St. Philomena's Church, Mysore – Largest Church in India
St. Philomena's church is one of the highest churches in the world, commonly known as Mysore church. St. Philomena's church is one of the catholic pilgrim places in south India and it is famous for its height, 175 feet. Though this church is a pilgrim place, it is the most visited tourist places in Mysore after Mysore palace. This article is about history of St. Philomena's church, archeological importance and salient features of St. Philomena's church.
History of St. Philomena's church
St. Philomena's church is one of the landmarks and tourist places of Mysore. The present construction of St. Philomena's church is started on 28th October 1933 and finished in the year 1941. This church is constructed in the honour of St. Philomena. The foundation of this church started in 1926 A.D with a relic of St. Philomena, which passed from Peter Pisani to Thambu Chetty, a Secretary to Mysore Maharaja. Later the relic was handed over Father Cochet, who requested the then king of Mysore, Maharaja Krishnarajendra Wadeyar to construct a church in the honour of St. Philomena. Without any delay and hesitation the then king Maharaja Krishnarajendra Wadeyar given orders for the construction of this historic church and laid foundation for the same. The present church is built on a double foundation as per the order of Mysore Maharaja. Donations from devotees all around India and some other countries helped to construct the chaplain. The marble altar in the chaplain is brought from Italy and the construction of the church is in neo Gothic style. There were some miracles occurred during construction of the church.
Salient features of St. Philomena's church
The height of the church is the main feature of St. Philomena's church. The height is about 175 feet. Another feature which is not very common is the height and length of the church is same, that is 175 feet. The St. Philomena's Church became a landmark due to its height and it can be seen from far distance also. The church is constructed in the shape of a cross and the design is adapted from two churches in New York and Germany and the church has an underground chapel. The marble altar and the statue of St. Philomena also are another two attractions in this church. Our visit to St. Philomena's church
We have visited Mysore in the month of January 2015. St. Philomena's church was the first place we visited in Mysore so that we can attend Holy Mass, but the Mass was about to finish when we reached the church. There were some school students in uniform were also there in the church and they were tourists from Kerala as they were talking in Malayalam. When we went inside, we could see the beautiful altar and St. Philomena's statue, which was so divine and serene view. We prayed on knees for some time and went to see the underground chapel and there was a 'well' and we can dedicate our offerings there and the underground path ends on the back side of the church. There is a book stall next to the church and we purchased some books, cross and holy oil from there to gift our family members and friends. We felt that the atmosphere was divine, though there was a crowd around us. 
Miracles happened in St. Philomena's church
St. Philomena is very kind towards her devotees and there are many miracles happened by worshiping St. Philomena. Whenever there were shortages of money while constructing church, the next day they got a parcel containing the required amount and the source is still unknown and there are many unbelievable cures of dying persons with the grace of St. Philomena also reported in this church. How to reach St. Philomena's church
St. Philomena's church itself is a landmark. It is located near the Mysore palace and it is just 2kms away. It is about 3kms away from the Mysore bus stand and 2kms from the Mysore railway Station. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are always available to St. Philomena's church. There are many hotels and residencies around the St. Philomena's church and Mysore palace. St. Philomena's church is a must visit place in Mysore with its divine nature and architectural importance.
This is a main pilgrimage centre in Mysore. People from Goa, mangalore visits the church. The place offers a sense of peacefulness and tranquillity. The Church building looks imposing. But, is there some kind of non-cooperation between laity and diocese going on?