Alappuzha: Archbishop of Changanassery archdiocese, Mar Joseph Perumthottam on Sunday declared Champakulam St Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church as basilica.
Archdioces vicar generals Joseph Mundakathil and James Palackil, archdiocese chancellor Dr Tom Puthenkalam and procurator Fr Philip Thayil also attended the holy mass held in connection with the declaration.
The decree naming the church as basilica was read out by Tom Puthenkalam while its Malayalam translation was read out by forane assistant vicar Fr Biju Manavath. Assistant vicar Fr Jossy Pokkavarayath read out the message of major archbishop.
A public meet was inaugurated by speaker P Sreeramakrishnan and it was presided over by Mar Joseph Perumthottam.