Our Lady of Vailankanni Across India

Overview
Our Lady of Vailankanni (Vay-lun-kun-nee) is also known Our Lady of Good Health, particularly in India where she appeared in the south Indian State of Tamil Nadu in the sixteenth century. In that location now, is the famous pilgrimage site, The Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health Church and Complex at Vailankanni, India. In nearly every church in India, one will find an image of Our Lady of Vailankanni – she is also well-represented in roadside shrines.

Special Features of the Images
> Our Lady of Vailankanni is shown as royalty (a Queen) wearing an exquisite sari, a crown and holding a scepter.
> In her left arm, she holds the Infant Jesus.
> Beneath her feet is a crescent moon and many times she is surrounded by twelve stars as described in the Book of Revelation (12:1).
> She is called “Annai Velankanni” or “Velankanni Mata (or “Amma”)” (both of which mean Mother in Tamil) showing her status as the follower’s mother, in addition to Jesus’ mother.
> Her feast day is celebrated on September 8th, the Nativity of the Blessed Mother and the Shrine Basilica in Tamil Nadu is the focus of 9-days of novena activities. The Shrine Basilica is colorfully lit on September 8th.
> The Adoration Chapel at Little Mount in Chennai contains a replica image of the golden image at the Shrine Basilica in Vailankanni.

Interesting Fact(s) About Our Lady of Vailankanni
> The blessed lady appeared three times during the latter part of the sixteenth century and many miracles are attributed to her – read more at Our Lady of Vailankanni
> There are hundreds of roadside shrines of Our Lady of Vailankanni in India which attract flowers, food offerings and devotees.
> Our Lady of Vailankanni is known outside of India too: a special shrine is located in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.