Puthan Palli (New Church) or “Our Lady of Dolours Basilica” is a minor Basilica of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church situated in the Thrissur City, Kerala State, India. It is the third largest church in Asia and famous for its Gothic Style Architecture.
History
On 10th October, 1925, His Ex. Bishop Vazhappilly Mar Francis blessed and offered Holy Mass on the altar built temporarily in the School hall, which stood in front of the present church. He named the Church as the church of Lady of Dolours and Proclaimed St. Theresa of Infant Jesus (Little flower) as the Co-patroness. To have a bigger and spacious church, on 21st December, 1929, His Ex. Bishop Mar Francis Vazhappilly laid the foundation of the new colossal church.
The construction of the site was started in 1929 in the Gothic Style and completed after about 11 years. It has an area of 25,000 square feet and about 261 feet tall. There is a main Altar and five small Altars. The unique feature of the church is the Bible Tower, with murals that depict various phases of Jesus Christ’s life. The main event of the chruch is the Feast of St. Mary, which falls in September and it is the most famous Marian Pilgrim centre in Thrissur. Pope John Paul II visited Thrissur and the church on 7th February 1986 which was marked as a historic event.
On 25th April 1992, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II issued a decree, elevating the church of Our Lady of Dolours to the status of a “Minor Basilica”. 20th May 1992, was a monumental day in the history of this Church. His Eminence Cardinal Antony Padiyara consecrated the Church as a Basilica. There after the Church has come to be called “Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours”.
Timings
The Mass timings here are as follows.
- Ordinary Days: 6.00 am, 7.30 am, 5.30 pm
- Friday: 6.00 am, 7.30 am, 10.00 am, 5.30 pm, 7.30 pm
- Sunday: 6.00 am, 7.30 am, 9.30 am, 4.45 pm, 6.00 pm (Eng), 7.30 pm
