Our Lady of Ransom, affectionately known as Vallarpadathamma, is a revered title for the Blessed Virgin Mary enshrined at the National Shrine Basilica in Kochi, Kerala. Introduced by Portuguese missionaries in 1524, she is widely venerated as a powerful protector against perils, particularly at sea. Her most famous miracle occurred in 1752, when a noblewoman named Meenakshi Amma and her young son survived three days trapped beneath a capsized boat after vowing lifelong devotion to the Virgin. In honor of this miraculous rescue, a depiction of Meenakshi Amma and her child remains painted at the base of the central Marian icon today.

Chronological Timeline:

• 1524 | Foundations of Faith: Portuguese missionaries establish a church at Vallarpadam dedicated to the Holy Spirit. They enthrone a portrait of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (Our Lady of Ransom) brought directly from Portugal.

• 1676 | The Floating Miracle: Catastrophic floods destroy the church. The sacred image is found floating completely dry. It is rescued by Paliath Raman Valiachan, the Hindu Divan to the King of Cochin. He grants land for a new church and donates a sanctuary lamp that the royal family keeps lit to this day.

• 1752 | The Miraculous Rescue: A Hindu noblewoman, Meenakshi Amma, and her son capsize in a storm. She vows lifelong devotion (Adima) to Our Lady. Guided by a recurring dream, Vicar Rev. Fr. Miguel Correa leads a rescue team that pulls them alive from beneath the water after three days. They convert to Christianity, live out their days at the church, and are later painted into the base of the central icon.

• 1888 | Papal Privilege: Pope Leo XIII elevates the shrine’s main altar to the prestigious status of Altare Privilegiatum in Perpetuum.

• 2004 | Basilica Status: St. Pope John Paul II formally elevates the National Shrine to the status of a Minor Basilica.

(source: https://www.vallarpadambasilica.com/home/about)

Donated by:  Mary Vattavayalil and Dilip Antony Joseph