|| Indian Christianity ||

India has a positive Kaleidoscope of religions. There is probably more diversity of religions and sects in India than anywhere else in the earth. Christianity is one of the other religions, which completes the vibrant religious mosaic. It is one such religion, which was not originated in India but has a very deep roots spread all across India. According to the legends St. Thomas or Doubting Thomas sailed to India from Eastern Asia in 52 AD. He spent 12 years in India, the last eight of his life in Mylapore in Madras (now Chennai). Several shrines have been created in the places associated with him. Apart from this, the advent of Europeans in India from 15th century onwards led to the mass influx of Christians and subsequent development of Christianity. Some of the churches of the Colonial India are comparable to the best in the world and are as much the heritage of India as the temples of ancient India. Visit these churches and explore the fascinating world of Christianity in India. India has some of the best-known Christian pilgrimage sites. The interesting thing about the Indian Churches is that, they reflect distinct archaeological designs. Here one can see Churches in British style, Portuguese style, French style and of late many Churches according to Indian style were also constructed.

     The most important of the spiritual centers of the Malankara is the Tomb of His Holiness the "Parumala Thirumeni". The Church was constructed as a result of the efforts of Parumala Geevarghese Mar Gregorios. On 27 January 1825 a provisional consecration of the Church was conducted. Later, on 19 August 1912 His Holiness Abdheth Misheha, the Patriarch consecrated the Parumala Church. The Church is built and named after the Apostle St. Peter and St. Paul. The burial place of Yuyakim Mar Ivanios can also be seen here.
     On 8 September 1912 Kallasseril Geevarghese Mar Gregorios and on 3 November 1930 Puthencavu Geevarghese Mar Philexinos were consecrated in Parumala. On 29 April 1991 at the seminary the installation of His Holiness Baselios mar Thoma Mathews II Catholicos took place. Here 5 Episcopas were consecrated on 30 April 1991 and on 16 August 1993 2 more Episcopas were consecrated.
    Here the Malankara Association met in 1873 and on 18 February 1878 with Pulikkotil Joseph Dionysius in the chair and again on 10 September 1992 and on 26 May 1994. The Church is situated 1/2 a K.m away to the east from the Mannar Junction and is 10 Kms towards the south from Tiruvalla on Thiruvalla- Mavelikara Road and 9 K.ms towards the north from Mavelikara. Here on Fridays the Holy Qurbana with three celebrants (Munninmel) is conducted and meditative discourse is given. During the day of 'Pentecost' the 'tarrying Meet' and during the '3 day Fast' and the 'Lenten season', 'Meditation Meets' are conducted.
     November 1 and 2 are the main feast days. In connection with this feast a whole week is being observed as 'Pilgrimage Week'. Various Seminars are conducted and lectures given. Medical camps are also held under the auspices of the Mar Gregorios Hospital in Parumala. The New Church in Parumala is being constructed at the cost of Rupees Three Crores.

Christianity has taken its root in India in the first century itself. i.e., three centuries before it gained official recognition in Europe or became the established religion in Rome. St Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ landed in Muzris (Kodungallur), the famous ancient ports on the West Coast of India during the year 52 A.D. He founded seven Churches on the Kerala coast in the following places: Palayur, Kodungallur (Maliankara), Quilon (Kollam), Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Nilakkal, and Paravoor. The present St Thomas Archdiocesan Shrine, Palayur is believed to be the first Christian Church established on the Indian soil.

St Thomas Traveled from Kodungallur through the backwaters and reached at Vanchi Kadavu (Boat Jetty) of Palayur. This Boat Jetty in Palayur still exists in the form of a large pond, which is called Bottukulam. A replica of the boat in which St Thomas traveled and his life size statue is the main attractions of Bottukulam.

One of the miracles performed by St Thomas in Palayur was in Thaliyakulam. One day when the local people were having their morning snanam (bath) at Thaliakulam, St Thomas saw the people throwing water in the air as a ritual, which was called “Tharpanam”. He was fascinated in their act and himself took some water in his cupped hands and thrown it into the air. Legend has it that the water remained in the air in the form of roses. Most of the people who saw this miracle believed in Christ and were baptized by St Thomas.

