Location
Luz Church is situated in the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai.
The famous metropolis houses a number of such attractions,
encompassing the popular religious and monumental places. The church
lies at a stones distance from the Luz Church Road towards the north
east of Mylapore suburbs.
Overview
Luz Church is popular by many names like Church of 'Our Lady of
Light' and 'Kaatu Kovil'. The latter term in Tamil dialect means
church located in the forest. The nomenclature follows from the fact
that the area where the church stands used to be occupied by rich
mangrove forests. The residents of the area adjoining the area claim
that the said church is the oldest one in the sub continent.
However, no credible evidences have been put forth till date.
The place got the name, church of Our Lady of Light, following a
popular legend. According to the legend Franciscan missionaries lost
their way at Coromandel Coast and were guided to this place by a
mysterious light. The missionaries believed the light to be from
Mother Mary and soon built a church in gratitude. The church is
popular for its Gothic architecture as well as a historical
landmark.
Architecture
The existing structure at Luz was built by the Portuguese as a
symbol of gratitude to Mother Mary. The original name was christened
by Portuguese as the church of 'Nossa Senhora Luz'. The architecture
of the building reveals patters of Gothic arches, Baroque
ornamentation and classical European style. The gilded altars and
fresco painted ceilings makes the church interiors stand out. The
building plan resembles the Portuguese style in more than one way.
Luz church represents one of the many attempts made by these people
to leave their identity in far off places.
Speciality
One of the special features of the church is the grand feast held
on every 15th of August. The day is celebrated as the 'Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin'. The feast is marked with a grand procession.
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