Historic St. Thomas Mount Church
Elevated to Basilica Status; South Indian Bank Launches Innovative E-Hundi
Chennai, India – A
momentous day of spiritual significance unfolded in Chennai as the revered St.
Thomas Mount Church was officially elevated to the esteemed status of a
Basilica, marking a proud and historic milestone in the religious and cultural
landscape of the city.
This sacred site, long revered by the faithful, is
believed to be where St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of
Jesus Christ, attained martyrdom in 72 AD. Arriving in India in 52 AD, St.
Thomas is credited with establishing early Christian communities along the
Malabar Coast before his final mission in Mylapore, near modern-day Chennai.
Perched atop the mount, the church stands as a lasting tribute to his life,
teachings, and sacrifice.
The elevation to Basilica status is a formal recognition
of the church's historical, architectural, and spiritual importance. It now
joins an elite group of churches around the world honored with this
designation, symbolizing its stature as a site of significant pilgrimage,
devotion, and heritage.
In a fitting blend of tradition and innovation, the South
Indian Bank commemorated this grand occasion by launching a digital E-Hundi for
the Basilica. This cutting-edge initiative was unveiled in a joint inauguration
ceremony attended by church dignitaries and senior officials from the bank,
including:
Mr. Easwaran S, Deputy General Manager & Regional
Head – Chennai
Mr. Nagarajan H, Cluster Head – T. Nagar
Mrs. Krupa Anna Thomas, Branch Head – St. Thomas Mount
Mr. Sutheesh SR, Digital RSA
Mrs. Yasmin, RSM – TASC/GOVT
Mr. Arun Kumar, RSM – CASA
St. Thomas Mount Branch Staff
The E-Hundi allows devotees to make secure and seamless
offerings digitally, enhancing convenience while preserving the sanctity of
giving. This initiative represents a step forward in making religious
contributions more accessible, especially for tech-savvy devotees and those
unable to visit in person.
"The designation of Basilica is a profound honor for
our community," said church officials. "It acknowledges centuries of
unwavering faith, pilgrimage, and prayer at this holy site. The introduction of
the E-Hundi ensures that our spiritual traditions continue to thrive in the
digital age."
Today’s dual celebration symbolizes the harmony of
heritage and progress — affirming St. Thomas Mount Basilica’s enduring role as
a beacon of faith, while embracing modern tools to serve a growing community of
worshippers.
About
South Indian Bank:
South
Indian Bank is a Kerala-based private sector Bank with a nationwide presence.
The Bank’s shares are listed on the Stock Exchange Mumbai (BSE) and the
National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., Mumbai (NSE). South Indian Bank has 948
branches, 5 Ultra Small Branches / Satellite Branches, 1151 ATMs, and 125 CRMs
across India and a representative office in Dubai, UAE. For more information,
please log on to https://www.southindianbank.com/
