St. Theresa Shrine Mahe

St. Theresa Shrine in Mahe is a Catholic shrine located in Mahe, Puducherry, India. It is one of the oldest shrines in India and probably the oldest in Malabar, according to historical documents. The Shrine was established in 1723 by Rev. Father Dominic of St. John of the Cross, O.C.D., an Italian, who came to Mahe when King Bayanor, the Raja of Kadathanad near Badagara, was the ruler.

According to a record discovered in the Carmelite Archives in Rome, the Shrine at Mahe was erected in 1736. Mahe is a small town surrounded by Kerala and is part of the Union Territory of Puducherry that was once controlled by the French. St. Theresa Shrine is among the old churches in India, possibly the oldest shrine in Malabar after the ones founded by St. Thomas, who was a prime disciple of Christ.

St. Theresa Shrine: History, Architecture, and Services

The shrine is known for its miraculous statue of St. Teresa, which is believed to have been brought by a ship that stopped at Mahe and could not move until the statue was unloaded. The statue depicts St. Teresa holding a crucifix and a book, with a dove on her shoulder representing the Holy Spirit. Many devotees claim to have received blessings and healings from praying to the statue, especially during the annual feast of St. Teresa from October 5 to 22. The Shrine of St. Theresa in Mahe holds an annual festival (Perunnal), which begins with a flag-hoisting ceremony.

The St. Theresa Shrine on Mahe Island boasts stunning French-influenced architecture, complete with a tower and clock donated by the French Marines in 1855. Inside, visitors will find a high altar, marble columns, saint statues, and paintings depicting St. Teresa’s life. The shrine also houses a museum featuring Carmelite order relics.

Beyond its religious significance, St. Theresa Shrine offers visitors a wealth of educational and service opportunities. The pilgrim center provides accommodation, while the library boasts an impressive collection of spirituality and theology texts. The shrine also operates a nursery and primary school for underprivileged children and a convent for the Sisters of Charity, who work in social welfare programs.

St. Theresa Shrine is easily accessible by road as it’s located at the heart of Mahe town. The nearest railway station is at Mahe, located 1.5 kilometers away, and the closest airport is Kannur International Airport, located 34 kilometers away

Mass Timings of St. Theresa Shrine

The mass timings of St. Theresa Shrine, Mahe, are as follows.