Udupi: The countdown has begun for the mega historic event of the Proclamation and Dedication of the St. Lawrence Minor Basilica at Attur, Karkala on 1st August, 2016. The preparation for this event is in full swing. The status of Minor Basilica of St. Lawrence is the second Shrine to get the status in Karnataka. St. Mary’s Basilica in Bengaluru is the first in Karnataka state, said Rev Fr. George D’Souza, Rector of St. Lawrence Shrine, Attur, Karkala.
Rev Fr. George was speaking at a press meet held at the Shrine’s office on Thursday, 28th July. He said that Pope Francis in Rome, through a decree on 26th April, 2016, step of elevating the St. Lawrence Shrine, Attur, Karkala into a Minor Basilica. The Proclamation and dedication of the Shrine into Minor Basilica will be take place during the mass and declare the Shrine as a sanctuary of Blessings favors, reconciliation, peace and communal harmony. The Eucharistic celebrations will be start at 10 am.
The preparation for this mega event is in full swing with arrangements being made for accommodating for nearly twelve thousand devotees for the Solemn Eucharistic celebrations and stage programme. A huge pandal with tin roof and white cloth covering the interior top has been already erected and the wide platform for the celebrations and programme getting final touches, said Fr. George D’Souza.
He said that along with huge 12000 devotees the event will be witnessed by three Cardinals, 30-40 Bishops and more than 300 priests and nuns. After the end of mass there is an arrangement of providing soft drinks and lunch will be provided after the stage programme. Around 20-25 counters are erected in the Shrine premises to serve lunch to the devotees. LED TVs of gigantic sizes are kept both in the premises, 450 volunteers will help during the various programmes. A welcome and Inquiry counter will be opened near the main entrance to provide suitable guidance to the devotees and others. Ambulance and first aid facility is provided near the entrance of the Church to help in emergency situations. ASP Sumana who has the knowledge of the area will be in charge of law and order.
Parking arrangements have been made in the two school grounds. The new ground by the side of St. Lawrence Higher Primary School has been reserved for Bishops, Priests, Nuns, VIP’s and media persons. The ground in front of St. Lawrence High School ground reserved for vehicles and devotees. 40 home guards and 40 volunteers will assist for the parking arrangements. Through the public address system proper instructions to participants will be given at all the corner. Many toilets are erected for the physical needs and newly constructed toilets are closed. All the toilets near the Church stalls and on the left of Souhardha Bhavan and on the first floor will be kept open for the public.
The programme on August 1 will start at 10 am with Solemn High Mass followed by stage programme at 11.45 am. Fr. George said that, Mumbai Arch Bishop, CCBI and FIBC president Cardinal Oswald Gracious will lead the Mass. Thiruvananthapuram Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Major Arch Bishop and Catholic Bishop Conference (CBCI) president Cardinal Baselios Cleemis will announce in Latin and Udupi Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo will announce in Konkani the declaration of Minor Basilica. Bengaluru Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras will deliver the homily. Ernakulum Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alancherry, Ranchi Archbishop Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, Mangaluru bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’ Souza will be present.
Pramod Madhwaraj Udupi District Minister in charge, Sunil Kumar local MLA, Oscar Fernandes member of Rajya Sabha will be deliver their respective messages. Dakshina Kannada district in charge ministers, MPs and MLAs from the twin districts will participate as guests of honor. Msgr Baptist Menezes Vicar General of Udupi Diocese will propose vote of thanks.
During the press meet along with Rev Fr. George D’Souza, Rev Fr. Vijay D’Souza assist parish priest of the Shrine, Richard Pinto Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council, Santhosh D’Silva Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council and other among were present.
