Makaram Perunnal at St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal, Kerala

The 368th feast of St. Sebastian at St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal (1581 AD) is celebrated from 10 to 27th January 2014.

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The church celebrates the festival on the Martyr's day of St. Sebastian on 20th January with a grand procession. A number of colourful parasols follow the church flag bearing the Basilica emblem during the procession. Hundreds of devotees carry the wooden palanquin of St Sebastian and the procession go up to the beach shrine and returned. The procession starts at 4 pm and returns by around 6 pm.

The original statue of St. Sebastian, which was brought by the Portuguese by sea, is kept at the south side altar.

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Holy Mass on 20th Jan 2014 : 5.30 am, 7 am, 8.30 am, 11 am, 2.30 pm, 7 pm, 9 pm and 10.30 pm.

The festival ends on 27th January midnight by the closing of the Basilica doors.

The Basilica is located 7 km from Cherthala town (NH 47) and is 20 km from Alappuzha. KSRTC and private buses operate in this route.

Contact

The Rector
St. Andrew's Basilica
Arthunkal.P.O.
Cherthala - 688530
Alappuzha
Ph : 0478 2573560.

Feast procession 2012

http://youtu.be/6FEmp6gKro0

Saint Sebastian (from Narbonne, France) was an early martyr and saint. During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, Sebastian was a commander in the army (283 AD). During the reign many were attracted to Christian faith and were converted. Sebastian was reluctant to persecute Christians and proclaimed his faith.

He was sentenced to death and was tied to a tree, shot by arrows by archers severely. Irene of Rome nursed him and back to good health. Later the emperor know about this and take Sebastian in custody and beat him to death (288 AD). Because of his physical endurance he is known as the Patron saint of sports.

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During the great plague of Rome in 680 AD, with his intercession many were cured. He was venerated at Milan during the period of St. Ambrose (Bishop).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fkGl4AmP5PA

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http://youtu.be/bw9G1S5oBn0