Basilica of Our Lady of Snows, Thoothukudi

Basilica of Our Lady of Snows, Thoothukudi
Map
8°47′58″N 78°09′23″E / 8.799444°N 78.156389°E / 8.799444; 78.156389
LocationThoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
CountryIndia
DenominationCatholic
Websitewww.snowsbasilica.com
History
StatusBasilica
Founded16th century
DedicationSt. Mary
Past bishop(s)Rev.Dr. Yvone Amburose
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Architectural typePortuguese
StylePortuguese
Administration
DistrictTuticorin
ArchdioceseRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Madurai
DioceseTuticorin
Clergy
Bishop(s)Most. Rev. Dr.Stephen Anthony.
RectorRev. Dr. Starwin T.
Assistant priest(s)Rev. Fr. Balan Prashath F.

Basilica of Our Lady of Snows, Thoothukudi, is a minor basilica located at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Catholic pilgrimage centers in India dedicated to the Our Lady of Snows, a title given to Mother Mary. Even to this day, the Coastal People fondly call her Santa Maria Das Nevis(Senhora, Das Nevis), which means Our Lady of Snows in Portuguese. The shrine name refers to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The site is known for Portuguese architecture and Portuguese prayers and now it is recognised as a Tamil Nadu notable pilgrim site.