Rajagiri Valley in Kakkanad here is all decked up to host a huge thanksgiving Mass on Saturday in connection with the canonization of Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia Eluventhinkal.
They were declared saints by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican on Sunday. Vatican Ambassador to India Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio will inaugurate a public meeting to be held after the Mass. Chief Minister Ommen Chandy will preside over the function.
The Mass has been organised jointly by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC). People from across India are expected to attend.
Fr Roby Kannanchira, a church spokesman said, that a 3.50-lakh sqft pandhal that can seat 50,000 people was ready at the venue. “Arrangements have also been made to park 6,000 cars and 1,000 buses. One hundred and fifty e-toilets too have been arranged.”
A 150-strong choir will render devotional songs. The famous Rex Band too will perform, Fr Kannanchira said.
Relics of the two saints will be brought to the venue. Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church Cardinal Mar George Alenchery will lead the Mass. Special prayers were offered on Friday as a prelude to Saturday’s thanksgiving Mass.
