Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio inaugurated the valedictory function of the silver jubilee celebration of the Kottapuram archdiocese here on Sunday.
Fr Francis Kallarakal presided over the function which marked the end of the year-long celebration which began there in October 2011.
Kottapuram Archbishop Joseph Karikkassery delivered the prefatory address. The celebrations were attended by over 10,000 people, both young and old.
The Pope’s declaration promoting the Church of Our Lady of Snow, Pallippuram, was made official by the reading of the Latin text by Chancellor Nixon Kattassery. The text was translated into Malayalam for the benefit of the public.
With the declaration, the Church of Our Lady of Snow at Pallippuram, has become the eighth basilica in the state to be elevated to this status. “There are four major basilicas in Rome and the rest are known as minor basilicas. The basilica is a sacred pilgrimage place and people go there seeking definite spiritual transformation. Today, we thank almighty for the honour showered on Church of Our Lady of Snow,” said Salvatore.
Union Minister for State K V Thomas and PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju were present at the function. “The Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS) has played an important role as a charitable organisation to reach out to the poor and needy. Their efforts should be appreciated,” said the Ministers.
To mark the silver jubilee celebrations, 50 houses were built for the poor, and the Union Minister distributed the keys to the recipients of the aid.
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