Catholic Church and health care
The famous Mother Teresa of Calcutta established the Missionaries of Charity in the slums of Calcutta in 1948 to work among "the poorest of the poor". Initially founding a school, she then gathered other sisters who "rescued new-born babies abandoned on rubbish heaps; they sought out the sick; they took in lepers, the unemployed, and the mentally ill". Teresa achieved fame in the 1960s and began to establish convents around the world. By the time of her death in 1997, the religious institute she founded had more than 450 centres in over 100 countries.
St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai
It is claimed that [[Thomas the Apostle|Saint Thomas]]’s apostolic ministry in India took place specifically at [[Kodungallur|Cranganore]] along the [[Malabar coast]] from 52 A.D to 68 A.D. His journey through [[Kerala]] is said to have resulted in numerous conversions. After spending 10 years on the Malabar coast he is said to have travelled Eastwards across the [[Deccan Plateau]], arriving in [[Mylapore]] in 68 A.D. The cave at little mount is claimed to be his favourite preaching spot. A 2000 year old never drying, a miraculous stream of water on a rock face are said to be examples of the apostle’s divine exploits. A church atop St. Thomas mount was built by [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] in 1547 to mark the spot. It was on this [[St. Thomas Mount]] that the apostle was said to be killed by a lance which pierced through his back.