page_title: John de Britto
section_title: Red Sand
hierarchical_section_title: John de Britto / Red Sand
caption_attribution_description: Letter of John de Brito requesting to be sent as missionary to India
context_page_description: Saint John de Britto, also known as Arul Anandar, was a Portuguese Jesuit missionary and martyr, often called 'the Portuguese St Francis Xavier' by Indian Catholics. He can be called the John the Baptist of India.
context_section_description: This seashore sightseeing location is one of the most venerable pilgrim centres of Christians in the world over, as it is said to be the site of St John de Britto's martyrdom. It was at this place where the saint is said to have been beheaded in 1693. The sand dune here is believed to have been stained by the blood of the revered saint. There is a shrine constructed in Portuguese style containing a statue of the saint, known locally as 'Arul Anandar' who had modestly offered his neck to the executioner.
  The red sand dune here in this shrine where the blood of the massacred saint was spilled has great significance. Numerous incurable diseases are said to have cured by the application of the red sand on the respective body parts. Couples are believed to have blessed with children on visiting the shrine and praying to the departed soul. During festivities, pilgrims mainly from Tamil Nadu and Kerala participate irrespective of their caste, creed and religion. Thus, together with Christians, Hindus and Muslims also come to worship at the shrine in thousands, to mark respect to a unique holy man who shed his life and blood at that spot. The occasion appears to be more as a social gathering rather than a religious festival. The auspicious ceremony is a rare opportunity for these simple people to bring gaiety and enthusiasm in their life. The strong faith and enviable ability to combine pleasure and righteousness on a pilgrimage gives a divine atmosphere to the Oriyur fest.
  Devotees from other dioceses and districts visit the shrine on specific dates. In February, believers from Dindigul arrive while in June, they are from Karunguli and Nagapattinam. During September more than 25,000 pilgrims used to visit the shrine for dedicating prayers and offerings. In October, nearly 25,000 pilgrims arrive from the neighbouring Sivagangai district and in December, visitors are from Madurai and Melur. Throughout the year, thousands of pilgrims from Sakthikulangara, the only parish in Kerala, visit the St John de Britto shrine to seek the unique
caption: Letter of John de Britto requesting to be sent to the 'Missions'
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