The followers of St Thomas grew large in number and Palayur became one of the main Christian Centers of Kerala. Because of the importance of Palayur as a Christian Center, Pope Gregory 13th appointed a Bishop in Palayur but due to certain circumstances the appointed Bishop could not take charge of the post. The present Church was rebuild by the Italian Jesuit Father Fenichio in the year 1607. Rev Fr George Choondal, then Vicar also made some renovations and two wings were added to the Northern and southern sides of the Church during 1952

Palayur Mahatheerthadanam, which is held normally on the third Sunday of the Lent every year, attracts thousands of people from all over Thrissur District and other parts of Kerala. This Pilgrimage commences from Lourde Cathedral, Thrissur and the participants walk 28 Kilometers, all the way from Thrissur to Palayur, carrying wooden crosses. As the Pilgrim procession proceeds further, parishners from Churches enroute also join. Believers from other parishes which are not located on the main route of the procession also come walking from three different directions and join at St Thomas Nagar, a central place near Palayur. There all the four processions join together and the whole human sea moves towards St Thomas Pilgrim Center, led by the Arch Bishop.

Baptism on the Muppittu Njayar is an important event in the Palayur Pilgrim Center. Newly born children from all over Kerala are brought for baptizing them in Thaliyakulam, where St Thomas performed the baptism of the early Christians in AD 52. The ceremonies start at 4 PM and after Baptism at Thaliyakulam, the children are brought to the main Church in a procession, each child under a decorated and colored silk umbrella (Muthu Kuda) with relatives and friends joining the procession. The procession then reaches the granite cross established by St Thomas, in front of the main hall of the Church, where the traditional Kerala lamps are lighted on behalf of each child by their parents, followed by Holy Mass.

St Thomas was killed at St Thomas Mount, Mylapore, Madras on July 3rd, 72 A.D. Kerala Christians remember this day as St Thomas Day, which is also known as Thukhrana Thirunal.

As a remembrance of his death anniversary every year an Oottu Thirunal is celebrated in Palayur Pilgrim Center. More than ten thousand people take part in this big event every year and each one of them is served free food. Each year the number of people attending this memorial function is on the increase.

The main feast of St Thomas is celebrated on 14 and 15 of Jul every year as a remembrance of the Baptism he performed at Thaliyakulam. Though it is in the middle of the strong monsoon season, People all over from Kerala gather at Palayur to trace their ancestral history.

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH
COCHIN

Built in the Year 1503
1503 to 1663 - Portugese Period (Roman Catholic Church)
1664 to 1804 - Dutch Period (Dutch Reformed Church)
1804 to 1947 - British Period (Anglican Church)
1947 onwards - Church of South India

Fort Cochin is believed to be the oldest European Settlement in India and St. Francis Church was the first European Church to be built in India. The history of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India, from the 15th to 20th Centuries.

The Portugese were the first Europeans to discover the sea route to India when Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut in 1498. Two years later, on 24th December 1500, Portuguese ships under the command of Admiral Cabral visited Cochin and the Rajah of Cochin permitted them to engage in trade. In 1503,

Alphonso Alburquerque was given permission by the Rajah to build a fort at the mouth of the river which constructed mainly of the stems of cocunut trees bound with iron bands, whilst the rampart of stones and sand formed the inner defence. Within the Fort they erected a church of wood which was dedicated to St. Bartholomew and which occupied the site on which the more spacious structure of the Franciscans later arose. In 1506, Dom Francisco Almeyda, the Viceroy, was permitted by the Rajah of Cochin to build a new city of mortar and stone. The buildings were roofed with tiles, a privilege hitherto confined to the palace of the local prince and to the temples in which he performed puja. The Portuguese vowed that, apart from the fortifications, the first permanent erection would be a house for Divine worship. The new Church, was completed in 1516 and dedicated to St. Antony.

Towards the end of 1524, Vasco da Gama returned to Cochin (Which he first visited in 1502) where he died on Christmas eve of that year and was buried in this Church. Fourteen years later, his remains were removed to Portugal and deposited at Vidigveria where they remained until 1872 when they were removed to Lisbon.

The Church remained in the Order of St. Francis until the arrival of the Dutch in

1663. One of the first acts of the Dutch was to order all European Catholic priests to quit their territory, after which they demolished all the convents and churches of the place, except the Church of the Fransiscans which they reconditioned and converted into their Government Church. On 8th January, 1664 they celebrated their first service with a parade of all arms on the Anniversary of their entry into the city. During the reconditioning, the stone alter and the wiring guilded screens were removed and taken to the Church of Vypeen, which the Dutch permitted the Roman Catholic to build in 1665, and the Communion table and rostrum furniture were installed in their stead. A tablet over the west door indicates that the Church was renovated in 1779.

