Our Lady of Velankanni Mata Church, Mardes (Wagholi)

“Velankanni Mata, our beacon of faith, our healer in sorrow, and our hope in every tomorrow.”
Inside View Altar Entrance

About the Church

Our Lady of Velankanni Mata Church, Mardes belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Vasai and is located in the serene village of Mardes–Wagholi. The foundation stone was blessed on 26th February 1995, and the church was consecrated on 1st May 1999. In its early years, it served as a prayer centre where the faithful gathered for devotion, while Holy Mass, weddings, and other sacraments were still celebrated at the mother parish, Holy Cross Church, Nirmal. By 2001, the centre grew into a proper parish church with full authority to conduct services, marking the beginning of a new spiritual home for the local community.

Dedicated to Our Lady of Velankanni Mata, lovingly known as “Mother of Good Health”. The church stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and love. Mother Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Velankanni, is deeply venerated here as a compassionate intercessor and a guiding mother who draws people closer to Jesus Christ.

Faith here is celebrated not only through the Eucharist and parish gatherings but also through special Novenas in honour of Our Lady of Velankanni Mata, where the faithful unite their hearts in prayer and devotion. These moments of collective prayer have become a source of strength and blessing for many.

Church is surrounded by the natural beauty of lush greenery; the parish is blessed with a peaceful ambience. The church community extends across seven vibrant villages, bringing together around 2,000–3,000 faithful residents who gather as one family in Christ.

Our Lady of Velankanni Mata Church is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of unity and belonging, fostering a strong sense of togetherness among parishioners. Along with the main church, a chapel has been built to provide space for quiet personal prayer, allowing the faithful to encounter God in silence and peace.