Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (JD)
Karkala, Jan 16 : "The Annual Feast of St. Lawrence Basilica will be celebrated from January 26 to 30, with all preparations completed to welcome devotees. The Basilica extends its best wishes for a spiritually enriching and memorable experience for all pilgrims," said Fr Alban D'Souza, rector of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur Karkala.
Giving information about the final preparations ahead of the annual feast at the Basilica, Fr Alban said, "On January 26, special eucharistic celebrations and blessings will be dedicated to children, while on January 27, three special eucharistic celebrations will be offered for the sick, inviting their participation for spiritual solace. During the feast, 38 Masses will be celebrated, including 31 in Konkani and 7 in Kannada, with the participation of Bishops and priests from Belthangady, Baruipur, Mangalore, and Udupi dioceses".
To ensure safety, 72 CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the premises. Facilities for confession have been arranged near the ‘Miraculous Statue’ on the Basilica’s right side, with access to the Basilica strictly for prayer purposes only. Devotees can offer donations, materials, and candles at the designated area on the left side of the Basilica. Clean and cold drinking water will be available at five locations within the premises.
The modern toilet facilities, including 40 units near the police service center and 20 near priests residence, with separate provisions for differently-abled individuals and senior citizens have been arranged. Law and order will be maintained by police officers, ensuring the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims.
For parking, vehicles entering from Kabettu will follow specific routes, with designated parking near the Garden House and other spots. Vehicles with passes have separate parking arrangements near the BSNL Mobile Tower. To ease congestion, auto-rickshaws will be allowed only up to the barricaded area, and other vehicles will be restricted from entering the Basilica premises.
Only the official Basilica store is authorized to sell candles within the premises, and unauthorized vendors are prohibited. To ensure smooth pedestrian movement, local shops along the road from Dupadakatte to Prasad Tailor Junction have been asked to leave some space for public access.
A highlight of the Basilica is the monolithic statue of St. Lawrence, carved out of a single stone, installed on the right side of the premises. Such a statue is unique, found only here and in Rome, Italy. The premises have been enhanced with stone paving and interlocks to maintain a dust-free environment.
On January 27 at 8 PM, a Kannada Yakshagana performance, "The Greatness of St. Lawrence," directed by G K Srinivas Salian, will be held in the Basilica premises," said Fr Alban D'Souza, rector.
Fr Larry Pinto, assistant parish priest, Fr Roman Mascharenhas, spiritual director; Santhosh D'Silva, vice president, parish pastoral committee; Ronald Noronha, secretary; members of parish pastoral committee Vandish Mathias and Valerian Pais were present on the occasion.