Parel Pilgrimage Centre Raised to Basilica Status

The Holy See has elevated the Parel Marian Pilgrimage Centre in Kerala to the rank of a basilica. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments granted the title in the name of Pope Leo XIV. The church complex will now be called the Marth Mariam Immaculate Conception Shrine Basilica. Metropolitan Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil said the official announcement will be made on 21 November, the consecration anniversary of Parel Marth Mariam Valiyapally, and called the recognition a blessing for the region. Monsignor Mathew Changankary, rector of the pilgrimage centre and vicar general of the archdiocese, described the elevation as a proud moment for the Syro‑Malabar Church and its faithful. The new basilica becomes the second in the Changanassery archdiocese; the first is St Mary's Forane Church at Champakulam. Local believers plan special prayers and a procession after the announcement. Church officials expect the basilica status to attract more pilgrims and strengthen the archdiocese’s cultural profile. ## Context The title of basilica is a special honor given by the Pope to churches of historical, spiritual or architectural importance, often increasing their visibility and pilgrim traffic.