Pope is known to have pronounced Velankanni as a sacred city and thus, the Velankanni church is regarded as a city of the god which has been confirmed time and again since centuries. The city or rather town is dotingly referred to as the "Lourdes of the East". The church is believed to be an ideal blend of multicultural, spiritual and international harmony. The greatest respect which can be bestowed to a particular Church is the grade of Basilica.