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Draft:Our Lady Of Good Voyage Vizhinjam

Coordinates: 8°22′41″N 77°00′20″E / 8.3780°N 77.0056°E / 8.3780; 77.0056
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    • Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, Vizhinjam (St Mary's church kottapurm "

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Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, Vizhinjam
St Mary's church
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church is located in Kerala
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
8°22′41″N 77°00′20″E / 8.3780°N 77.0056°E / 8.3780; 77.0056
LocationVizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
CountryIndia
Language(s)Malayalam, English
DenominationRoman Catholic
TraditionRoman Rite
History
Founded16th century (approximate)
Founder(s)Portuguese missionaries
DedicationOur Lady of Good Voyage
Administration
ArchdioceseRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Trivandrum
ParishVizhinjam

The Our Lady of Good Voyage Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Vizhinjam, a coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Good Voyage, also known as *Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem* in Portuguese, and is historically significant for the local fishing community who seek the Virgin's protection for their voyages at sea.

History

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The church’s origins date back to the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. Vizhinjam, being a major maritime hub, became a focal point for Catholic missionary activities, and the church was established to cater to the Christian population, especially the fisherfolk. The devotion to Our Lady of Good Voyage stems from the sailors' tradition of praying for safe travels and protection during long and perilous sea journeys.

Architecture

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The architecture of the church is a combination of traditional Kerala and colonial styles, with a simple yet profound design that reflects the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. Located near the coastline, the church's position serves as a reminder of its maritime significance.

Community Significance

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The church plays a vital role in the religious and social life of the Vizhinjam fishing community. Fishermen and their families have a long-standing tradition of praying to Our Lady of Good Voyage for protection before embarking on fishing expeditions. The church remains a prominent place of worship and is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of the local population.

Annual Feast

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The church hosts an annual feast in honor of Our Lady of Good Voyage, attracting devotees from across the region. The feast includes special masses, processions, and religious rituals, highlighting the church's importance in the spiritual life of the community.

Present Day

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Today, the church continues to serve as an active place of worship within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Trivandrum. It remains a popular pilgrimage site for the local faithful, especially those involved in maritime activities.

Reference

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Inaguration of christ redeemer of vizhinjam parish " https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/Vizhinjam-gets-its-own-%E2%80%98Christ-the-Redeemer%E2%80%99/article17198746.ece "