St xavier church

St Xavier Church

The unique experience

The church is well known as a spiritual hub where people from all religious backgrounds as well as walks of life congregate here to pay their respects to Mother Mary who is worshiped here. Such is the divine power of this church that you will be drawn to it the moment you see it, even from far. St. Xavier Church has had its fair share of miracles for ages, and it is one of the reasons to motivate all to come here. In addition to this, visitors can also get to see the yearly ten-day celebration that is held every winter during December. 

About St Xavier Church

The year 1600 saw the construction of this magnificent church by none other than the famed Saint Xavier. Its based in Kottar in Nagercoil and the faith followed here is  Roman Catholic. Mother Mary presides here and people from all across come to pray to her. 

Legend

The legendary Saint Xavier, also lovingly called Valiya Pandaram by the local people of Kottar, constructed this church. As per historical records, he helped prevent a huge group of marauders from invading Travancore using only his cross and nothing else. Seeing his bravado, the King allotted the Saint a plot of land in Kottar. This plot was used to build the church. 

The Saint lived in a house at Kottar which also had another church. And as per the belief of the locals, Xavier’s house was burned off to ashes by heretics that hated him and his works for Christianity. But, miraculously, the flames of the fire couldn’t touch the skin on Xavier’s body. Unscathed, he kept praying to the lord while on his knees the whole time. The people saw this as a great miracle, and to commemorate this happening, they put up a cross at the very spot. This cross is known to make miracles happen. At this church, a lamp is always lit up and never goes off.  

More about the place

Other add-ons to this church are Our Lady Shrine, a tower dedicated to Francis Xavier, a tiny St.Ignatius Shrine and the Grotto dedicated to Mother Mary and the Chapel of Our Lady. 

St Xavier Church Kottar Nagercoil mass timings

Regular masses are held from Monday till Friday at 8 in the morning. However, on weekends, mass services are held on Saturdays at 5 in the evening, and on Sundays at 8 AM and 10.00 AM. 

What else?

St Xavier Church Kottar Nagercoil festival

At this church which is regarded as one of the holiest PLACES TO VISIT IN KANYAKUMARI, there is a festival that is organized every year on 24th November. Devotees from all across the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu visit this shrine to pay respect and to pray. 

One should keep 1 to 2 hours’ time for touring this amazing church that is counted as one among the best Kanyakumari tourist places.

How to reach

Kanyakumari-17.4 kilometer