Karkala: The Postal Department released a special cover to commemorate the dedication and proclamation of St Lawrence Minor Basilica of Attur near Karkala, on January 18 at the Church Hall.
The Postmaster General, Bangalore southern Karnataka Rajendra Kumar Shirthadi along with Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi and Fr George D’Souza, rector of the Basilica released the special cover and stamp.
Pope Francis elevated the shrine of St Lawrence at Attur in Karkala, to the status of a Minor Basilica on April 26, 2016. The St Lawrence Shrine is the 22nd Basilica in India and the second in Karnataka. St Lawrence Shrine was proclaimed as Minor Basilica, on August 1, 2016.
The annual fair of the church, attended by thousands of people will be held from January 21 to 26.
Philatelist and curator of Corporation Heritage Museum, Udupi, M K Krishnayya took the initiative to bring out the special cover and stamp.
Fr Denis D’Sa PRO, Fr Valerian Mendonca Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, Fr Jancil Alva Assistant parish priest of the Basilica and others were present.
