The Church known as Arthunkal St. Andrew’s Basilica and St. Sebastian’s International Shrine in Arthunkal is the largest shrine of St. Sebastian in the World. It is in Arthunkal, Cherthala, Alappuzha District of Kerala State in India. The Church was constructed by waning just Portuguese Missionaries in the 16th Century.
Makaram Perunnal, the grand annual feast of Shrine Basilica (St. Sebastian) is in January which lasts for a month. Millions of pilgrims visit and attend the feast every year. Arthunkal Veluthachan, the Vicar Jacomo Fenicio, an Italian Jesuit rebuilt the Church in 1584. His devotees claim to possess powers to heal the body and mind. He is fondly referred to as “Arthunkal Veluthachan” by the devotees.
The Arthunkal St. Andrew’s Basilica if the first Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alleppey (Alappuzha). It was elevated to the status of Basilica by the Catholic Church authorities on July 9th 2010.
