Kochi:

With just a month left for the canonisation  of Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sr Euphrasia, the number of people who have registered for the travel package to attend the canonisation ceremony in Rome has crossed around 200. This includes around 80 priests also.

“This is the number of people registered via Chavara Cultural Centre (CCC) alone. People from other cities and Malayalees living in various countries are also expected to attend the function in Vatican on November 23,” said CCC authorities.

A cell has been functioning at the CCC to coordinate and assist the faithful who wish to attend the historic event to participate in the ceremony. Chavara Cultural Centre, which has tied up with tour operator Oasis Holidays offers two packages – a five-day package (Nov 21-26) at `81,500 per person and a seven-day package (Nov 19-26) for `98,500 per person. “Chavara Cultural Centre’s target was to send 300 persons for the ceremony through the special package.

Two other Kochi-based tour operators have also announced special travel packages in connection with the canonisation ceremony. Besides private  pilgrims, the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council has urged the state and Union Governments to send an official delegation to the function.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / October 04th, 2014