User:Softpraveen/sandbox

--SoftPraveen 08:25, 2 February 2013 (UTC) ST. THOMAS MOUNT NATIONAL SHRINE
 * LOCATED CITY: CHENNAI
 * STATE: TAMIL NADU
 * COUNTRY: INDIA (SOUTH)

Thomas called the Twin was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus. His attachment to his Master was so deep and so authentic that he dynamited his companions "Let us also go with him and die with him" Perhaps he envisaged to accompany his Master to the Mount of Calvary but his Master accompanied him to another Mount in Chennai, India to die for Him and to live for Him in the faith of the generations of this country!

He missed one of the first apparitions of the Risen Lord but he was privileged to have a rich faith experience and personal encounter at the feet of his Risen Master when he exclaimed the immortal profession of faith and surrender: My Lord and My God! It is a well known historical fact that Christianity was first introduced into India by St Thomas. After the Death and Resurrection of Christ, Thomas became acquainted with Habban, a merchant of king Gondophare of India. It was in the company of this merchant that Thomas landed at Cranganore on the Malabar Coast of present day Kerala in 52 A.D.

After building seven churches on this coast, St Thomas crossed over to Coromandel Coast of India's eastern seaboard and enriched the southern part of India with the seeds of the Gospel in a land that had never known what this Gospel of salvation was. It was a hard fight which made him to go into hiding in the Little Mount. When at last he reached the Parangi Malai (present St Thomas Mount), perhaps he found that this place was better suited for his life of solitude and prayer. But that very spot and that very moment of prayer were sealed and sanctified when he became a libation for the Gospel in the year 72 A.D.

His mortal remains were shifted to Santhome where the huge Basilica of St Thomas was erected later to entomb the Apostle's body. Thus the three punctuations of his itinerary in the city of Chennai – Little Mount, St Thomas Mount and Santhome – became places of spiritual energy in the years to come.

