Basilica unveils slew of charity schemes on 90th anniversary

The Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, a major Marian pilgrim centre in Kerala, has announced a slew of welfare measures for the less privileged as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations starting from today.
According to a church release, welfare and charity schemes totalling Rs 90 lakh would be implemented during the year-long celebrations and its benefit would be extended to all sections setting aside religious barriers.
They include free accident death insurance, monthly pension for poor widows and bed-ridden patients and other medical assistance programmes.
A softskill development centre would be opened for the youth to enable them get jobs.

The inter-religious meditation centre being constructed close to the basilica would be completed during the year.
Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, situated in the heart of Thrissur town, is one of the major pilgrim centres of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church.
The third tallest church in Asia, it is built in Indo-Gothic style in an area of 25,000 square feet, with soaring belfries, double-storeyed aisles all along the nave and transepts, and eleven altars, five on either side of the main one.
It is the largest church in India and its interior is decorated with murals, images of saints and scenes from the scriptures.