Malayatoor shrine declared international pilgrimage center

Cochin – The Vatican has declared Malayattoor shrine as an international pilgrimage center, much to the joy of the Catholic community of Kerala.

This announcement, made by the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana on February 13, made the shrine, traditionally known as the place of retreat of St. Thomas the Apostle, the first and the only Catholic international pilgrim centre in India.

Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, Syro–Malabar major archbishop of Ernakulam–Angamaly, made the official announcement of the recognition last April. The shrine, which is under his jurisdiction, has been the object of pilgrimages since the fifth century.

The hilltop shrine is located in Malayattoor, where St. Thomas is believed to have spent many days in prayer. It is known as "Kurisumudi," or the mountain of the cross.

A solemn procession to the foot of Kurisumudi and a concelebrated Mass led by Cardinal Vithayathil in the presence of the papal representative marked the function that was attended by Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Oommen Chandy, the Catholicos of the Orthodox Church, Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, the Catholicos of the Jacobite Church, Mar Baselios Thomas I, Syro–Malankara Catholic Major Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios, Latin Archbishop Soosa Pakiam of Trivandrum, Sisters of Charity Superior General Sister Nirmala and others.

The Church in India considers it a great honour "that the Vatican has raised a shrine in the country to the status of an international pilgrimage center," Auxiliary Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath of Ernakulam–Angamaly told reporters.

The Pope John Paul II declared Malayattoor a national pilgrimage centre in February 2004. The growing numbers of pilgrims and the shrine's importance made the Holy See raise it to an international centre.

The Church has three categories of shrines: diocesan shrines approved by the local bishop, national shrines approved by the episcopal conference, and international shrines designated by the Holy See.