Holy Cross Shrine, Mapranam, Thrissur
Holy Cross Shrine Mapranam Thrissur is one of the few churches in Asia, which has received the relic of Holy Cross, the relic of Holy Blood of the face of Jesus Christ, the relic of the Holy Cloth used by Veronica to wipe the face of Jesus Christ and the relic of Holy Blood of the sacred heart of Jesus Christ; all certified as authentic through an order of Pope Leo XIII. Founded in A.D. 928, it is one of the oldest churches in Kerala, India.
The pilgrim centre was recently renovated and is part of Irinjalakuda diocese. The façade of the church reflects structural resemblances of three major religions in India – Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.
The offering of candles is the main ritual here and the annual ceremony is called ‘Thirithelikkal’ (huge candle Lighting – 0.25 to 300 kg). The shrine has achieved one Guinness record and two Limca records relating to candles. The candle installed in the Church has a weight of 1079 kg and a height of 22 ft. The main feast of the shrine is the Exaltation of Cross, celebrated every year from September 12 to 15. The shrine has received recognitions from State and Central governments and from church bodies.
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