Media Release
Karkala, Jan 3: The annual feast of world-renowned St Lawrence Basilica, Attur, will be held from January 26 to 30, with the theme of 'Hope Does Not Disappoint Us'.
The novena prayers will begin from Jan 17. Every day at 9 am adoration, at 9:30 am, Holy Eucharistic celebrations and novena prayers will be held. During the annual feast devotees are allowed to give muddom and phirjeth also.
A special holy Eucharistic celebration for the children will be celebrated on Sunday January 26. On the day the first holy Eucharistic celebration will begin at 7:30 am and the last celebration at 8 pm.
On January 27 at 10 am and 6 pm, special Eucharistic celebrations will be held for the sick. On the day the vehicles of the sick are allowed to enter inside the church compound.
On January 28 and 29, the holy Eucharistic celebrations will begin at 8 am and the last celebrations will be at 10 pm. On January 30 the first Eucharistic celebration of the day will be held at 8 am and the last celebrations will be at 8:30 pm.
“All the arrangements have been finalized for the devotees to take part in the annual feast. Novena masses will also be accepted. Special arrangements for the confession have also been made for the devotees during novena and annual feast” said Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop diocese of Udupi and Fr Alban D’Souza, rector of St Lawrence Basilica.
Festival masses and celebrants:
On January 26 at 10:30 Am the Holy Eucharistic celebration will be celebrated by Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop diocese of Udupi as the chief celebrant.
The Holy Eucharistic celebration on January 27 will be celebrated by Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general diocese of Udupi.
The main feast Holy Eucharistic celebration of January 28 will be presided over by Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop diocese of Beltangady at 5:30 PM in Kannada language.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop emeritus diocese of Mangaluru will preside over the holy Eucharistic celebration of January 29 at 10 am.
The Holy Eucharistic celebration on January 30 will be presided over by Dr Salvodore Lobo, bishop emeritus of Baruipur.
Facilities and arrangements
Devotees can purchase votive candles and other religious articles at the basilica stalls. Arrangements for offering special intentions and devotions are available throughout the Novena and festival days. Special confessional services will be arranged during the festival days.
To ensure the safety and convenience of devotees, CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the basilica and its premises. Only prayers are permitted inside the church. Devotees can offer monetary donations, materials, and candles at the shrine located on the left side of the church. Additionally, clean and cold drinking water facilities have been set up within the premises. Toilet facilities have been made, including separate facilities for disabled individuals and commode-style toilets for senior citizens. A significant number of police officers and constables will be on duty to maintain order, and skilled Home Guards will oversee parking arrangements for pilgrims.
To avoid traffic congestion, extensive parking facilities have been arranged. Only police and emergency vehicles are allowed within the basilica premises.