When the British captured Cochin from the Dutch in 1795, they permitted them to retain possession of the Church for a time. In 1804 the Dutch voluntarily surrendered the Church to the Anglican Communion when it was passed to Ecclesiastical Department of the Government of India. But when the Rev. Thomas Norton came to Cochin in 1816 on his way to inaugurate the work of the Church Missionary Society at Alleppey, he found that the Church was just bare walls, the interior was very dilapidated and part of the roof had fallen in. The building was sufficiently restored to enable Bishop Middleten, the Metropolitan, to use it for a confirmation service during his episcopal visit to the Malabar Coast.

The change of name of the patron saint was presumably due to the Anglicans, for it was not until 1870 that any reference was made to St. Francis Church. The gravestones let into the walls of the church were taken from the floor of the nave in 1886. On the northern side can be seen Portuguese gravestones. The Dutch gravestones are on the Southern Wall. The Vasco da Gama stone is on the ground at the southern side. A tablet inside the building over the west door shows that it was repaired by the Government of Madras in 1887, being the fiftieth year of the reign of Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India.

The Church possess an interesting link with the past in the form of the Doop Book the old baptism and marriage register from 1751 - 1804 which may be seen in the vestry. It was maintained for 40 years in the handwriting of Predikant Cornelies and was sent to London in 1932 for the leaves to be repaired by experts. It was then rebound in the original style. A photostat copy takes the place of the original for scrutiny by visitors.

The Church became a protected monument in April 1923 under the Protected Monuments Act of 1904. The Cenotaph in memory of the residents of Cochin who fell in the First Great War was erected on 1920 and was unveiled by Governor of Madras on October 21st of that year. The boundary walls were erected in 1924.

The Clock on this Church was erected in the year 1923 in memory of Hal Harrison Jones, a former managing director of Aspinwal. A few memorial brass plates and marble slabs were erected in the memories of very important persons who had contributed their own lives to this Church and the Society. The present furniture were installed when it was under the Anglican order of worship. Now the Church is owned by the Church of South India (CSI) and there is regular worship in this church on every Sundays and commemorative days. On week days it is kept open for visitors and tourists.

Santa Cruz Basilica, Cochin, Kerala
The Santa Cruz Basilica is a historic church that was built by the Portuguese. The church was elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558 AD. In 1795 AD, it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Cochin and was demolished.

Church of the Sacred Heart, Delhi
Further north, at the south end of Bhai Vir Singh Marg, is one of Medd's more ambitious projects, the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. This Church displays a strong Italianate influence, with a facade of white pillars supporting a canopy set against a dark brick background, and circular arcades turrets rising above the roof to each side of the entrance porch. The lofty interior has a towering curved roof, polished stone floors and broad arches set into smooth walls, presenting a very grand look.

Santa Cruz Basilica, Kerala
The Santa Cruz Basilica is a historic church that was built by the Portuguese. The church was elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558 AD. In 1795 AD, it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Cochin and was demolished. About a hundred years later, Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site in 1887 AD. The church was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

Cathedral Church of St. Thomas, Mumbai
St. Thomas' Cathedral, the city's first Anglican Church is situated in the heart of the commercial fort area, in Mumbai . The foundation was laid in 1672 during the governorship of Gerald Aungier, and was opened to public on the Chris Ãtmas Day in 1718, and subject to a number of later additions. Though simple in structure, the interior of the Church has some exquisite art adoration. A marble plaque at the front entrance reads: "Let all who enter this church remember Richard Cobbe, chaplain to the Honorable East India Company 1715 to 1719, this church had risen to 15 feet when the building ceased and the site lay desolate for 33 years. It was consecrated in 1816 and became a cathedral in 1837.

Little Mount, Chennai (Madras)
Little Mount in Saidapet is where he lived and preached. It is not much of a hill but high enough for the churches on it to be noticed form a distance. The new church, consecrated in 1971 attracts attention by unusual circular shape. However, it is the old church next door, built in 1711 as extension to shrine which the Portuguese had built in 1511, that is thronged by pilgrims. It is not impressive from the outside, but is miniscule interior has an atmosphere not found in many churches. This Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is built against and above the rock cave that was St. Thomas' home.

