary’s husband, St. Joseph. The magnificent glorifying of Mother Mary via the art of pala padal and the ancient Nathaswaram music accompany this procession.

Our Lady Of Ransom Church Mass Timings

Sundays
Holy Mass: 5:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 4:00 PM

Weekdays
Holy Mass: 6:15 AM

First Friday
Rosary: 6:30 PM 
Adoration: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
First Saturday
Rosary: 6:00 PM 
Holy Mass: 6:30 PM 
Healing Prayers: 7:30 PM 
Benediction: 8:00 PM

All other Saturdays
Rosary: 6:00 PM
Holy Mass: 6:30 PM
Healing Prayer: 7:30 PM

How To Reach Our Lady of Ransom Church 

The Church is conveniently accessible to all areas of Kanyakumari by buses, taxis, and cars, and it is only two kilometers from the Kanyakumari State Transport Corporation Bus Stand. This makes it easy to get to the location.