Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (WD/KR)
Karkala, Jan 28: A large number of devotees come to seek the blessings of St Lawrence on the second day of annual feast at St Lawrence Minor Basilica. The day was dedicated to the sick and elderly.
Dr Robert Miranda, bishop, Diocese of Gulbarga, Fr Steevan D’souza, director Divya Jyothi, Udupi diocese and other priests celebrated the holy Eucharist in Konkani.
In his homily, bishop of Gulbarga said, “We all have our own identity. We all are known by our names, but this is not our full identity. Our identity is complete in baptism and when we are known as Christians. We become children of God, Jesus is our beloved brother and God is our beloved father and when we live a holy life it becomes fruitful. In his letter to the Catholics our Pope has told us how we can lead a holy life. Life on earth is not the only life but our life is in heaven with the saints."
“We all are called by God to be holy, but instead of leading a holy life we opt for worldly pleasures and lead a wrong life. We are poor not by worldly pleasures but in spiritual life. Jesus was also poor but not spiritually. He was born in a cowshed and did not have a proper shelter but he led a simple life and became an example for all. We have lot of ego, anger, jealousy in us and this stops us from being spiritually holy. Jesus calls us to be like him,” he said.
“Today we pray for the sick and elderly. All of us have difficulties in life and we always complain saying why this difficulty is on me. But we need to understand the goodness behind this and face the difficulties. As we pray to St Lawrence today, let us learn from his simple life to be holy. He was a trusted saint and he gave all the wealth to the poor and needy and for this good deed he was killed. He was a true martyr who faced difficulties happily and became an example for all of us,” he concluded.
Devotees in large numbers took part in the sacrament of confession. Many priests from the diocese and other diocese were part of the service. Devotees from all walks were seen actively taking part in devotional activities.
On Tuesday, January 29, Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop, diocese of Bengaluru will be presiding over the festival mass at 6 pm.
On Wednesday, January 30, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha will preside over the festival mass at 10.30 am and in the evening at 5.30 pm. Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Belthangady will preside over the mass in Kannada.
On Thursday, January 31, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi will be presiding over festival mass in Konkani. During five days, round the clock arrangements for confession service have been done by the priests.