History of the Shrine
Discover the blessed journey of St. Antony's Shrine Koratty, a sacred pilgrimage centre known as the Padua of Koratty.
St. Antony's Shrine Koratty
St. Antony's Shrine, situated in Koratty, Thrissur, Kerala, is a renowned pilgrimage centre known for the miraculous intercession of St. Antony. People from all walks of life visit the Shrine to pray, seek blessings and experience spiritual peace.
The Shrine, popularly referred to as the “Padua of Koratty”, belongs to the Archdiocese of Verapoly and remains under its pastoral and administrative care.
Prayers offered with faith are never left unheard. The experiences and testimonies of countless devotees continue to reveal the miraculous intercession of St. Antony.
A Vision That Became a Place of Blessing
The Shrine, located alongside National Highway 544 at Koratty, was the result of the foresight of Venerable Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Attipetty during the 1960s.
It was established in 1974 during the period of Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kelanthara and was dedicated to the Immaculate Virgin Mary under the name Immaculate Conception Church.
In December 1977, the Tuesday Novena to St. Antony began with special devotion. The early Novena celebrations were conducted with modest facilities under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Jacob Arackal.
Over time, this humble beginning grew into a great source of blessings, welcoming devotees from different religions and communities.
Immaculate Mary and St. Antony
St. Antony's Shrine Koratty is popularly known as “Novenapalli”, meaning Novena Church. The church was originally established in honour of the Immaculate Virgin Mary as Immaculate Conception Church.
The devotion to both Immaculate Mary and St. Antony is one of the unique spiritual characteristics of this Shrine.
In the course of time, the Novena prayers were revised to include prayers honouring Immaculate Mary. The revised prayers were published during the blessing of the renovated church on 29 November 2009.
May the grace of Immaculate Mother and the intercession of St. Antony help every devotee to know, love and follow Jesus more deeply.
Milestones Through the Years
Important moments that shaped the spiritual journey and growth of St. Antony's Shrine Koratty.
Establishment of the Church
The Shrine was established under the name “Immaculate Conception Church”, dedicated to the Immaculate Virgin Mary.
Beginning of the Tuesday Novena
The Holy Relic of St. Antony was brought from Padua, Italy. The Tuesday Novena dedicated to St. Antony began with the blessing of the then Archbishop of Verapoly, His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kelanthara.
Blessing of the Renovated Church
The renovated church and the Perpetual Adoration Chapel were blessed by His Excellency Dr. Joseph Karikkassery, then Administrator of the Archdiocese of Verapoly.
Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Acharuparambil played a significant role in bringing this sacred mission to completion.
Feast of the Holy Tongue
The Feast of the Holy Tongue of St. Antony, known as “Azhukaatha Naavinte Thirunal”, began. The Holy Relic of the incorrupt tongue of St. Antony was brought from the Basilica of St. Antony in Padua, Italy.
The sacred relic was received and installed for public veneration in the presence of more than one lakh devotees.
A Place of Faith, Hope and Miracles
May the everlasting prayers of St. Antony and Immaculate Mother shower blessings upon every devotee who visits this sacred pilgrimage centre.