You are logged in as: George Menachery Asia's second Pieta now in Kerala Courtesy: Indo-Asian News Service

| Updated: November 25, 2012 14:00 IST Logged in as: George Menachery Thrissur: The second replica in Asia of Michaelangelo's Pieta, which represents the body of Jesus in the lap of his mother Mary after crucifixion, was consecrat ed and unveiled at the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, in Thrissur, Kera la. The Pieta is regarded a masterpiece of Renaissance art. The tallest portion of the Shrine Basilica of the Lady of Dolours at Thrissur st ands 260 feet above the ground, making this the tallest church in Asia; it has a total plinth area of 25,000 square feet. Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop of the archdiocese of Thrissur performed the blessi ng ceremony of the replica recently. The statue is faithful to the original in detail and subtlety. Seven skilled artisans of Jaipur worked five months to get the replica ready. The sculpture shows the nuanced folds of Mary's garments and the limp muscles in Jesus' body. Built using Makrana white marble, this replica was created from one solid mass o f a 10-tonne (10,000 kg) marble block. The replica was commissioned by a donor who spent more than Rs.45 lakh. The dona tion was made as an offering, for blessings received from the Divine Mother. Story first published: November 25, 2012 13:56 IST Tags: Kerala, Pieta, Shrine Basilica of the Lady of Dolours, Thrissur