According to legends, the 9th century St. Mary's Church was built on land donated by the Brahmin family of Ettanasseri. It a token of thanksgiving for a male heir born to the family on praying to Virgin Mary. The idol at the shrine, the statue of St. Sebastian is said to be brought by Portuguese sailor Leonard D'Cruz in 1687. The crucifix in this church is unique, as it shows St. Sebastian without any wound.In 2016, the church was announced as a Basilica and became the first in the archdiocese of Changanasserry. So this is the 23rd basilica in India and 9th basilica in Kerala. Also, it is the 4th Syro-Malabar basilica in India.