Pics By Anil Studio
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (WD)
Karkala, Jan 27: St Lawrence Shrine Attur, is known for faith and miracles. Thousands of devotees from far and near will witness the festive celebrations.
A group of light minded people from Moodubelle village will arrive at the festival on foot covering a distance of nearly 30 km from Moodubelle to Attur. This group of people in and around Moodubelle will offer their prayers and thanksgivings for all the blessings showered on them by St Lawrence in a unique way.
More than hundreds of devotees irrespective caste and creed have been performing this padayatra to St Lawrence since many years. The non Catholics who take part in the Yatra outnumber the catholics. This pilgrimage has been organized under the leadership of Jerry Fernandes, parishioner from Moodubelle Church for the 11th time.
Fr Charles Menezes, director YCS – international, blessed the gathering and inaugurated the pilgrimage and also wished them a safe journey from St Lawrence Church Moodubelle.
Hebbar, member of Udupi Taluk Panchayat welcomed the gathering and said that the 'padayatra' is a meaningful way of going to Attur.
Devotees left Moodubelle around 4 pm on Tuesday January 26 and reached Attur at 9.30 pm.
One of the devotees Vincent Alva professor, Milagres College, speaking to Daijiworld shared his experience. ”I have been taking part in this walk for the past 7 years. From a small number in the beginning, the number of devotees taking part in the walk year by year has increased drastically. Also our Yathre has more non Catholics and women taking part than Catholics.
Another devotee Harish Shetty, vice president from Belle grama panchayat said, "I have been participating in this walk for the past 3 - 4 years. It has been a great experience. Hindus are more in our group and St Lawrence has heard our prayers and given us good health.”
A devotee from Mumbai who originally belongs to Padubelle said that he came to know about the walk through one of his relatives. He said his experience was amazing and also there were many support systems as well as encouragement from people on the way. This walk is known for communal harmony. This was my first participation and surely if possible in the future also I will take part in it.
Refreshments and other facilities were provided by the kindhearted donors to devotees on the way to Attur.