St Francis Xavier Church, Kanyakumari - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 18 km from Kanyakumari, St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, also known as St. Xavier Church, is a Roman Catholic Latin Rite shrine in Kottar, a suburb of Nagercoil, in the Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu state, India. It is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, and among the must visit places near Kanyakumari.

St. Xavier's Cathedral in Kottar is recognized as one of the oldest churches in Tamil Nadu and holds the distinction of being the oldest cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese in the Kanyakumari district. This church is particularly notable as the first in the world dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, providing spiritual comfort and miraculous blessings to its devotees since 1605.

The current St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral is situated on the grounds of St. Mary Church, which was established in 1544 AD. St. Xavier himself prayed at this church during his time in Kottar. According to church records, the existing St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral was constructed in 1600 AD. St. Francis Xavier passed away in 1552 AD. In 1602 AD, the Maharaja of Travancore granted land in Kottar to Fr. Andreas Pucchario for the purpose of building a church. By 1603, Fr. Pucchario had erected a structure using mud and wood at the site where St. Xavier had prayed, initially naming it Trinity Church. In 1605, he dedicated the church to St. Francis Xavier, and it subsequently became known as 'Saveriar Koil.' The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1930.

Following Goa, where the incorrupt body of St. Francis Xavier is enshrined, St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral in Kottar serves as a prominent pilgrimage site dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. People from diverse backgrounds, regardless of caste, creed, language, or religion, visit the cathedral to worship. Pilgrims come to present their petitions to St. Xavier or to express gratitude for favors received.

The annual feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated from November 24 to December 3 each year with great enthusiasm. The District Administration designates December 3 as a public holiday for Kanyakumari District. A highlight of the tenth-day celebration is the grand procession featuring the Temple Car, which carries the statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Francis Xavier. This event sees participation from Hindus, who join in the procession, reflecting a shared cultural tradition.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free