Karkala: “It is a historical day. Attur Church is loved by the people of all religion; it has fulfilled the prayers of everyone. As Jesus said, if we help our brothers and sisters, it will be equal to helping ourselves,” said Minister for Fisheries and udupi District In-Charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

He was speaking on the occasion of proclamation of Attur St Lawrence Church as Minor Basilica. “I am very happy to say that the church belongs to my district. This event may spread a message of communal peace in the country,” he said.

MLA Sunil Kumar said that, it is a proud moment for the district as the church is proclaimed as Minor Basilica.

“As the church belongs to my constituency I will surely try to improve the basic facilities in the church, with the help of the government fund,” he added.

Mumbai Arch Bishop and CCBI President Most Rev Cardinal Oswald Gracious, Bengaluru Arch Bishop Most Rev Udupi Bishop Rev Gerald Isaac Lobo, Mangaluru Bishop Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza and other delegates were present.