Media release
Karkala, Feb 22: "Mankind has suffered a lot in the last two years due to the Covid. We have lost our loved ones due to the pandemic. We will be blessed for serving the destitute", said Dr Henry D'souza, Bishop, Diocese of Bellary.
He was the main celebrant for the Eucharistic celebration in St. Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur on Tuesday, February 22. Special prayers were offered on the day for the destitute.
Vehicles carrying the patients were allowed inside the church premise. The priests and volunteers distributed holy communion to the sick individually.
Fr Francis Cornelio of Thottam, Fr Canute Barboza of Kandlur, Fr Reginald Pinto, Fr Sylvester D'Costa of Mulki, F. Louis D'Sa of Mukamar offered the other masses on the day.
On Wednesday, February 23, Eucharistic celebrations will be held in the morning at 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 Noon and 2 PM. 4 PM and 7 PM.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Mangalore will be celebrating the Eucharistic celebrations at 10 AM. The fourth day of the festival celebration is dedicated to the families.
Parents are replica of God – Bishop Jerald Isaac Lobo
“Our parents bring us to the world, raise us and mold our future. They are designed like the Almighty God. Therefore, it is our primary duty to honour and respect them,” said Udupi Catholic diocese Bishop Dr Jerald Isaac Lobo. He was giving the homily after offering the primary mass on Monday, the second day of the Karkala St Lawrence Basilica’s festival.
The festival celebrations that began on February 20 were lively with the uninterrupted arrival of devotees on Monday, the second day of the festival. The day was reserved for parents. Special prayers were held for parents and guardians. Several elderly couples were present. Young people were seen holding the hands of parents towards the church.
Fr Rajesh Prasanna, Katpadi; Fr Harry D’Souza, Kayyar; Fr Manoj D’ Souza, Nitte and Fr Paul Rego, Miyar conducted the day’s masses.
The last mass of the day was offered by Fr Basil Vas, Madanthyar at 7 PM who concluded the second day’s programmes.
Udupi deputy commissioner Kurma Rao visited the pilgrim centre on the first day of the festival.