National Shrine of St.Thomas Basilica

Beachside Basilica

In the Tsunami of 2004 it is said that during Sunday morning mass the water slowly began to rise while the patrons raised their hands to the sky, water crept as hight as their chests and then suddenly, fell away again. Not all of the southern state of Tamil Nadu was so lucky, but visiting this beautiful white cathedral placed just meters from the shoreline a mighty presence can be felt. Home to the shrine of St. Thomas and the Christians of the neighboring fisherman's village, "Santhome's" doors stand open to the public and heart to it's people.