Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Jan 11: To commemorate the elevation of world famous St Lawrence shrine at Attur Karkala as Minor Basilica, the department of posts has brought out special postal envelope and stamp. They would be released at Attur on January 18 at 12 pm.

The special cover with the pictures of the minor Basiica and that of patron saint are being released. They would available in post offices.

The personalized My Stamps bearing face value of five rupees which can be used for postal envelopes, containing pictures of St Lawrence Minor Basilica and photo of the miracle statue, will also be released on this occasion. The stamps will be available in post offices.

Supreme pontiff of Catholics, Pope Francis, had elevated St Lawrence shrine at Attur into minor basilica on April 26, 2016. Official announcement about this elevation had been made in the presence of thousands of devotees on August 1, same year. The postal department, in honour of this occasion, and to commemorate this happy event, has taken these initiatives. Curator of Corporation bank's heritage museum here, M K Krishnayya, says that this will help future generations to learn about the history of this church and undertake study about it.

The special postal cover and postal stamp would be released by postal department in the presence of Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Dr Jerald Isac Lobo, at a function being held at 12 pm on January 18 at St Lawrence Minor Basilica.