Unified holy mass controversy: Police decide to shut down Basilica till issue resolved, asks district administration to take control 

KOCHI: A decision has been taken to shut down the St Mary’s Cathedral Basilica following a clash witnessed after a dispute that broke out on the issue of unified holy mass. The police have asked the district administration to take control of the Basilica. The police will submit a proposal on it and till a decision is taken, the Basilica will be shut down.

Bishop Andrews Thazhath of St Mary’s Cathedral in Ernakulam Bishop House was stopped by the rebel faction when he came to conduct the unified holy mass Sunday morning. He returned after they took control of the church.

There were reports earlier that there will be a clash today as the lay movement is continuing to do justice yajna day and night at the Ernakulam Bishop House. Following this, a large contingent of police was deployed here. The official and the rebel factions assembled in front of the church Sunday morning at 4.30 am.

The lay movement and the lay protection panel have been protesting day and night at the bishop's house with the demand that the public mass should continue. They have also demanded the withdrawal of the letters issued requesting that the unified mass should be started. Protesters had rallied to bishop's house yesterday. More devotees stayed at the bishop's house overnight, with a move to prevent the reformed holy mass. The official faction is demanding that the bishop be allowed to conducted the unified holy mass which has the permission of the Pope.