HISTORY OF THE SHRINE

St Thomas Mount is a Holy place of international prominence, historical eminence, religious glory and tourist attraction.The ancient Church on the top of St. Thomas Mount has served as the light house for the Portuguese and Armenian ships and vessels in theBay of Bengal in the 16th and 17th centuries. Interestingly, it is said, when sailors sighted the Church they offered prayers for a safe Voyage and then discharged from their artillery in salutation. Preserving its glorious antiquity, this five century old Shrine Chapel has been renovated and restored in the recent times. The Mount of Saint Thomas is easily accessed by the devotees who make the vowed climb through the 134 granite steps as an act of penance and sacrifice. An ornate arch with an imposing elegance remains an attraction to all those who happen to glimpse it with a note of the year of its construction, 1726. The Armenian merchants of old were great benefactors of many Catholic Churches in and near Madras. Petrus Uscan was the greatest among them. He built a brick paved road with granite steps at intervals flanked by a double wall leading from the road below to the top of the mount. In his foresightedness, he also left a sum of money with the Administrator-General of Madras for the upkeep of these steps. To make possible for modern vehicular traffic the accessibility to the historic Shrine, the late Archbishop Louis Mathias (the last of the European Bishops) had a 3.5 meters (12 feet) wide fully asphalted road laid by the military from the south- western base of the hill right upto the top in 1962. This imposing welcoming arch serves as the main entrance to the Hill Shrine. According to tradition, the Cross chiselled on a stone of this hill by St Thomas himself and used by him for his personal prayer gave strength to him when he was pierced from behind with a lance as he was praying before it. It is believed that the Cross should have been stained with the blood of the Martyr. This Cross was accidentally discovered later by the Portuguese when they dug the foundations for the new Church in 1547. According to ancient records, this Cross sweated blood during the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Gasper Coelho on the 18th December 1558. In the early years, this Cross used to sweat blood every year, then every two or three years and, later, at longer intervals. The last occasion on which it was found sweating blood was in 1704. Popular faith says that innumerable miracles of cures were attributed to this sacred stone cross through mere contact with it in faith and it has roused the conversion of many unbelievers. Even today the natural dampness on its surface is a perennial factor of surprise and devotion. The image of the Cross itself is unique It was in 1908 after much disputation that the inscription around the cross was deciphered as: "Through the Cross, the Messiah borught salvation to the world". As per tradition, the oil painting of the Madonna of the Blessed Virgin was painted by St Luke the Evangelist on wood and was brought here by St Thomas and used by him for prayer. Hence it is popularly known as the "Scapular of St Thomas.". In "Tombs and Descriptions in the Madras Presidency" ( A Government Publication ), Mr. J. J. Cotton says : "This is a picture painted by St Luke who was an artist. The Virgin died when Thomas was away and on his return he had the tomb opened in order that he might once more look upon her. It was found that the body had been miraculously removed and Thomas was so disturbed that St. Luke offered to paint him a portrait of the Virgin as a consolation. This portrait St. Thomas carried with him on all his wanderings". The first written account of this painting is made in 1559 when the King of Bisnaga took it to his Court in Chandragiri and later returned it in a palanquin to the Mount. The wear and the warp of this sacred species are explained by the efforts of the people down the ages to bury and hide it in order to protect it from the onslaught of the invading enemies. However the Madonna is considered to be one of the oldest and most venerated paintings in India and countless favors and blessings have been recorded by devotees who have stood and prayed before it. The fifteen Stations of the Cross adorn the sides of the steps. The minute precision with which the figures have been moulded and the heaviness of the rare metal used in them add colour and life to the scenes of the Stations of the Cross along the steps of the Mount.They are spots of inspiration and they spiritually dispose the pilgrims who climb the steps for an eventual spiritual experience on the hill top Every year during Lent thousands of people flock the hill to make their Stations of the Cross with the help of these depictions. The annual mammoth gathering of people for the Mass celebrated by the Bishop on the Palm Sunday evening is the culmination of their Lenten pilgrimage. Fr.Gaspar Coelho, Vicar of the Church in Mylapore in 1545 records that one Diego Fernandes, a Portuguese, built a small oratory on top of the hill over the foundation of a very ancient church in 1523 AD. The spot was already a place of pilgrimage. Since this oratory dedicated to the Mother of God was very small and since the number of pilgrimage was increasing, Fr. Coelho laid the foundation for a bigger church on March 23, 1547 and completed the existing church within a year. It was then known as the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. Since it was just a week before the birth of Jesus that the extraordinary event of bleeding of the Cross is said to have happened, Mary is honored as the Mother of Expectation in her throes and the Church that entombs the stone cross and the sacred spot of the Apostle's martyrdom was dedicated to Our Lady of Expectation as the peak structure of the Hill. Every year the 18th December has become the Annual Feast Day of this Shrine Chapel, which is celebrated with unction and devotion. Fr. Gaspar Coelho, who had built the church was buried in it and there is an inscription over his grave at the very entrance of the church. The welcoming gate of the Hill Shrine with its Indian lamp conveys the message that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. The two lampstands with seven wicks each symbolize the witnessing life and death (Rev 11:4) of the Prophet Martyrs like StThomas. An osmosis of light at the entrance reminds us that a city built on the hill top cannot be hidden (Mt 5:14) but that it will shine. The facade of the Shrine Chapel is beautifully ornamented and highlighted by the Portuguese coat of arms engraved in rich granite and it serves as an official signature of the Portuguese who were the architects of this historical place of worship. The shell patterned roof of the Chapel is a tunnel of spiritual energy leading thousands of pilgrims in fervent prayer to the cave of their hearts. The stone inscription on the top of the outer side wall reads in Portuguese that the frontal extension of the original chapel and the massive main wooden doors were "ordered to be done by Zacharias in the year 1707." An Arch inside the church bears the title in Portuguese: "Senhora da Expectacao" (Our Lady of Expectation) with the year of its construction 1523. The shrine church entombs a piece of the Bone of St Thomas casketed in a beautifully ornamented monstrance. People have witnessed to many miracles that have been effected through the efficacy of this holy relic. This Sanctuary is said to be the spot where St Thomas was martyred. Any one standing on this surface will certainly feel the vibrations of the hidden current that floods this main altar area. The excellent artistic background elevates the inner soul. The framed oil painting of St Thomas being pierced with a lance from behind in his praying posture on the wall behind the high altar is the high point of awe and devotion for all who climb the hill to reach this sanctuary. The artistic finale exhibited in the attractive wooden podium of the fifteenth century is a monumental piece of ancient art. It bespeaks the importance attached to the Breaking of the Word in the liturgy of the early centuries. The ornamental wood carving in unison with the main altar is a banquet for the eyes of the beholder. This is another gift of Petrus Uscan. The votive shrine that shelters the colourful Statue of Our Lady in the sitting posture is of a later fashioning and it exhibits a graceful look and maternal benevolence. The huge framed paintings of antiquity screening before us the images of the twelve Apostles and that of Christ and of St. Paul are marvelous treasures of art and faith. They not only adorn the church but they also elevate our spirits. Though such pictures of the Apostles are common in the great Basilicas of the West, the uniqueness of these consists in their miniature picturesque information about the way in which each of the Apostles glorified their Master in their final offering. The renovation process of the Shrine Chapel has given a new face lift to the northern side With the enticing arch door inviting people for a personal encounter with the Eucharistic Lord. The silence and stillness of the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel provides the best of the atmosphere for one's contemplation and deep prayer. The Italian marble laying, the dim lighting effects, the antique hanging lamp, and the Portuguese styled ancient altar add to the serenity of the place and the sanctity of the Chapel. Hundreds of pilgrims choose to come to the Hill just to spend some quiet time in the gripping presence of the Eucharistic Lord. This Adoration Chapel is kept open everyday from 7.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m The enveloping presence of the divine is made an experience to all by the very appearance and structure of the Adoration Altar. The Tabernacle door depicts the conjunction of three hands – God's own hand in unconditional giving, my own hand of selfless giving and the hand of my neighbour's solidarity – the three basics of a wholesome spirituality with the cross at the background. The absorbing and scintillating Monstrance with golden rays of wheat grass and fine art touch on the base, the adorning cherubs in oxidized silver holding aloft the base plate are all a rare combination to evoke lasting throbs of the divine. This marvellous piece is a generous gift of one Mr. Vincent from Chicago. The enchanting atmosphere on the hill top is being further enhanced by the imposing Calvary depicting in life size images the scene of Calvary, with a huge Crucifix and a tall black and white obelisk in the background. This monumental piece overlooking the city of Chennai is a striking landmark visible for miles around. It is a masterpiece commemorating the Sacerdotal Golder Jubilee of His Grace Archbishop Louis Mathias dating back to 1963. The devotion with which devotees kneel or stand before the Calvary in prayer evokes our inner self. The majestically overlooking Bell Tower of the Hill Shrine provides an exquisite sight of grandeur. Besides a chiming bell and a Station of the Cross, the tower houses a historical monument commemorating with gratitude the heroic martyrdom of Mr. Jacob, the Manger of the Shrine who was killed by a fanatic while defending the Christian ownership of this holy hill on the 26th November 2006. Though the Mount is a proud heritage of the Christians, it has remained the attraction of tourists from within the country as well as abroad. The open air stage meant for public worship and the grilled open space provide an exquisite sight of the whole city of Chennai, especially with its illumination far and wide, a panoramic view which is a gift unique to this spot alone. The presence of a huge banyan tree and a green peepul/ pipal tree on the Hill is a natural gift to the seekers since both the trees are a rare sacred species in the Indian context.

