St Philomenas Church cries for attention

MYSORE: St Philomena’s Church, a prominent tourist spot of the city which draws lakhs of tourists every year, cries for attention. The drainage system on the roof of the 75-year-old structure built in Neo-Gothic style is defunct, allowing rain water to seep inside the prayer hall.The interior of the beautiful church inspired by Cologne Cathedral of Germany has a shabby look, turning greenish at several places because of leakage. The interiors have also peeled off at some places on either side of the aisles.The seepage has dimmed the stained glass windows that depict the birth of Christ, last supper, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Christ. The glass windows once happened to be great sources of natural light. Expressing concern, its Parish priest Fr K A William said that if the problem is not addressed immediately, it might lead to cracks in the huge structure. He said the entire rainwater outlet system on the roof has broken and needs to re-conditioned. The life of the lime mortar used for the interiors too is over and needs to be redone.At least Rs 5 crore is needed to plug the leakage which is most essential for the survival of the church, and the works can be initiated only with the assistance of the government. “We do not have enough resources. The government should share the responsibility as people from all sections of the society visit the church,” the priest explained.