Mangaluru (TOI): St Lawrence Shrine in Karkala is all set to be declared as the second Minor Basilica in the state on Monday.

The shrine situated in Attur village, around 55kms from Mangaluru, is a place bustling with pilgrims irrespective of caste and creed from the past three centuries. The special tag of 'Minor Basilica' has been given by the Holy See to the shrine as it was considered as a sacred sanctuary of blessings, favours, reconciliation, peace, unity and communal harmony. The shrine was elevated to the status of Minor Basilica by Pope Francis on April 26, 2016.

St Lawrence Basilica is the 22nd Minor Basilica in India, and second in Karnataka, St Mary's Basilica in Bengaluru being the first in the state. "In the Catholic world, a Basilica is a church building that has been accorded special privileges by the Pope. It is a title of honour given to certain churches because of their antiquity, dignity, historical importance or significance as centres of worship," explains Fr George D'Souza, parish priest. The word 'Basilica' is derived from a Greek term meaning 'Royal House'.

Not only the people of Attur and the pilgrims, but everyone who pray for help have felt the helping hand of God. The large number of pilgrims who visit the shrine during the annual feast in January and throughout the year is a testimony that the Saint does not refuse those who approach him with trust and confidence, adds Fr George.

The Pope also grants the title of 'Minor Basilica' to certain churches around the world which enjoy certain ceremonial privileges. A Basilica must 'stand out as a centre of active and pastoral liturgy', according to the 1989 Vatican document - Domus Ecclesiae. The decree from the Pope, while granting the title of Minor Basilica, imposes the obligation to celebrate the liturgy with special care, and demands that the church for which the title is requested should have been liturgically dedicated to God and be outstanding as a centre of active and pastoral liturgy, setting an example for others.