Parel Church becomes second basilica in Changanassery archdiocese

Metropolitan Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil

The Holy See has elevated the Parel Marian Pilgrimage Centre under the Archdiocese of Changanassery to the status of a basilica.

An official statement said the church complex will henceforth be known as the Marth Mariam Immaculate Conception Shrine Basilica. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments granted the status in the name of Pope Leo XIV.

Mar Thomas Tharayil, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Changanassery, said the new status and name would be officially announced on November 21, the consecration anniversary of Parel Marth Mariam Valiyapally. He described the recognition as a blessing for the region.

Monsignor Mathew Changankary, rector of the Parel pilgrimage centre and vicar general of the archdiocese, said the recognition was a proud moment for the archdiocese, the Syro-Malabar Church and the faithful.

The first basilica under the archdiocese is St Mary’s Forane Church at Champakulam.