"For with God nothing shall be impossible." – Luke 1:37
The story of Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine, Uttan, is not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about faith that has carried generations of fishing families, pilgrims, and seekers of peace.
Early Inspirations – The Cross of Brother Herman
Long before the shrine stood on the hillock at Bhate Bunder, there was the Cross of Brother Herman. Over 150 years ago, Brother Herman, a missionary, dedicated his life to teaching local children and guiding the East Indian Catholic community in Uttan. His cross became a silent witness of faith, inspiring countless people.
It was near this cross that Monsieur Francis Correa felt called to build a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Velankanni, Our Lady of Good Health. His vision marked the beginning of a new chapter for the coastal village.
In the late 20th century, the shrine began as a simple place of prayer. Fishermen, farmers, and families from Uttan and nearby villages would gather to honor Matha Mauli—Mother Mary—asking her intercession for good health, protection at sea, and blessings for their homes.
Very quickly, the shrine became a pilgrim center for people of all faiths. Stories spread of prayers answered, of burdens lifted, and of hope renewed.
The Renovation of 2000 – A New Era
By the late 1990s, the number of devotees had grown so large that the old structure could no longer accommodate them. To meet this need, the shrine underwent a major renovation in the year 2000.
The result was a spacious and modern shrine, perched on the hillock with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The architectural design is simple yet powerful—inviting both silence and song. The altar, richly decorated, honors both Jesus Christ and Our Lady of Velankanni.
On 29th August 2000, the new shrine was solemnly blessed and inaugurated by His Grace, Archbishop Ivan Dias, during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Two commemorative stones placed at the entrance record this sacred moment:
• The first stone bears the Archbishop’s official declaration:
“I, Ivan Dias, Archbishop of Bombay, blessed the new Shrine of Our Lady of Vailankanni, Uttan in the Archdiocese of Bombay… during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and according to the prescribed ritual.”
• The second stone captures the spirit of the occasion with the words of the Magnificat:
“My Soul magnifies the Lord, My Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Lk 1:46–47).
It describes the shrine as “a long-cherished dream of thousands of Mother Mary’s devotees,” fulfilled through the blessing of Archbishop Ivan Dias, with Rev. Fr. Simon Borges, then Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Sea Church, Uttan, playing a key pastoral role.
These stones remain at the entrance of the shrine, silent witnesses of the faith and hope that built it.
Annual Feast – A Tradition of Generations
Every year since its founding, the shrine has celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni with great devotion.
• The Feast Begins: On 29th August, with a flag-hoisting and grand candlelight procession.
• Nine Days of Novena: Filled with hymns, sermons, and prayers in Marathi and English, led by priests and choirs from different parishes.
• The Feast Day – 8th September: The statue of Mother Mary is carried in a decorated palanquin through nearby villages, blessing homes and families along the way.
This tradition—lasting for decades—is so strong that even villagers who travel for work or pilgrimage return home to celebrate the feast with their families.
Recognition and Pilgrimage
The shrine’s reputation has spread far beyond Uttan. Thousands of devotees from Mumbai, Thane, Vasai, and even overseas make their way here every year. Many believe that prayers made at this shrine are specially answered, especially for healing and peace.
In 2004, the shrine received a special honor when Archbishop Pedro López Quintana, Papal Ambassador to India, visited and offered blessings.
Today – A Shrine for All
Today, the Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine, Uttan, stands as a beacon of faith and hope. Surrounded by the hills and the sea, it is a place where traditions are kept alive, where faith crosses boundaries, and where Mother Mary continues to be venerated as Matha Mauli—Mother of Good Health.
"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her." – Luke 1:
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