The ceremony took place on 1 August in the presence of more than 200 cardinals, bishops and priests. More than 15,000 faithful gathered for the celebration. "This is a place of miracles,” said the Bishops’ Conference president. The basilica “is not just for Catholics, but for everyone,” said a minister of state.
Bangalore (AsiaNews) – More than 15,000 faithful attended the ceremony elevating St Lawrence’s shrine in Attur, Diocese of Udupi (Karnataka), to a minor basilica.
More than 200 cardinals, bishops and priests officiated the celebration on 1 August. “This is a place of miracles and attract thousands and thousands of devotees in the future," said Card Baselios Cleemis, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India
Last May, the church dedicated to St Lawrence, Martyr of the poor, was elevated to that status of a minor basilica by decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
"The elevation of a minor basilica is not only an honour for the diocese of Udupi, but also for the state and all of India,” said Card Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and main celebrant of the Eucharistic function.
Every year, the shrine attracts many believers of all denominations, who come here to pray and ask for the saint’s intercession.
One of them is Pramod Madhwaraj, a minister of state. "Today,” he said, “is a day of joy for the whole state. St Lawrence Basilica is not just for Catholics, but for everyone. People flock in large numbers when miracles happen. They visit the sacred place because when they ask for peace and a blessing, their prayers are heeded. My intentions too were answered."
By their presence, numerous political leaders showed that this is also a place of harmony between religions.
Mgr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bengalore, explained the meaning of basilica. "The name means 'beautiful royal house’. In Christianity, the term basilica was used by early Christians when they celebrated Mass in the royal palaces of kings".
"In the world,” he added, “there are 1,742 minor basilicas, including 21 in India. This is the 22nd and the second in the state of Karnataka after the Basilica of St Mary in the capital."
Noting that Saint Lawrence is revered as the martyr of the poor, Card Gracias said that "in this Holy Year of mercy Pope Francis asked that the Church belong to the poor."
(Photo credit: stlawrenceattur.org)