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| Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary,Bandel.exxtracts.wordpress.com |
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| Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary,Bandel.exxtracts.wordpress.com |
A miracle had happened when the Mogul emperor wanted Father da Cruz and others killed before a herd of elephants. The elephant carefully placed the father on its back with his trunk and then knelt before the Emperor as if for forgiveness. Dumbfounded, as he was, Shah Jehan gave a new lease of life to the father and his devotees and set them free. Changed man, Shah Jehan donated about 101.21 hectares to the local Christians upon which, a new church was built by Gomez de Soto (also spelt John Comes de Soto), in the year 1660 over the ruins. In the eastern gate of the monastery one can find the foundation of the ancient church building.
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| Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary,Bandeldatab.us |
This historical church dedicated to Nostra Senhora di Rozario, is popularly known as Our Lady of the Rosary - symbolic of the Roman Catholic veneration of Mother Mary. It has 5 sets of 10 "Hail Mary" interspersed with "Our Father" prayers. In 1214
an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary handed over the Rosary to Saint Dominic. One will be emotionally moved by a spectacular life sized statue of Mother of Sorrows in marble sitting with the body of dead Jesus on her lap.
The church has a fascinating history. It was here one mid night that Father de Cruz heard a familiar voice from nowhere of a devotee Tiago, calling him from the waters of the river and announcing that 'Our lady was coming back'. The Father brushed it aside as a dream. Then Tiago announced in a miraculous light that 'She saved the Christians from death'. Following morning, the local fishermen brought the statue of Mother Mary stating that 'Guru Maa' is back.
The other story has it that it was Mother Mary who saved the the captain of a Portuguese ship and his crew from a severe storm in the Bay of Bengal . Hence, a ship's mast stands in front of the church in memory of that incident.
A major festival ( the Novena of Notre Dame de Bon Voyage) is held every year in November at this Basilica of Bandel. It is attended by thousands of pilgrims all over India to thank Our Lady of Rosary and celebrate her miracles.
This Bandel church is a heritage church that was declared as a Basilica in 1988 by Pope John Paul II.
Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandel_Church