The much-awaited renovation works on St Philomena’s Church began on Sunday. District in-charge Minister V Sreenivas Prasad, who inaugurated the works, promised to bear the complete expenditure of the renovation.

Speaking on the occasion, Prasad said, the government has already sanctioned Rs 2 crore for the works, which needs an additional Rs 3 crore. “With lots of minority funds unspent, the government will grant the funds required for the repairs soon,” he added.

He said, the 73-year-old church is not only significant to one community, but is close to the hearts of Mysoreans. It is a must-visit place in the heritage city.

Funds are also being utilised for building community halls, church renovation and scholarships to Christian students in the district, he said.

Church Parish Priest Fr K A William mentioned that though funds were released several months ago, the engineers had advised to commence works after January as it was raining in the region.

With the State government releasing funds for the renovation of the architectural wonder, counted among the biggest churches in Asia, the blueprint for restoration of the monument is ready and groundwork is expected to complete within a year, William added.
Explaining about the process of repair works, he said, firstly, replacing of roof tiles and repair of rainwater drain will be undertaken; the department of Museum and Archaeology of State government will initiate civil repair works on flat areas of the structure along with the works on the basement, which is estimated at Rs 15 lakh.

The second phase of the works will be taking up of the electrical works and the phase will be repairing damaged areas with plastering and painting, which will be subject to funds available.

William said, the first three phases of the works are important as they control damage, which will help protect the present structure.

Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, Bishop of Mysore, Chairman, Church Renovation Project Committee, MP A H Vishwanath, MLA Vasu and Deputy Commissioner C Shikha were present.