Media Release

Karkala, May 19: Divine Word TV, a channel which has touched the hearts of people around the world, a channel that has inspired the way of living of the Christians, has now announced the launch of its new venture, a venture to draw people closer to lord and to experience wonders and miracles in their lives.

Divine Word TV is launching its production of the movie on St Lawrence titled 'Karkalada Pavada Purusha Santha Lawrence', based on the great saint who dedicated and sacrificed his life for lord Jesus.

The muhurat of the movie was held on Sunday May 19.

St Lawrence of Rome was one of the seven deacons of ancient Rome serving under Sixtus II who were martyred during the persecution of Valerian in 258 AD. St Lawrence Shrine or Attur Church is a Roman Catholic church in Karkala. It came into existence in 1759 and has a history of miracles.

The movie will give an account of how the church at Attur came into existence and about the wonders and miracles of St Lawrence in the lives of numerous people.

Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo blessed and presided over the muhurat. The bishop was accompanied by vicar general Fr Baptist Menezes. The co-producers of the movie David Frank Fernandes, Rajesh Rohan Mendes, Alwym Walter Dsouza, Jagdish Shetty Devi Dayal, and William Rebello were present. Prominent personalities Abhayachandra Jain, minister for youth affairs and Sunil Kumar, MLA, Karkala graced the muhurat. The chief guests were Fr Arthur Pereira, parish priest of St Lawrence Church, Attur and Arun Mendes, Canquest Constructions.

Noted personalities of the Kannada film industry Thomas D’souza, vice-president of South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, Bhavya, Kannada film actress, Sandalwood actors Ravi Chethan, Harish Rai and Dri Manmohan Rai, Tulu actor Arvind Bolar and Konkani artiste Dolla were also present.

Walter Stephan Mendes, producer of the movie and president of Divine Word Charitable Trust, welcomed the gathering.

Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo gave a brief account on the life of St Lawrence and conveyed his best wishes for the success of the movie.

The programme was inaugurated by Abhayachandra Jain by lighting the lamp along with all the other distinguished guests. Jain applauded the good work of Divine Word Charitable Trust.

The first film clap in the making of this movie was given by Ronald Colaco, NRI entrepreneur, Bangalore-Dubai. In his address, he conveyed his best wishes for the success of the movie and also assured his wholehearted support towards the noble cause, that is, the production of the movie on St Lawrence.

The first shot of the movie was taken by Sunil Kumar, MLA, Karkala. He said that Attur was already famous in Karnataka and many other states of India, and this movie would add to its fame.

Newly elected MLAs Abhayachandra Jain and Sunil Kumar were congratulated and honoured by bishop of Udupi Diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, on behalf of each person gathered.

Personalities from film industries were felicitated and honoured for their achievements.

The muhurat came to an end with the vote of thanks delivered by Arun Mendes, Canquest Constructions.

The programme was compered by Florence Mendes and George Castelino.