Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (WD/KR)
Karkala, Jan 20: The annual feast of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur in Karkala will be held from January 26 to 30.
Elaborating on the preparations, Fr George D’Souza, rector, St Lawrence Minor Basilica said, "For the convenience of devotees, two more entrance gates have been added to the shrine. To make the entrance dust-free, nearly 35,000 to 40,000 sq ft stone tiles have been installed. The Miraculous Spring 'Pushkarini' can be seen only in this place and this year, fifteen-feet tall St Lawrence statue made out of a single stone is placed. In view of the security of the devotees, 68 CCTV cameras have already been installed in the premises. I extend a cordial welcome to all the devotees to the annual feast.
“Festivities will begin with the holy Mass at 7.30 am on January 26 followed by the procession of the Sacrament. This day is also celebrated as the Confraternity Sunday. On the same day, special prayers will be held for children at 6.30 pm. Thereafter Yakshagana performance ‘Krista Karunya’ will be performed at 10:30 PM,” he said.
John D’Silva, vice president, parish pastoral council, addressing the press meet here on Monday January 20 said, “This year after three years of declaring Minor Basilica, festivities of Basilica will be dust-free as stone tiles have been installed in the surrounding of the shrine. As of now 35,000 sq ft stone tiles have been installed and still 65,000 sq ft flooring is pending which will be completed after the annual feast. Already, all the arrangement of the feast have been done. As many as 48 Masses will be offered and nearly 300 priests will take part in the holy Eucharist. This year, special sitting arrangements will be done at the outdoor ground of the church and LED will be displayed for the convenience of the devotees. A 15-feet statue of St Lawrence on a 32-feet height pillar has been inserted in the shrine premises.”
On Monday, January 27, special prayers for sick, elders will be conducted at 6:00 pm. On this day, if any sick and elderly people want confession and communion, special arrangements will be made to attend people near their vehicle itself. First two days of the feast, vehicle can be taken to the church grounds.
On Tuesday, January 28, 10:30 am, Dr Gevargese Mar Makariyose Kulayil, bishop of Puttur diocese, will preside over Konkani Mass and Dr Francis Serrao SJ, bishop of Shimoga diocese, will preside over the festive Mass in Kannada at 6:00 pm.
On Wednesday, January 29, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi will preside over the festival mass at 10.30 pm and in the evening at 5.30 pm. Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Beltangady will be preside over Mass in Kannada.
On Thursday, January 31, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha Bishop of Mangaluru, will preside over festival Mass in Konkani at 10:30 am.
Daijiworld.com will bring live web streaming of the six Eucharistic Masses to its worldwide readers.
Arrangements
Facility for confessions for Catholic Christians has been created at the western side where the miraculous statue will be installed. The old church has been reserved only for personal prayer. The devotees may submit their offerings, candles, etc on the eastern side of the old church. Holy water and flowers (Jala Prasada of Pushpa Prasada) will be distributed to them at the same location.
Police officers and security personnel will be looking after law and order in and around the campus. Bomb-defusing squad and reserve police will take care of the safety of the pilgrims. Vehicle parking arrangements for the pilgrims is being looked after by experienced home guards and associated personnel. Drinking water has been arranged for the convenience of the devotees.
Regarding the parking system, in order to avoid congestion, those arriving through Kabettu entrance are provided detour to come from Pulkeri through Doopadakatte to as close to the Basilica as possible. Five parking slots have been arranged for the four-wheelers. A separate parking space has been provided for two-wheelers.
In view of the safety and convenience of the pilgrims, unauthorized sale of candles in the premises has been prohibited. Begging has been totally banned during the festival.
While Fr Roy Melwyn Lobo, Leena D’Souza, sectary, parish pastoral council, Santosh D’Silva, Ronald Miranda and others were present during the press meet.