Since the Sixteenth century, the Shrine of Vailankanni, in Madras (Chennai), Southern India, has been the place of great pilgrimage and devotion to Our Lady. Our Lady of Vailankanni especially intercedes for the sick, leading to the Shrine being called the “Lourdes of the East”.
Our Lady of Vailankanni, Good Health
Vailankanni in Madras (Chennai), South India, is a spiritual place of Marian devotion.
The miracles and pilgrimages commenced during the 16th century when Our Lady first appeared to a crippled milk vendor requesting a drink for the Baby Jesus. The boy obliged but later found his milk pail was full to overflowing even after the Baby Jesus was fed.
Around the same time, a Portuguese ship was being lashed by a severe cyclonic storm in the nearby Bay of Bengal. The sailors placed their trust in Our Lady, who safely brought them ashore to Vailankanni, and in thanksgiving, a small chapel was built. In 1962 the Church raised the Shrine to the status of a Minor Basilica. Pope John Paul II designated Vailankanni as the Shrine for the Annual World Day of Prayer for the Sick on February 11th 2002.
The Statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni at Marian Valley was blessed by the Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, who prayed for all Her Australian pilgrims.
Our Lady brings blessings all the way from the place known as the Lourdes of the East.
Our Lady of Good Health – Vailankanni
Pray for us.