Villianur Madha
Welcome
Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Villianur, Puducherry.
Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes
The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Villianur, Puducherry, proudly holds the distinction of being the first shrine in Asia dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Established following the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, this historic church has become a significant pilgrimage site.
We are delighted to welcome you to this sacred and historic site, where faith and devotion have flourished for century. Whether you are here for prayer, reflection, or simply to embrace the serenity of this holy place, we hope your visit brings you spiritual fulfillment and blessings. Thank you for joining us on this journey of faith.
Recent Updates
149th Annual Feast
The 149th Annual Feast Grand Holy Mass was solemnly celebrated at Gratia Plena Church at 7:30 a.m. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Most Rev. Francis Kalist, Archbishop of the Pondicherry–Cuddalore Archdiocese. A large number of faithful gathered for the occasion, participating devoutly in the Holy Mass. Many people attended the celebration and received blessings, making the event a spiritually enriching experience for all present.
At the end of the Mass, the Most Rev. Bishop unveiled the Jubilee Year logo, marking the forthcoming 150th year of the Villianur Shrine. This special moment added further significance to the celebration, as it joyfully announced the beginning of preparations for the upcoming annual feast and the historic jubilee year.
Annual Feast Grand Car Procession
The Annual Feast Grand Holy Mass at Gratia Plena Church was celebrated with great devotion and solemnity, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, Bishop of Vellore, along with a number of priests. The sacred celebration drew a large gathering of the faithful, who participated prayerfully and received abundant blessings.
Following the Holy Mass, the Reverend Bishop imparted his final blessing and inaugurated the grand car procession of Villianur Madha. Adorned with a magnificent diamond crown, Mother Mary was reverently placed on the beautifully decorated car and taken in procession through the streets of Villianur. The atmosphere was filled with deep faith and devotion as countless devotees gathered along the route, offering prayers and showering flowers in veneration of Mother Mary. The entire celebration stood as a powerful expression of communal faith, reverence, and spiritual joy.
Shrine Highlights
A Message from Parish Priest
Dear Pilgrims and Devotees,
Greetings in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
It is with immense joy and heartfelt gratitude that I welcome you to the holy grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Villianur. This sacred place, blessed with the loving presence of our Blessed Mother, has been a source of hope, healing, and peace for countless pilgrims over the years. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning as a regular devotee, you are part of a spiritual family that seeks solace and inspiration from the miraculous intercession of Our Lady. May your visit be filled with peace, blessings, and the powerful presence of God. We, the parish community, are always here to support you in your spiritual journey.
Welcome, and may Our Lady of Lourdes watch over you always.
Rev. Fr. S. Albert
Rector and Parish PriestShrine Events
Annual Feast
Flag Hoisting - First Saturday after Easter
Annual feast of Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes commence with the nine days of Novena and flag hoisting on the 6th day after Easter Sunday. The car procession is done during these days around church streets
Annual Feast - 15th day after Easter
The feast day is on the 15th day after Easter, with a grand car procession through the streets of Villianur. It is a significant Christian festival in the state of Puducherry.
February 11 - Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Consecration of Gratia Plena Church, and World Sick Day are celebrated annually on February 11 with a holy mass, a car procession, healing prayers, and adoration at the Masabielle Grotto.
Marian Month Celebration
The Marian Month celebration in May at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Villianur, begins with a procession featuring a small car carrying the statue of Our Lady. It is followed by a special prayer service, offering a moment of devotion and reflection.
August First Saturday
Every first Saturday in the month of August, the Holy Water from Lourdes Sanctuary, France is poured into the 'Sacred Pond' at Villianur Shrine. This event is attended by thousands of devotees every year.
October Second Saturday
As a sign of gratitude to Our Lady, for saving the city from a cyclone, the first pilgrimage on foot took place on 10 October 1977 from Pondicherry and this tradition is still continued on the second Saturday in the month of October. It starts from Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry and ends in the shrine covering approximately 12 km.
Liturgical Events and Timings
Church Open Timings
Monday to Friday
05:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday
05:00 AM - 09:00 PM
First Saturday
05:00 AM - 12:15 AM
Week Days
06:00 AM - Holy Mass
Saturday
06:00 AM - Holy Mass
11:30 AM - Holy Mass
06:00 PM - Holy Mass
Sunday
06:30 AM - Holy Mass
05:30 PM - Holy Mass
First Saturday
Morning
06:00 AM - Holy Mass
07:30 AM - Car Procession
11:30 AM - Holy Mass
Evening
06:00 PM - Holy Mass
07:30 PM - Car Procession
09:00 PM to 12:00 AM - Healing Prayer
& Benediction
First Friday
06:00 PM - Benediction
Third Saturday
06:00 PM - Holy Mass
Healing Prayer & Benediction
Third Sunday
09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
1000 Beads Rosary Prayer
Shrine Leads
Most Rev. Dr. Francis Kalist
Archbishop
Rev. Fr. S. Albert
Rector and Parish PriestContact
Call us
0413-2666363
