Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (KR)
Karkala, Aug 1: Second annual celebration of the proclamation and dedication of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur was held with sanctity on Wednesday August 1.
Nine-day novena prior to the titular feast was also inaugurated on the occasion.
The holy Eucharistic celebration was celebrated by Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director, Father Muller charitable institutions, Kankanady, Mangaluru while Fr Joswey Fernandes, dean, Karkal deanery, Fr Anil D’souza, parish priest, Our Lady of Fathima church, Perampalli, Fr George D’Souza, rector, St Lawrence Basilica, Attur, Fr Jensil Alva, assistant parish priest of St Lawrence church, Attur and other priests from the diocese were the co-celebrants.
In his homily, Fr Richard Coelho said, “As we celebrate the second year of proclamation and dedication of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, this place has been a source of God’s grace to all. We see thousands of devotees visiting this place every year to get the blessings of St Lawrence. Heaven is the place of God and a church is the replica of heaven where God lives. We believe God is present in this place and praise God for his grace.”
Giving biblical instances he said, “Jesus Christ praised God the father on all occasions, it may be while choosing the disciples or at the time of miracle. Through this he taught us to praise God. In this place of God we feel his presence. Many devotees come here with anxiety, sorrows and problems and feel the presence of God and return in satisfaction and peace. “
“Whole world praises God everyday through prayer, rosary and adoration. We too must constantly pray and by this we will be able to witness the grace of God. So many saints who were strong in their belief witnessed the grace of God. In prayer we can walk in the path of Jesus Christ and witness the grace of God and be a living saint. So let us grow spiritually and witness God through his grace and uphold the humanity,” he concluded.
After the mass, special prayers interceding St Lawrence were offered for the sick. Fr George Thomas D’Souza, rector and parish priest of St Lawrence Minor Basilica Attur thanked all the devotees present on the occasion.
Prior to the mass, adoration was held by Fr George D’Souza, rector and parish priest of St Lawrence Minor Basilica Attur.
During the 9 days of novena till August 9, there will be special prayers every day morning at 10.00 am, adorations at 10.30, holy Eucharistic mass at 11.00 and later fellowship meal will be served to all the devotees.
On tenth day on August 10, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi will preside over the festive Eucharistic celebrations. On the festival day the holy Eucharistic mass will start at 10.30 am.