Pics: Kevin Rodrigues / Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (WD / KR)
Karkala, Jan 27: The ongoing annual feast of St Lawrence Church, Attur witnessed a huge turnout on Wednesday January 27, with thousands flocking the pilgrim centre to seek blessings.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese was the main celebrant of the festive Eucharistic Mass held on Wednesday, in the presence of Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese, Msgr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, diocese of Udupi, Fr George D'Souza, rector of Attur Shrine, priests from other parishes of Udupi and other dioceses were present.
In his homily, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza said, "Pope Francis on December 8, 2015 declared 'Year of Mercy' by opening the main doors of the St Peter's Basilica in Vatican. Opening the door may seem like a small act, but by doing so, we can witness the real mercy of God, and we should pass that on to others.
"Jesus bought mercy to the world by his death. During the Year of Mercy we should seek forgiveness for our sins. God has given the holy sacrament of confession, by which we can witness His mercy. At the same time, we should forgive others too, by which our sins will also be forgiven," he said.
"St Lawrence was ready to help the poor and needy whenever necessary, let us also follow in his footsteps and reach out to them," he added.
Fr George Dsouza, rector of the Shrine thanked the bishops who celebrated the Eucharistic mass at the Shrine during the feast days, and also all the team leaders of various committees who were the responsible for the success of the event. He also thanked all the priests who rendered their selfless service to the devotees in there spiritual needs.
Earlier in the day, Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop of Syro Malabar Church, Beltangady celebrated the Eucharistic Mass in the Syro Malabar manner, in the presence of priests from Beltangady diocese.
In his homily, bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy said, "We have gathered here from far and near places to seek the blessings of the saint. I thank the bishop of Udupi diocese for providing me this opportunity to celebrate this holy Eucharist Mass. St Lawrence was a man of miracles. He sacrificed his life for God’s work and served the people in belief and faith. He was given a very cruel punishment from his rivals for his selfless service.
"God’s eyes are always on those who follow in Him. God created man according to His will. He gave him life and soul and also reasoning power. He made man king of earth and blessed him. But man did not listen to God’s words and went against Him and committed sin. Still, God sent his only son to this world to save humanity from sins. We cannot see the burning sun but we can feel its presence. God is also invisible but his presence is felt through miracles and prayers. We see God’s mercy in His work and in the same way, we should also be merciful to others and spread His word among the masses," he added.
Devotees from far and near have been flocking to the Shrine and holy confessions were on since early morning. By the end of the feast, lacs of devotees are expected at the Shrine.