Media Release
Karkala, Jan 19: The annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur was inaugurated on Sunday, Jan 19, in the Basilica premise.
The celebration of St Sebastian’s Feast was also marked with great devotion and grandeur on the occasion.
The festivities began with a solemn Holy Mass, officiated by Fr Dr Jencil Alva, the parish priest of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur. Following the Mass, the statue of St Sebastian was taken in a grand procession and blessed ceremoniously.
The formal inauguration of the annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur took place thereafter. The event was inaugurated by Fr Dr Jencil Alva in the presence of Fr Alban D’Souza, rector of St Lawrence Shrine; assistant priests Fr Larry Pinto and spiritual director Fr Roman Mascarenhas; and associate parish priest Fr Valesh Aranha. Parish council vice-president Santosh D’Silva, secretary Ronald Noronha, and 20 commission coordinator Benedicta Noronha lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the beginning of the celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Dr Jencil Alva highlighted the significance of the annual St Lawrence Feast, which has been celebrated for many years, bringing together devotees from diverse communities and faiths.
He emphasised the miraculous blessings and grace received at this holy shrine and called for the collective support of all devotees to uphold the sanctity and traditions of the feast.
Parish council vice-president Santosh D’Silva organised the event efficiently, while secretary Ronald Noronha proposed the vote of thanks. Members of the parish council and numerous devotees participated in the celebrations with enthusiasm and devotion.
The annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica Attur will be marked from Jan 26 to 30. A large number of devotees are expected to attend the celebrations on these days. All the final arrangements for the celebrations are being completed at the shrine.
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, Mangaluru, and Udupi dioceses.