Velankanni Church

Velankanni is located 12-km south of Nagapattinam, which is one of the most popular pilgrim spots in southern part of India. Velankanni is also called as the Mecca of Christians. The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Health, the Madonna of Velankanni and it is located on the shore. This church in honour of Virgin Mary is popularly called as 'Sacred Arockia Madha Church' and is visited by people of all faiths and religions. The church has an imposing facade with tall spires and the wings present the shape of a cross. In a niche in the alter is enshrined the statue of Our Lady of Health. Many bring with them small gold and silver replicas of parts of the body to donate to the church. Velankanni is particularly crowded during the festival period in August-September. There is a small church museum, which has a display of the offerings made by those whose prayers were conceded. Wondrous legends surround the church-the most famous being that of the ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors, who in the 16th century, vowed to build a great shrine for the Virgin Mary, for saving their lives in a terrible storm. The greatest of miracles is the devotees in Myanmar, Malaya and South Africa reaching this church safely being picked and conveyed by fishermen. Such articles are exhibited in a hall here. The Velankanni festival attracts thousands, clad in orange robes to the sacred spot where the ship landed. Equally famous are the Virgin Mary's miraculous healing powers - earning for the church the name 'Lourdes of the East'.

Churches in India have got a lot of influence from the western world, thanks to the colonial rulers. Portuguese came to India and brought with them the Latin cultural heritage, which one can very well witness in Goa. But the churches of Old Goa are something one won't be able to forget ever. Enriched with intricate designs and beautiful interiors these churches tell you the stories of the Portuguese glory and endless devotion.

The Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi in Goa - India

The Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi in Goa - India

In Pondicherry, French made an impact that can be seen even today. Kerala has Dutch architecture very much in common in their churches. Not leaving the British behind Christ Church and St. Michael's Church in Himachal Pradesh is the one of the biggest attraction of the capital, Shimla.

Churches in Goa

The most comprehensive group of churches and cathedrals built during 16th to 17th century AD at Old Goa comprise of the Se' Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus; Church of Lady of Rosary; Church of St. Augustine.

The beach capital of India, Goa has more to offer beyond the beautiful nature. Amongst the other must visits landmarks in Goa are its many churches. The entire Indian state of Goa is dotted with churches that reveal the rich religious heritage of Goa. The churches of Goa are monuments of stone. They are of permanent interest to the historian, the archaeologist, the student of art and architecture, the tourist and indeed to every curious intellect.

The Church of St. Cajetan is modelled on the original design of St. Peter's Church in Rome. The Church of Bom Jesus with its facade decorated with Ionic, Doric and Corinthian pilasters, shows the application of the Classical order. The Se' Cathedral, with its Tuscan exterior, the Corinthian columns at its portals, the raised platform with steps leading to the entrance, the barrel-vault above the nave, is yet another example of Renaissance.

The paintings in the churches were done on wooden borders and fixed between panels having floral designs as in the chapels housing the tomb of St. Xavier, the arches above the altars in the transept of the Se' Cathedral and in the nave on either side of the main altar in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Excepting a few which are in stone, the statues are mostly in wood delicately carved and painted to adorn the altars. They depict mostly the saints, Mother Mary and Jesus on the cross.

Basilica of Bom Jesus - Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus The church of Bom Jesus, "Good" or "Infant" Jesus, is known principally for the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. In 1946, it became the first church of India to be elevated to the status of Minor Basilica. One of the richest churches in Goa, it is covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. The basilica, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are kept, is the best specimen of baroque architecture in India. St. Francis's body was brought to Goa almost 150 years after his death. It was a gift from Medici, Cosimo III, and the Grand Duke of Tuscany. It now lies in an airtight glass coffin, placed inside a silver casket fashioned by a 17th century Florentine jeweller. The chapel attracts large numbers of visitors every year.

Church of St. Andrew - Goa
Visitors from India and overseas flock to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, built in 1605, and now declared a World Heritage Monument. The church houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, who died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2, 1552. The following year, while transferring his remains to Goa, in accordance with his wishes, it was found that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. This miraculous phenomenon continues to attract the devout from all lands, and an Exposition or public viewing of his body every ten years attracts lakhs of pilgrims. The Saint had miraculous healing powers which were experienced by the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad when he came for the Exposition of 1878

Church of St. Andrew
This famous church of Goa Velha was originally built in 1583 but was abandoned for fear of its collapse. The present church, named after the Patron St. Andrew, the Apostle, was built in 1868 in a different place at the same village. The most remarkable feature of this church is the Procession of All Saints, the only such procession besides Rome, when 31 statues of the saints are taken in a procession on the 5th Monday of Lent around the whole village covering some 2-km distance. In the beginning, the number of statues was 65. The statues were taken from the Monastery of the Capuchos at Pilar in 1835 after the extinction of this religious order.

