Udupi: The countdown began 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 Bangalore is the first in Karnataka state, said Rev Fr. George D’Souza, Rector of St. Lawrence Shrine, Attur, Karkala.

While speaking at a press meet held at the Shrine’s office on Thursday, 28th July, Rev Fr. George said that Pope Francis in Rome, through a decree on 26th April, 2016, took a step of elevating the St. Lawrence Shrine, Attur, Karkala into a Minor Basilica. The Proclamation and dedication of the Shrine into Minor Basilica will take place during the mass and declare the Shrine as a sanctuary of Blessings favours, reconciliation, peace and communal harmony. The Eucharistic celebrations will start at 10 am.

The preparation for this mega event is in full swing where arrangements are being made for accommodating nearly twelve thousand devotees for the Solemn Eucharistic celebrations and stage programme. The huge pandal with tin roof and white cloth covering the interior top has been already erected and the wide platform for the celebration and programme are 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, the arrangement of providing cold drink and lunch will be provided after the stage programme. 20-25 counters are erected in the Shrine premises to serve meals to the devotees. LED TVs of gigantic sizes are kept both in the premises, 450 volunteers will help during the various programmes. Volunteers at the reception and information counter situated at the main entrance of the Shrine would provide proper guidance and information to the devotees. Meanwhile, First Aid facilities and Ambulance service would be available in the case of medical emergencies. Law and Order would be maintained under the supervision of Karkala ASP Suman.

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 all around 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 in August will start at 10 am with Solemn High Mass followed by stage programme at 11.45 am. Fr. George said that after the prayer song by the Choir, Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo , Bishop of Udupi diocese will deliver welcome address. Unveiling of Basilica Plaque by H. E. Baselios Cardinal Cleemis and blessings by H. E. Baselios Cardinal Cleemis. Unfurling the Papal Flag by H. E. Mar George Cardinal Alencherry and message will be delivered by H. E. Mar George Cardinal Alencherry. Holy Father’s message will be read by Most Rev Bernard Moras, Arch Bishop of Bangaluru. The Nuncio’s message will be read by Most Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese.

Pramod Madhwaraj, Udupi District Minister in charge, Sunil Kumar local MLA, Oscar Fernandes member of Rajya Sabha will deliver their respective messages. 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, Asst. Parish Priest of the Shrine, Richard Pinto, Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council, Santhosh D’Silva, Secretary of PPC and others were present.