St. Mary’s Basilica celebrates 175 years.

Situated 2.2 kilometres from our house is the most beautiful Church of Twin Cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the St. Mary’s Basilica, the only Basilica in the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and one of the 21 Basilicas in India. The Church / Cathedral held its Quarto Sept Centennial Celebrations (175th Anniversary Celebrations) yesterday, Sunday, 1st May 2016. Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio, formally dedicated the St. Mary’s Church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption yesterday in the presence of Rev. Thumma Bala, Archbishop of Hyderabad and all the 12 Bishops from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh amidst a large gathering of worshippers. Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio proclaimed that anyone who visits St. Mary’s Basilica would get special grace and spoke about the importance of loving one another.

St. Mary’s Basilica is an imposing landmark and a magnificent sight on Sarojini Devi Road. And the adjoining School, St. Ann’s High School, is the most popular School for girls in the City. Together these two establishments extend between two main roads of Secunderabad, Sarojini Devi Road and Sardar Patel Road. It was in the year 1839 that Fr. Daniel Murphy (of Ireland, 15 June 1815-29 December 1915) at first searched for a place to build a Church in Hyderabad, but then decided to build it in Secunderabad where the British Army was in control. Fr. Murphy started building St. Mary’s Cathedral in 1840 on what was then called Alexander Road and the construction was completed in 1850. The Church is built in a Gothic style with pointed buttresses and curved arches. The roof is wooden, its windows are decorated with stained glass and there are four Church bells which are from Italy. Its wonderful architecture attracts a lot of locals as well as foreigners. In 1851, Pope Gregory XVI raised Father, Daniel Murphy, to the office of Bishop.  Bishop Murphy established a few more Churches and Schools in Hyderabad. His missionary works in Hyderabad shall be remembered forever. Pope Blessed Pius IX transferred him from India to Tasmania in 1865, appointing him Bishop of Hobart.

P.S. What makes a Church a Basilica?

The word Basilica is derived from a Greek term meaning “Royal House.” In the Catholic world, a Basilica is a Church building that has been accorded special privileges by the Pope. There are two kinds of Basilicas. The world’s four major, or Papal, Basilicas are St. John Lateran, St. Peter, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major, all in Rome.

Minor, or lesser, Basilicas are significant Churches in Rome and elsewhere in the World that meet certain criteria and are given special ecclesiastical privileges. Minor Basilicas are traditionally named because of their antiquity, dignity, historical value, architectural and artistic worth, and/or significance as centers of worship. A Basilica must “stand out as a center of active and pastoral liturgy,” according to the 1989 Vatican document Domus ecclesiae.

More than 1,580 Churches worldwide have been honored as Basilicas. As of last year, 325 basilicas had been designated in the Americas and 21 in India.

Happiness is a warm cup of Tea, for the vast majority.

Happiness is a warm cup of Tea!

For the vast majority,

And this fact can anyone deny,

Looking at this testimony,

A picture with a steaming-hot cup of Tea,

And the scene and smile so pretty.

Such images are worth a thousand words,

As they generate pleasure and recall memories.

Sri Dubbaka Yadagiri Achary’s 100th Birth Anniversary.

Today marks the 100th Birth Anniversary of my revered father‑in‑law, Late Sri. Dubbaka Yadagiri Achary (19 April 1916 – 3 July 1988). The day was deeply meaningful, as family members and many who had known or admired him gathered at the Commemoration Ceremony and reflected upon his life. Our remembrance messages published in local newspapers also evoked fond memories of his noble presence.

Sri. Yadagiri Achary was a distinguished merchant of precious and semi‑precious gemstones in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, with his business extending across all districts of Telangana. He founded Trichy Jewellery Mart in Secunderabad nearly seven decades ago, earning immense respect in society.

Within the extended family and community, he was a fatherly figure—offering guidance, helping those in need, arranging marriages, and counseling families through disputes. His leadership extended beyond business: he served as President of the Rangoon Diamond Merchants Association for several years.

In 1977, through his vision, administration, and generous financial contribution, he united the community to establish the Vishwakarma Sangha Bhavanam, a Function Complex in Secunderabad. He presided over this institution until his demise, and to this day, it continues to serve the community for weddings and other functions, while remaining open to all.

This morning, a commemoration ceremony was held at the Vishwakarma Sangha Bhavanam in his honour. His kindness, leadership, and contributions were remembered with reverence. The ceremony was attended by my wife Lalitha, her sisters Smt. Vijayalakshmi and Smt. Sunitha, members of the Bhavanam Committee, and other distinguished guests.

Attached are photographs from this solemn and heartfelt occasion.