Security tightened for public meeting on November 9

Bharananganam (Kerala) Oct 30 (UNI) Security had been strengthened for a public meeting and thanks-giving Mass on November nine as part of the canonisation of AlphonsAmma by Pope Benedict XVI on October 12.

Talking to newspersons here today, Pala Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangattu said week-long programmes were being organised as part of the celebrations.

The celebrations would commence with the hoisting of Papal flag tomorrow morning. Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangattu would bless Alphonsaramam constructed at an estimated cost of Rs seven lakh.

The grotto (Alphonsaramam) was constructed to depict St Alphonsamma's ardent faith in Jesus Christ and St Mary. Besides the statues of crucified Jesus Christ, St Mary and AlphonsAmma two angels were also there in the Alphonsaramam.

The dedication ceremony of the renovated Alphonsa Chapel would be held on November five. Ten bishops would participate in the ceremony.

The former President A P J Abdul Kalam would inaugurate the meeting under the presidentship of Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the 'Pourasthya Thirusangham' (congregation of the oriental churches), CBCI President major Archbishop Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil, Apostolic Nuncio to India Pedro Lopez Quinthana, Cardinal Teles Fore Toppo, among others would participate.

The Holy Mass would be held in the evening. Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil would lead the Mass. Syro Malankara Major Archbishop Baselios Mar Clemis Catholica Bava would deliver the message. Some 60 bishops from Syro Malabar, Malankara and Latin rites of the Catholic Church would participate in the Mass.

About one lakh pilgrims from different parts of the State would participate in the meeting and Mass, he added.

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