Introduction

Luz Church or the Church of Our Lady of Light is the oldest church in Chennai built by Portuguese Franciscan monks in 1516, shortly after Vasco-da-gama discovered the sea-route from Europe to India in 1498 A.D.

The church has an interesting legend associated with it. It is believed that the missionaries first arrived at Calicut, proceeded to Cochin, and soon set sail again in search of new shores for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Subsequently, they lost their way at sea, and began to pray to Mother Mary. As night fell, a bright pinprick of light at a distance caught their attention, they decided to head towards the light in hope of finding land. They did find land and after bringing their boat ashore, they started inland towards the light source. The light led them further inland and disappeared when they reached a clearing in a forest.

The monks and missionaries decided to build a church on that very spot in honor of Mother Mary. By 1516 A.D. the church was ready and they christened it Nossa Senhosra De Luz or the Church of Our Lady of Light. The locals also refer to it as the Kattu Koil meaning Church in Forest, with reference to its location in a forest.

Luz Church was ransacked and damaged by the forces of Golconda (a fort in Andhra Pradesh) in the period between 1662 and 1673, and then again by the army of Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1780-82. But the damages did nothing to dither the church from its services, some renovations later it continued in the same vein of worshipping the Mother and doing charity for the poor and needy.

The church still retains its original grandeur, and is lauded as an ancient Portuguese architectural marvel. Its elaborate interiors with a gilded altar, polychrome santos (colorfully painted statues of saints), intricate railings of the pulpit and choir stands, and the frescoed ceilings are to be seen and appreciated.

The annual feast is celebrated on the 15th August, believed to be the Day of the Assumption of Mother Mary. The 10-day festival begins on the 6th August and concludes with the feast on the 15th. Mass is held on all ten days of the festival.

Special Attributes

Oldest church in Chennai

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately

Connectivity

Cars, Buses, Auto-rickshaws, Metro trains

Enjoyed by

Architecture lovers

Exposure

You will be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Maintain decorum

Type of site

Place of worship/church