Clashes erupt at St Mary's Cathedral Basilica at Ernakulam over unified Mass

Kochi, Dec 24: A violent clash erupted at Saint Mary's Cathedral Basilica in Kerala's Kochi on Christmas eve over a unified Holy Mass. The supporters of the unified holy mass and the other group offering mass facing the people got into a brawl inside the Basilica.

Going by the reports, members of the laity who support the unified mass got into a brawl with those who opposed to it. The incident occurred when those who support the mode of mass approved by the Synod arrived at the Cathedral to mark their protest on Saturday. The protesters allegedly vandalised all objects placed on the altar, pushed down the lamps and wreaked havoc to seize control of the church before 10 am, the time to offer the mass.

However, police tried to pacify the priests and laity belonging to both groups, they fought each other and raised slogans against the police.

Supporters of the unified mass have also accused the rebel group of conducting the 'mass of evil' for the past three days by threatening the administrator. On Saturday morning, however, the group insisting the implementation of the code disrupted the relay mass.

However this isn't the first time, last month, clashes were also reported last month and police were called in after temperatures started rising over the issue. According to DH reports, the police administration has urged the two sides to resolve the matter amicably. Last month, the district administration took control of the cathedral after clashes over the issue. The development comes hours ahead of Christmas 2022 celebrations.