Proclaiming as a National Shrine

My dear Brother Bishops and brothers and sisters, we are here to witness this historical and national event, when the Shrine of St. Thomas the Apostle at St. Thomas Mount is proclaimed as a National Shrine. I congratulate Bishop Needhi Nathan, the Bishop of Chengleput, the Shrine Committee, the priests, religious and all the people present here for this great gift to the diocese and to the nation. I bring to you greetings and apostolic blessings of His Holiness pope Benedict XVI. My best wishes and prayers are always with you. Every Catholic Shrine is a sacred place which has a history of divine intervention and the spontaneous devotional response of the people who flock there as pilgrims. But even more special, here in this twin mountains 'Parangi Malai' Foreigner's Mount and 'Chinna Malai' Little Mount, St. Thomas has lived and carried on his evangelizing mission and established churches in India. The holy Gospel today identifies St. Thomas as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus known as the 'twin'. During the Last Supper discourse Jesus announced his departure and why he should be going. He asked the apostles, "And you know the way where I am going." (Jn 14 :4) and to that question Thomas replied, "Lord we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way? And Jesus said to him: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." (Jn 14 : 5-6) This is one of the few texts in the Bible which has so much significance for our spiritual life and for theology. Another often quoted text from the Bible is about the most remembered event in the life of St. Thomas. When the resurrected Lord appeared before the apostles, he called Thomas and told him to "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." And to that Thomas responded, "My Lord and My God!" (Jn 20: 27-28). Aside from being known as the "twin", St. Thomas is also known as "the doubter". But his questions and doubts were all for our advantage. Pope Benedict XVI cites the example of the Apostle Thomas and recommends that during the times of doubt and uncertainty, all believers should have the courage to tell God that they don't understand him and they need his help. "In this way, with such frankness, which is the authentic way to pray, to converse with Jesus, we express the littleness of our capacity to understand, but at the same time we assume the attitude of trust of one who expects light and strength from the one able to give them," (Benedict XVI, Catechesis on Apostle St. Thomas, 27 September 2007). On seeing the resurrected Christ, St. Thomas declares, "My Lord and my God". Pope Benedict XVI says that "Thomas reacts with the most splendid profession of faith of the New Testament." (Benedict XVI, Catechesis on Apostle St. Thomas, 27 September 2007). The same exclamation we say in every mass. It is a constant acknowledgement of Jesus as God and a reminder to every one who doubts in Jesus that he is indeed God and Lord. It is an inspiration for many who looked up to St. Thomas to strengthen their own faith. Strengthened by this affirmation, Thomas like the other apostles set out to preach the good news of Christ and founded churches. He traveled to 'India' to preach the message of Christ. Having traveled to different places in South India and having established different churches. St. Thomas came to the Madras region and settled at the cave in Parangi Malai, next to Little Mount. From that time onwards these two hillocks have been associated with St. Thomas the Apostle. This shrine is significant to the whole as a chosen place of one of Christ's Apostles, but it is especially important to India because St. Thomas was her first missionary. This is where he carried out his ministry, here in these mountains and at the end where he was martyred. Now the place where he is believed to have been martyred for the faith has become a shrine, a national shrine, a dwelling place of God to draw us to him and to receive his blessings. The prophet Ezekiel reminds us of the most encouraging and hope filled message, that wherever God dwells "there shall be showers of blessings" (Ezek 34: 26). To have these blessings we ought to experience the closeness with God and allow God to direct the blessings upon us. In the book of Leviticus we read that the Lord will command the blessings to reach us, particularly when to go to meet Him 'in a shrine' where God dwells. "I will command my blessings upon you" (Lev 25: 21). We often wonder why so many people flock to the shrines and holy places of devotion. Every one longs to meet and experience God and receive his blessings. God assures us of blessings but only if we follow the commandments, the guidelines and the directives of God. In the book of Deuteronomy it is told that "All these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God." (Deut 28: 2). Moreover, these blessings will be all in vain if we do not learn how to share them with the most in need. As God will be gracious upon us, let us also learn to be gracious to others. In conclusion, let us thank God for the gift of St. Thomas the Apostle to India and to the Church. Let us pray to God that we may continue to receive abundant blessings through this national Shrine of St. Thomas. God bless you. Amen.

