Karkala: Atthur St Lawrence Shrine has reached a important and historic milestone as it has been declared as a Minor Basilica on Monday. It has become only the second Minor Basilica in state and 22nd in entire country.
In a Eucharistic Mass led by Mumbai archbishop, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, it was proclaimed that the St Lawrence Shrine has been proclaimed as Minor Basilica by Syro-Malankara Church Major Archbishop Baselious Climis in Latin language; later Udupi Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo announced the same in Konkani.
The proclamation and dedication programme was graced by more than 25 archbishops from various part of the country. The new rector of the Minor Basilica Rev Fr George D’Souza was present among the many priests.
“The vent will be written in golden words of the dioceses of Udupi. I thank the lord for making this happen,” said Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Karnataka.
While explaining about the importance of the Minor Basilica he said that Basilica means royal and beautiful house. Early Christians used to celebrate the holy mass in royal palaces. There are 1742 minor Basilica’s in the world out of which 21 belongs to India and St Lawrence Basilica is the 22nd among them.
“St Lawrence died in AD257. He sacrificed his life and proved his faith and love towards god. He served poor and needy throughout of his life. This shrine is a place where people feel the love and grace of god through miracles,” he said.
St Lawrence Shrine at Attur, Karkala has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Francis through the sacred congregation for the divine worship and discipline of sacraments, Vatican, Rome, it is gathered. Within three months, The Shrine is being proclaimed and dedicated a Minor Basilica.