CM pledges Rs 5 crore for St Mary’s Basilica renovation

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday pledged Rs 5 crore for the renovation of the late 19th century St Mary’s Basilica in Shivajinagar of Bengaluru. He made the announcement at the St Mary’s Basilica during his speech on the occasion of the conclusion of the annual feast and procession at the church. The St Mary’s Basilica had a humble beginning as a thatched hut in the area dating back to the 17th century.

It mostly served Tamil Christian labourers in the area. The structure was upgraded to a chapel with a thatched roof in 1803 thanks to one Father Jean- Antoine Dubois. He also built a rectory (residence for clergymen) on the premises in 1811. The rebuilding of the church began in 1856. It was consecrated on September 8, 1882. “For the renovation of the St Mary’s Basilica, Rs 5 crore would be given,” Siddaramaiah said.

The CM added that everyone was fond of the contributions of the Christian community, particularly in the education and health sectors, referring to the Jesuit schools and hospitals run by the minority community. Siddaramaiah also warned well-meaning citizens to be wary of a plot to disrupt communal harmony by vested interests. He said that Karnataka had a long history of communal harmony thanks to humanist thinkers like 12th century philosopher-saint Basavanna and celebrated poet Kuvempu.