St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai

Santhome Church, as built by the Portuguese in 1523

In 1521, the Portuguese in Goa and Bombay-Bassein sent missionaries to Madras (now Chennai) in search of the tomb of Thomas the Apostle, who by local tradition had come to South Asia to perform baptisms and establish churches. The site they found was neglected and the Portuguese decided to rebuild the shrine over the tomb. With the support and authority of King John III of Portugal they started building the church, which was consecrated in 1523. Portuguese Padroado priests resumed the daily celebration of liturgy (Holy Mass) at the site.

In 1545, Francis Xavier visited the shrine and lived for about one year in the presbytery of the Santhome Church before he left for his mission in Ilha Formosa (Taiwan). When he lived in the church, he regularly prayed in front of a statue of the Virgin Mother Mary and celebrated Holy Mass; he also prayed regularly at the tomb. The church was made a cathedral in 1606 by Pope Paul V with the creation of the Diocese of Saint Thomas of Mylapore.

Santhome Cathedral, as rebuilt by the British in 1896

The church was rebuilt in 1896 by the British in the style of Gothic Revival architecture. The place where Thomas is believed to be buried is marked by the second small tower in the centre of the cathedral. Pope Pius XII honoured this cathedral church, elevating it to the dignity and rank of a minor basilica in 1956. Pope John Paul II is the only pope to have visited the church, in 1986. The church was declared a National Shrine in 2004 by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, and became known as the National Shrine of Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica.

Santhome Church exhibits the Gothic revival architecture style of the late 19th century. It has a rib vault ceiling made of teak wood, with marble and granite used in other parts of the construction. It was built with 16 windows and 34 stained glass panels, with a main stained glass over the altar representing Thomas the Apostle touching the wound of Christ. The statue in the main altar represents "Thomas the Apostle as priest and Jesus Christ as king". In addition, there are 14 Stations of the Cross attached at the side wall of the cathedral.

The church has two spires. The primary spire, at the left side of the church's entrance, is 45 metres (147 ft) tall. It can be seen from a distance and serves as a bell tower. The second spire rises from the center of the church to indicate the position of the believed tomb of Thomas.

A 200-year-old British pipe organ is installed in the church's gallery, reached by stairs at the entrance.

An adoration chapel adjoining the main church provides for silent moments before the Blessed Sacrament. This chapel can be approached from the left wing of the church apart from an exclusive entrance from the outside.

• AD 72 – Saint Thomas the Apostle believed to have died in St. Thomas Mount and buried in Mylapore (presently Santhome).
• 1291 – John of Montecorvino visited the believed tomb.
• 1292 – Marco Polo visited.
• 14th century – Franciscan missionaries visited.
• 1425–1430 – Nicolo Conti visited.
• 1517 – Portuguese missionaries arrived in Mylapore.
• 1522 – Construction begun.
• 1523 – Santhome Church was opened.
• 1545 – Francis Xavier visited.
• 1606 – Santhome Church raised to cathedral by Pope Paul V.
• 1893 – British rebuild the Portuguese cathedral.
• 1896 – Santhome Church opened by British with the status of cathedral.
• 1927 – Santhome Church raised to minor basilica by Pope Pius XI.
• 1986 – Pope John Paul II visited.
• 2004 – The church undergoes renovation.
• 2006 – Santhome Church was declared a National Shrine.

Relics claimed to be held at the church include:

• Bones of Thomas the Apostle
• Spearhead that was used to kill Saint Thomas at St. Thomas Mount
• Holy relic of Francis Xavier
• Holy relic of Bartholomew the Apostle
• Holy relic of Philomena

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  Aerial side view
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  Side view from behind
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  First spire (bell tower)
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  Second Spire
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  Cathedral interior
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  Evening mass
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  Main altar
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  Chairs
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  Eagle pulpit
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  High altar statue of Jesus
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  Statue of Our Lady of Mylapore
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  Thomas and Jesus
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  Tomb of Thomas the Apostle
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  Reliquaire of the spear said to have killed Thomas
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  Pipe organ

Wikimedia Commons has media related to San Thome Basilica, Chennai.

• Official website of San Thome Church
• San Thome Church Youth Group