A Christmas miracle for St Mary's Church right before Christmas! The Pope Benedict XVI declared the iconic church of Secunderabad a minor Basilica, an esteemed church, a couple of days before the birthday of Christ. This makes it the 17th such Church in India to be granted the Basilica status.

Rev Thumma Bala, the archbishop of Hyderabad was warmed by the declaration and expressed great joy and pride for the people of the state apart from the Christian fraternity. He said, now that the church's level of importance has been raised higher, it stands a chance for being a major spiritual center with more visitors flocking to the place of worship.

The Church dates back to 1854 with 150 years of rich history. Father Daniel Murphy was the man behind the the establishment of a Church for the Catholics who  mainly served in the British army.

A basilica is a Catholic church or cathedral which has been accorded with certain privileges by the Pope. Major Basilicas are the bigger Catholic centers, currently all four of them are in Rome, while the minor ones are the ones spread around the world.

A church can be named a minor Basilica for the rich history, antiquity and architectural significance. Once they are given the minor Basilica status, they receive special priestly privileges and are considered significant centers of worship.

(AW- Anil)