Christian Pilgrimages were first made to sites connected with the birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Christianity in India dates back to Portugese and British Rule in India. The Catholic Churches and Cathedrals of that era speak of the grandeur of their lifestyles and the dedication of the missionaries. Christianity in India is as old as world Christianity. There are 25 million Christians in India. Diversity of Christians is noticeable: Syrian Christians, Knanaya Christians, Goan Christians, Tamil Christians, Anglo-Indians, Naga Christians, etc are the main. They differ in language, social customs and economic prosperity. Christians play a decisive role in the fields of education, social work and even in politics. Portuguese came to India and brought with them the Latin cultural heritage, which one can very well witness in Goa. But the churches of Old Goa are something one won't be able to forget ever.

Enriched with intricate designs and beautiful interiors these churches tell you the stories of the Portuguese glory and endless devotion. Christians of Kerala, claims their origin from Apostle Thomas at the dawn of the Christian Era in 52 AD, as well as their manifold contributions to Indian and World Christianity in particular and in general to Humanity at large. Kerala is the cradle of Christianity in India. In the educational field, the work of the Christians of Kerala has been noteworthy. Few famous churches in India include the Church and Convent of St Monica, the first Convent for nuns in Goa, St. John's Church is the oldest church in North India. Established in 1819 in Meerut Cantonment, this church was completed in 1822. Seat up by Chaplin revered Henry Fisher on behalf of the East India Company, this Church was dedicated to the people by Bishop Wilson. The church has a seating capacity of 15,000 people. In north-west India, the Christians of the Bhil tribe go out every night for a week till Christmas to sing their own carols.

One of the important church is in Velankanni, which is located 12 km south of Nagapattinam on the Coromandel Coast, in Tamil Nadu. The shrine here is dedicated to Our Lady of Health, the Madonna of Velankanni and is popularly known as 'Sacred Arogya Matha Church'. Virgin Mary is believed to have miraculous healing powers. Thousands of pilgrims
belonging to various castes and communities flock daily to this 'Lourdes of the East'. The church has an imposing facade with tall spires and the wings present the shape of a cross. In a niche in the alter is enshrined the statue of Our Lady of Health.