Velakanni one of the most important Marian shrines (dedicated to Mary, Mother of Jesus), in India, is often referred as the 'Lourdes of the East'.(Lourdes, in France, is one of the most famous Marian shrines in the world).

          The history of Vailankanni, as a place of pilgrimage, can be traced back to the end of the 16th century. The first written reference to Vailankanni is a letter written by Fr. Paulo da Trinidade to his superior, in 1630. The chapel that existed here was referred to as 'Ermida' (Portugese for 'sub station' or a 'place of pilgrimage'). Vailankanni was made a parish (local christian community) in 1771. The shrine was granted the 'Special status as a Minor Basilica' in 1962 by Pope John 23rd, the head of the Roman Catholic church. (A Basilica is a consecrated church that is constructed facing the east in one of the classical styles of architecture and should be a celebrated place of pilgrimage).