The Church of St. Cajetan, Goa
St Cajetan The Church of St. Cajetan is modelled on the original design of St. Peter's Church in Rome. The Church of Bom Jesus with its facade decorated with Ionic, Doric and Corinthian pilasters, shows the application of the Classical order. The Se' Cathedral, with its Tuscan exterior, the Corinthian columns at its portals, the raised platform with steps leading to the entrance, the barrel-vault above the nave, is yet another example of Renaissance. The paintings in the churches were done on wooden borders and fixed between panels having floral designs as in the chapels housing the tomb of St. Xavier, the arches above the altars in the transept of the Se' Cathedral and in the nave on either side of the main altar in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Excepting a few which are in stone, the statues are mostly in wood delicately carved and painted to adorn the altars. They depict mostly the saints, Mother Mary and Jesus on the cross.
Built in the style of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in c.1655 AD near the Viceroy's Arch at Old Goa, it is well maintained and a splendid example of Christian architecture. It was built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines who were sent by the Pope Urban III. Now known as the Church of the Divine Providence. A pastoral college for newly ordained priests is adjacent to it.

Procession of All Saints, the only such procession besides Rome, when 31 statues of the saints are taken in a procession on the 5th Monday of Lent around the whole village covering some 2-km distance. In the beginning, the number of statues was 65. The statues were taken from the Monastery of the Capuchos at Pilar in 1835 after the extinction of this religious order.

Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral, H.P.
The most prominent building on the famous Mall of Shimla is the yellow Christ Church, reputed to be the second oldest church in northern India. It still has those lovely stained glass windows for which it is so famed.

Church of the Carmelites in Goa
Nothing remains of the Church of the Carmelites excepting the façade and a raised pavement, which served as an altar. Its location is to the southeast of the Church of St. Cajetan and is on a hill more or less contiguous to the hill on which the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount stands.

The church was built in 1621. The Carmelites, on their refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the king, were expelled from Goa in 1707. The church fell into disuse and ruins soon after.

The Church of St. Francis Xavier in Goa
Behind the gate of St. Paul's college is a Kuchcha road branching off the main road, leading to the chapel of St. Francis Xavier. It is built of laterite plastered with lime mortar, with tiled roof supported by wooden rafters is a plain chapel with only one altar.

Architecturally, it is of the Doric order. The Chapel was within the enclosure of the College of St. Paul and was dedicated either to St. Anthony or to St. Jerome. As the chapel was used by St. Francis Xavier, it was re-dedicated to him after his canonization in 1622.

The original chapel was in existence in 1545. With the outbreak of the epidemic and the consequent abandoning of the college of St. Paul in 1570, the chapel fell into ruins and the present chapel was built in 1884.

Se Cathedral Church - Goa Cathedral Church in Goa
The Portuguese Viceroy Redondo commissioned the Se, or St. Catherine's' Cathedral, southwest of St. Cajetan's, to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific". Today it stands larger than any church in Portugal, although it was beset by problems, not least a lack of funds and Portugal's temporary loss of independence to Spain. It took eighty years to build and was not consecrated until 1640.

The Chapel of Our Lady of The Mount in Goa
As one proceeds, about 2-km on the main road towards Ponda, a Kuchcha road branches off towards north at a place where a cross is fixed. The road leads to a hill on which, commanding a picturesque view, is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount. A series of steps leads to the Chapel, which is built of laterite plastered with lime mortar. It has three main altars dedicated respectively to our lady of the mount, St. Anthony and St. Andrew.

The chapel was built under the orders of Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510 and is referred to as in existence in 1519. It was reconstructed twice.

The Church And Convent Of St. Monica, Goa
In the Holy Hill, on the way to the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary , is a huge three-storeyed building of laterite which was originally lime-plastered but is now plastered with cement. It is square on plan with a large inner courtyard, around which is a cloistered verandah and numerous cells and halls. The vaulted ceilings in some of the halls are tastefully painted with floral decorations and scenes from the Holy bible.

The construction of the convent and the church of St. Monica was commenced in 1606 and completed in 1627. The building was destroyed in a fire in 1636 and re-built the following year.

