Monday, September 22, 2008

SANTA CRUZ BASILICA

The majestic Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi is steeped in history. This Catholic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul 1V in 1558. It was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Veriera commissioned a new building in 1887. The cathedral was consecrated in1902 and Santa Cruz was proclaimed a Basilica by Pope John Paul 11 in 1984.

This magnificent Basilica is one of the important tourist attractions in Kochi. Come, let us go around and enjoy the beauty, splendor and grandeur of this historical monument which is standing as a silent testimony for the greater glory of God.

(Kindly click on the photos for a larger view)

























9 comments:

Leo said...

Breathtaking. Thanks.

ramesh sadasivam said...

They were all wonderful photos. I especially liked the photo of Jesus with the prayer. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." A prayer that makes me silent.

Unknown said...

I know portuguese have been at Kochi but I think I've never seen this church before. I can tell it has been rebuilt because the style is different from what they used to do at the time. I've visited Goa and there you can see many original ones, most of them very small, but Sé Catedral and Basilica do Bom Jesus are big!
Very good information, Joseph! Greetings.

Mel said...

Such beautiful imagery! Thank you for sharing these photos. I, too, am touched by the picture with the prayer "Father forgive them..."

God bless you, Joseph. He certainly does bless us through you. :)

Mel

J P Joshi said...

Wow. Beautiful. Thank you.

Manuel Morata said...

All more I know of the India, more desire I have of travelling and know her.

Congratulations about your blog.

roentare said...

Beautiful images in deed. The thorough documentation of the place is outstanding

venuss66 said...

No words to describe. I am speechless.

Mihail Simionescu said...

amazing photos...

i didn't read your blog, because i don't have time for this. but i promise i'll read it.

have a nice day!