Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (WD/KR)
Karkala, Jan 26: Novena and annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica witnessed a sea of devotees thronging to seek the blessings of St Lawrence on Tuesday, January 26.
Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Beltangady celebrated the Eucharistic celebration. While Fr Ashwin Aranha, assistant parish priest, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, Fr Josie D'Silva, principal, Nirmala English Medium School, Brahmavar, Fr Richard Mascarenhas and other priests were the co-celebrants.
In his homily, bishop of Beltangady diocese said, "We are here to celebrate the feast of St Lawrence and to seek his blessings. I wish all a happy feast, may St Lawrence bless all of us. The whole world is under the threat of the pandemic since the past year. The world is trying to come out of this critical situation. Several deaths occurred worldwide due to Covid this year but we are fortunate enough that God saved us from succumbing to this deadly disease. We are fortunate enough that God saved us from all the natural calamities."
Reflecting on the theme of the feast, Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy said, "We all are brothers and sisters. We all are children of God and we need to walk the path of righteousness. We need to help others in need and treat them like our brothers and sisters. We must strive to help others in our life."
On the occasion of Republic Day, special prayers were offered for the country and the citizens of India.
Devotees from far and near visit Basilica in large numbers to seek the blessings of St Lawrence who is also popularly known as Saint of Karkala or 'Karla Da Dever' (in Tulu). Though the confessions were not heard this year due to pandemic special prayers for the sick and elderly were offered. The St Lawrence novena is also conducted after every mass. People can be seen visiting the statue of the saint, lighting the offertory candles and visiting the pond of miracles. The priests can be seen distributing holy water and flowers as blessings.
Rest of the masses for the day were presided by Fr Joachim D'Souza, Asha Nilaya, Brahmavar, Fr Stephen Fernandes, assistant parish priest, Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, Fr Roshan Dcunha, assistant parish priest, St Evangelist Church, Shankarpura, Fr Clifford Fernandes, parish priest, Jeppu.
Former MLC Ivan D'Souza and former minister Pramod Madhwaraj visited the place and sought the blessings of St Lawrence.
Upcoming Masses and celebrants
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Wednesday, January 27 at 10 am. Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Dr Peter Paul Saldhana, bishop, diocese of Mangalore, will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Thursday, January 28 at 10 am. Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Daijiworld.com will provide the live webcast of the above Masses.