The Convent And The Church Of St. John Of God, Goa
Situated to the east of the tower of St. Augustine it is a plain looking building constructed in the beginning of the 18th century. The convent was abandoned in 1835. The Society of the Misericordia occupied it for some time.

From 1844 onwards, it was used as a residence for chaplains, confessors and others employed on behalf of the nuns of St. Monica. The roof of the church was removed in 1850. The present roof was built recently.

The Royal Chapel of St. Anthony, Goa
To the west of the tower of St. Augustine is the Royal Chapel dedicated to St. Anthony, the national saint of Portugal and held in great veneration by the Portuguese. It was built in the beginning of the 17th century.

In 1835 the chapel was closed but opened again in 1894 when it was also renovated. It was inaugurated again in 1961 after complete restoration done by the Portuguese Government.

Kanpur Memorial Church

Built in 1875, the Kanpur Memorial Church was designed by the architect of East Bengal Railway, Walter Granville. The church was built in honour of the British who lost their lives in the war of 1857.

The complete Church in Lombardic Gothic Style is handsomely executed in bright red brick, with polychrome dressings. The interiors of the church are adorned with the monuments to the mutiny, including several memorial tablets. In the separate enclosure to the east of the church is the Memorial Garden, approached through two gateways. Here the handsome carved gothic screen, designed by Henry Yule, stands. Its centre is occupied by the beautiful carved figure of an angle by Baron Carlo Marochetti, with crossed arms, holding palons, symbol of peace.

Originally the statue and the screen stood in the Municipal Gardens in the centre of the city, over the site of the Bibighar well. The memorials were relocated here after independence in 1948. The Military Cemetery on the edge of the cantonment contains a number of interesting graves from the late 19th century. Within the city, King Edward VII Memorial Hall is noteworthy and Christ Church building, built in 1840 is worth seeing.

Sardhana
19 kms. north-west of Meerut lies the fascinating town of Sardhana with a romantic and historically significant past. In the late 18th century, the french adventurer Walter Reinhardt came to India and soon became popular as 'Samru'. He received Sardhana from Najaf Khan of Delhi for successfully supporting his troops and in 1773, the principality of Sardhana was formally established. After his death in 1778, he was succeeded by his formidable widow Begum Samru, who converted to Roman Catholic Faith in 1781.

The Roman Catholic Church she built in Sardhana is an imposing structure that exhibits the subtle mixture of architectural styles. Designed by the Italian architect Anthony Reghelini, this church cost Rs. 4 lakhs in 1822, which was truly astronomical at that time. Two huge lakes near the church are the result of the mud that was removed to supply the building materials for the church Facing the west, this church has its entrance from the north side. 18 Doric pillars line the verandah. At the backside rises two lofty spires, and the steeple an the left has two large bells. The octagonal lantern above the central dome is made up of finely chiselled and perforated slates and capped with black and white marble. This reflects an obvious Muslim architectural influence. On the top of the three domes and two spires, there are heavily glided metal balls surmounted by metal crosses.

The roof of the church is at different levels giving it a beauty all of its own. The main Altar is of white marble brought from Jaipur. It is tastefully inlaid with a floral design of semi precious stones. The altar steps and santuary floor is of black and white marble. Above the niche is the statue of Mother Mary to whom the church was dedicated.

On either side of the santuary there are two long wings- the left wing has the famous monument over the tomb of the Begum. This eighteen feet carrara marble monument consists of eleven life size figures and three panels in bas-relief. Right on top, the Begum sits In state dressed in Muslim style. Immediately below her stands four figures- David Dyce Samru, Innayat-ullah, Diwan Rae Singh and Julius Ceasar Scotti Six symbolic figures stand right below representing fearlessness, wisdom, fulfilment, prosperity that prevailed during the tenure of the Begum. The beauty and fame of the Sardhana church was enhanced when the sacred image of Lady of Graces was enshrined in 1957. The church was further honoured when Pope John XXIII designed to raise it to the dignity of Minor Basilica, in 1961.

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic
Built in 1860, this Catholic Church is situated in the Civil lines of Gorakhpur. Blessed and opened by Bishop Hartmann and dedicated to St. Joseph. This church was built by. Fr. Raphael of Livorno. It is the fifth oldest Catholic church in U.P. The others being at Allahabad (1845), Ghazipur (now no more), Chunar (1848) and Varanasi (1851). This church was set up at the demand of Catholic troops stationed at Gorakhpur during 1850's.