India's oldest church celebrates 500 years

Kochi – Santa Cruz Basilica, a 16th century old church in Kochi, and famous all over the world, is celebrating its 500 years. It is the oldest church in India and is among the most historically significant structures in Kerala, adding to the development of Kochi as an important centre of Christian missionary activities in the Indian subcontinent.

When work began on it in May 3, 1505, under the initiative of Francesco de Almeida, the first Portuguese viceroy in India, it was just a church. History has it that the viceroy's was an ambitious venture because he set out on the task with the intention of building a brick–and–mortar structure. His ambition paid off as Kochi turned to become the centre of Christian missionary activities in the Indian sub–continent.

In 1558, under a decree from Pope Paul IV, Kochi became Kerala's first and India's second diocese.
Following the Dutch conquest of Cochin in 1663, most buildings and structures in the area that is now Fort Kochi, were turned into storehouses for goods and weapons. Only two buildings escaped this fate — the St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Cathedral.

However, when the British conquered Cochin in 1795, they destroyed the cathedral. It was rebuilt and consecrated on November 19, 1905. Impressed by its historic role, Pope John Paul II raised the cathedral to the status of a Basilica through a special decree in 1984.

"The church was destroyed and what we see today is the church that was rebuilt after destruction," said Rev. George Malat, Vicar of the Basilica.

The remains of Indo–European architecture that still exists here can be seen on the streets of Fort Cochin. The Basilica, with its beautiful carved wooden panels and pulpit, was rebuilt in the early 20th century.

The Italian paintings on the walls and most of the interiors remain the same.

The year–long celebrations of the Santa Cruz Basilica, which started on November 20, was marked by religious amity meets, family get–togethers and cultural programs.