Udupi: Four cardinals, more than 30 bishops, 350 priests and thousands of people from around Karnataka and neighboring states are expected at the dedication of a basilica in Udupi district.
The 300-year-old St Lawrence Shrine at Attur in Karkala will be upgraded to minor basilica on August 1. It will be the second basilica in the entire Karnataka state and the 22nd in India, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi told reporters on July 15.
Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Bombay and president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, will lead the inaugural Mass at 10 am on that day.
Cardinals Telesphore Toppo, archbishop of Ranchi, George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, and Baselios Mar Cleemis, head of the Syro-Malankara Church will also attend the ceremonies.
Cardinal Cleemis, who is the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, will announce the declaration of minor basilica in Latin and Bishop Lobo will translate it into Konkani.
Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore will deliver the homily, daijiworld.com reports.
Bishop Lobo said the diocese obtained the Vatican permission after “elaborate preparations of nearly two years” to full all requirements asked by Pope Francis.
The diocese will celebrate August 1 as the annual Dedication Day.
Several politicians, including state ministers will attend the programs.