Our Lady of Ransom Church

When St. Francis Xavier arrived in Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari) in India in 1542, he found 'Our Lady of Delights Grotto' there. Following this, the place became a centre for missionary activities of the Jesuits from Thoothoor to Ramanathapuram, and it is believed that it is this Our Lady of Delights Grotto in which St. Francis Xavier prayed, that later on became the present church of Our Lady of Ransom. The original small and thatched church that existed developed into a significant church in 1700 AD.

Built in the Roman style of architecture, the statue of Mother Mary was brought all the way from Rome to the church. This statue was placed in the centre of a golden altar in the church and was venerated by the name of Alangara matha. To the right and left sides of this statue, the statues of St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier were placed. This old church is a part of the new church, the foundation stone for which was laid on 31 May 1900 by Fr. John Consolvez. The charge of the construction of the church was put under the Mr Pakiam Pillai, under whose guidance, the church is now the model of ancient Gothic Art and culture and is renowned all around the globe. The two side towers that are attached to the main tower act as a belfry and comprise of the church bells which were imported from Italy in 1900 AD.