Nagapattinam: Special prayers were conducted today at the famous Shrine Basilica at Velankanni in the district for rain-ravaged Kerala to return to normalcy.
Rector Prabhakar Adigalar led the prayers in Malayalam. The priest prayed for the safety of the people and fast return of normalcy in the neighbouring state which has been experiencing the deadliest deluge in close to a century.
The rain fury since 8 August have claimed 194 lives. Popularly known as the “Lourdes of the East,” the Shrine Basilica, dedicated to the Lady of Good Health, is an important pilgrimage centre for Christians from Kerala.
A large number of pilgrims from the state throng this 16th century church during weekends.