100 Relics of the 12 Apostles & Saints

100 Relics of Apostles and Saints at St. Thomas Mount National Shrine for the Veneration St. Paul calls the believers of the early Christian community as 'Saints' (Col 1:2). We are also called to be Saints. To make us God-like, God sent His only Son as man. Saints were ordinary people who have crossed the path of being in sin, but have overcome the wails and temptations of life and are now crowned with the glory of God and are in heavenly abode looking at His face and praising Him unceasingly. The people who are leading a sinful life if they denounce that life and follow Jesus, then they too can attain the kingdom of heaven. For our day to day living we need the intercession and protection of Saints. It is in remembrance of Saints we celebrate Nov 2nd as "All Saints Day". Saints are ordinary people who led ordinary lives with extraordinary love for God. The things used in their day to day living or any part of their body uncoupled by the passing of line are termed as "Relics." These relics are venerated by the Catholic Community. And Every Catholic Church has its altar consecrated by the Relic of a Saint. This Holy Shrine of St. Thomas, the Apostle for India, located in Chennai, for centuries together holds the relics of St. Thomas namely His Toe Bone. And also there are some Holy things such as The Cross carved by St. Thomas on a rock and the painting of Mother Mary and child Jesus by St. Luke brought by St. Thomas in the year – These are relics of St. Thomas that have been 52 A.D. venerated by us for ages. This shrine now boasts of more than 100 relics of Saints which also includes relics St. Joseph, Mother Mary and all the Apostles of Jesus. The strong belief of our catholic faith in the intercession of the Saints makes it a source of Jubilation for us. If such common humans could become Saints due to their astonishing love for God, we too may become one of them if we in our everyday lives show admirable love for God and His creations!

The Upper Room

The Upper Room – Residence for the Vianney Seminarians of the Diocese of Chingleput The "Upper Room" which played a vital role in the life of Jesus and his disciples is a very significant and apt title given to the home of the seminarians on the top of the hill shrine. It is in the upper room that Jesus taught his disciples to serve one another with love and humility. It is in the same upper room that Jesus gave us the sacrament of the holy Eucharist. It is in the upper room that Mother Mary and the disciples prayed and waited for the descent of the Holy Spirit. In the same way the seminarians before adorning themselves with the cassock of the sacrifice of love learn to serve people with love and humility clothing themselves with the power of the Holy Spirit. This seminary is situated in the hill shrine of St. Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus who was present in the upper room with the second person of the trinity and was waiting to be filled with the third person of the trinity. St. Thomas who shed his holy blood on this hill, becoming a Martyr, who proclaimed "My Lord and My God." It is on this hill shrine that the upper room is situated with the seminarians waiting to follow the footsteps of Jesus clothed with his love and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The total numbers of seminarians for the year 2012 – 2013, residing in the upper room are 13. They are guided by two fathers appointed by the Bishop. They have wholesome development in terms of Spiritual, Intellectual, Emotional, Social and Physical growth. They are sent to do their further studies which will enable them to serve people and their fellow members in today's needy society. They are taught to bind in prayer and fellowship.