Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Jan 26: The annual festival of Attur St Lawrence Church on the outskirts of Karkala, which has come to be known as ‘Attur Santmari’, is being held from Tuesday January 26, to Thursday, January 28. People from all religions believe that this church has the power to heal. During the festival, thousands of people from all religions and classes of society congregate at this church to pay obeisance and pray to the Lord.

The celebrations get initiation with the celebration of the holy mass on Tuesday morning. A total of 28 holy masses are being held during the three-day festival. Special masses are being held on Tuesday evening under the guidance of the Bishop of Karwar Diocese, Fr Derek Fernandes in Kannada, at 10 am on Wednesday under the guidance of Mangalore Bishop, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza and at 10 am on Thursday, under the guidance of episcopal vicar, Fr Rony Prabhu. Festival of the Patron Saint will also be held on Thursday.

Special prayer and eucharist were held on January 25 under the leadership of Fr Mathew Vas from Udupi, for the health of sick persons. The annual festival is being held under the guidance of John D’Silva, vice president of the parish council and priest of the church, Fr Arthus Pereira.