Pics: Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (EC)
Karkala, Aug 11: The celebratory 10-day novena at St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur, concluded with the titular feast of St Lawrence, the martyr on Wednesday August 10. The Novena had begun on August 1, the same day the Shrine was proclaimed and dedicated to the papal jurisdiction and elevated to the status of Minor Basilica.
The chief celebrant of this feast was Fr Leslie D’Souza, parish priest of St John the Evangelist Church, Shankarpura, with 27 priests from Udupi and Mangaluru dioceses participating as the concelebrants.
Fr Leslie in his homily said, "We must respect every living being to foster co-existence with us. Jesus had said God respects those people who serve Him and the fellow beings. We should have faith in God just like Abraham in the Old Testament. Many a time, we have come across instances where people's faith in God has led to some of the greatest testimonies of mankind.
"It is by this kind of faith that mankind has its existence. Today we have come here together as children of one God. And we need to ask ourselves, do we posses such faith within us?
"When it comes to St Lawrence at Attur, people only see the miracles they get benefited from. But St Lawrence is an example of faith, existence and love for poor. His deeds uplifted the faith of many. We must pray to God to use us as His instrument of love," he said.
"Let us first search for the kingdom of God. Let us attract others with our lifestyle dedicated to Christ. Let us stop taking up pilgrimage journeys, rather let us enrich our spiritual journey. Let us gain the flowing grace of God through this newly dedicated Minor Basilica. Let us all build a family rooted in faith, love, sacrifice and mutual respect. Let the life of St Lawrence be a role model to us," he blessed.
Fr George D'Souza, rector of the Basilica, thanked every single person involved in the preparations and execution of arrangements made from the past two months. Fr Joswey Fernandes, dean, Karkala deanery and Fr Vijay D'Souza, assistant parish priest, Attur were also present.
Post Mass, prayer for sick and old was conducted, followed by the priests placing hands over the pilgrims for the divine intervention from God. The feast concluded with a fellowship meal.
During all the 10 days, rosary and novena were conducted followed by the holy Eucharistic Mass.