Karkala, Jan 22: The second day of the annual feast of Attur St Lawrence Basilica was held with pomp and gaiety. “Let us pray relentlessly,” was the subject for meditation for the day.
The bishop of Shivamogga, Rev Dr Francis Serrao celebrated the main mass and gave a homily on relentless prayer.
“While surgery and technology are not effective, kneeling down and praying will be fruitful. There are three stages in prayer. Those are faith, wish and internal freedom,” he said.
The sea of devotees gathered at the premises of the Basilica indulged in prayer. The sacred relic of St Lawrence and the miracle statue of the saint were installed in the podium for the devotees in the morning on January 22. Devotees thronged with devotion for them.
The masses on January 22 were celebrated by Fr Joy Andrade, Kalianpur, Fr J B Saldanha Bejai, Dr Roshan D’ Souza, chancellor, Udupi diocese, Fr Vijay D’ Souza Pangla, Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, Milagres, Mangaluru, Dr Francis Serrao S J, bishop of Shivamogga diocese and Fr Paul Rego, zonal officer, Karkal.
The devotees lit their candles of vows, received oil, the holy water and rushed to St Lawrence, prayed and went. The last mass for the day was held at 8 pm.
The religious programmes and celebrations were concluded after the mass.
Rector of the Basilica, Fr Alban D’ Souza, Udupi diocese vicar general Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves and other priests were present.