Sights of Kerala: Basilica Of Our Lady of Dolours

I’m still in Kerala (a southern state of India) during my summer vacation and I’ve been seeing some great sights – definitely worth sharing with the web! This photo shows beautifully the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours which is claimed to be the biggest and tallest church in Asia. It is a five-minute drive from my grandparent’s home in the heart of the city of Thrissur. A 25,000 square feet structure, it is massive and beautiful, adorned with statues and beautiful artwork. When I walked in (after taking my shoes off to show respect, of course) I was overwhelmed by the sense of calm and peace I experienced. There were crowds of people inside, even though it wasn’t time for mass, praying the rosary or simply sitting in silent adoration. Thousands walk through the soaring belfries at the entrance each day. At one time, even Pope John Paul II came in while visiting Thrissur. My grandfather tells me that the church is painted white annually to keep up the quality of its pristine exterior.  It just goes to show that although the outside of this magnificent structure be so exquisite, the people and the prayers they send out inside are truly what makes this structure a magical place to visit.