Introduction to the shrine, its history, and significance

The Shrine of St. Devasahayam at Nattalam is a unique blend of history, faith, and local heritage. More than just a church, it is a living memorial to the first Indian lay Catholic martyr, offering pilgrims and visitors a deeply immersive spiritual and cultural experience.The shrine stands across from Devasahayam ancestral Nair homestead in Nattalam, Kanyakumari district. The land was acquired by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kuzhithurai, which carefully modernized the site while preserving the original wall structure of his family home.The original chapel was built in 1976 and consecrated by the then Bishop Most Rev. Marianus Arokiaswamy. It was intentionally placed near the foundation of St.Devasahayam’s home, maintaining a tangible link to his roots.Following Devasahayam’s beatification in 2012, a new church was constructed and consecrated in 2016 by Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Jeromedhas Varuvel,significantly increasing the shrine’s capacity for pilgrims and positioning it as a major pilgrimage centre in South India.His liturgical feast is celebrated on January 14. St. Devasahayam was declared patron of the Laity in India by Pope Leo XIV. This declaration was confirmed by the Holy See through a decree dated July 16, 2025. It marks a significant moment for the Indian Church, recognizing the first Indian lay martyr as “a living example for millions of ordinary believers today”. The solemn proclamation was celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral, Varanasi, India on October 15, 2025. We also celebrated it grandly at the Shrine of St. Devasahayam, Nattalam on the same day.