Pics: Edgar Cardoza / Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (KR)
Karkala, Jan 26: Thousands of devotees have been congregating for the annual feast of St Lawrence at Attur here. The celebrations began on Sunday, January 24 and will continue till January 28.
On Tuesday January 26, the Holy Eucharistic Mass in English was celebrated by Dr Eugene Joseph, bishop, diocese of Varanasi, in the presence of a number of priests from Udupi diocese, Varanasi and other dioceses.
The bishop of Varanasi in his introductory remarks said, "Today we have come together in a pilgrim centre as devotees to celebrate the joy, love and mercy of Lord. Let us glorify Him and by this let each and every one who has come here be blessed with mercy and compassion by God."
In his homily Bishop Dr Eugene Joseph said, "Jesus Christ is the real face of God's mercy. The father at home is a personification of God's compassionate love. Pope Francis has explained why celebrating the Year of Mercy is the need of the hour. As the entire world is going through social changes, it is very important to refresh, review and renew God's Word and his mercy. Jesus Christ is the real instrument of Father's mercy. Each one of us should be touched by God’s mercy and only then will real transformation come in our lives.
"Church is a house, the house of God, where He will not reject anyone and those who are touched by him will be forgiven their sins. Many different words have been used in the Bible to relate to God’s mercy.
"Jesus Christ lived his life according to God's Word and he showed that through his action, work and by his death to the entire universe. Today, we lack faith and trust in God's mercy. Foundation of the church lies in God's mercy. If we lack faith in His mercy, lose credibility as Christians. In this Year of Mercy, let each one of us be witness to God’s mercy. Also, it is time to overcome our struggles. Let God's mercy touch each one of us and lead to a new life," he blessed, and added, "St Lawrence set an example to all by refusing to go against God's mercy while he was being punished. We may live independently or in a community, but His mercy should flow like an ocean and it should transform the entire universe."
Dr Henry D’souza, bishop of Ballari presided over the holy Eucharistic celebrations along with the other priests.
In the homily Dr Henry D'Souza said, "There are many types of people in this world. Some are good hearted, kind hearted, peaceful and helpful, but some are exactly the opposite. We used to offer any first fruit to God as a thanksgiving earlier, we need to carry on the same in the years to come which would lead to increase in our wealth."
"Our God is merciful, peaceful, joyful, trustworthy, and above all he will forgive all our year-long sins without looking back. Jesus Christ was crucified not for his sins but for the promise which was made by Abraham in the early days that he would bless the upcoming generations. So He sent his own son and gave salvation to all of us through his Holy Cross. "Forgive them, they don’t know what they are do", these are the words of Jesus Christ from the Holy Cross. This was the unconditional forgiveness of Jesus Christ to mankind.
"Mercy, love and willingness to help should be inculcated by religious leaders as this will reflect the face of God's mercy to others. Let us pray for our families, our instuitions, our diocese, our priests and our nuns and spread the love and Word of God among all," he added.
English choir by Mother of Sorrows Church team was led by choir master Dolphy Mascarenhas. Fr Chethan Lobo, editor of 'Uzwad' thanked the bishop and priests of Varanasi diocese.
At the end special prayers and blessings were offered for the sick.
There will be several continuous masses in Konkani, Kannada and English everyday in which bishops and clergymen from different dioceses will participate. Masses on January 26 at 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm are celebrated by bishop of Varanasi Dr Eugene Joseph and bishop of Bellary Dr Henry D’souza respectively.
Various church choir teams have arrived to make the Holy Eucharistic celebrations more meaningful with better involvement of the devotees. Many religious leaders and politicians have been visiting the shrine.
The number of devotees who visit the shrine of renowned saint of Karkala or "Karla Da Dever" (in Tulu) this year is on the upswing. The confessions are being heard in a hall where devotees are seen in large numbers. People can be seen touching the feet of the statue of the saint, lighting the offertory candles to the saint and visiting the pond of miracles. The priests are seen distributing the holy water and flowers as blessings.
The stalls with religious and miscellaneous items stalls are being visited by devotees. The stalls of sugary confectioneries like the famous ‘Thambde Gulley ’or the ‘Sakkare Meetai’, local eatables, fast foods, sugar cane juice and water melon stalls are favourites. Amusement park is also full with visitors. Devotees from different culture and faith visit Karkal every year in thousands.
The police team has been stationed along with the medical team and the fire brigade to address any eventualities.
Bishop of Beltangady Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhi, will celebrate mass in Kannada at 8 am on January 27. Bishop of Mangaluru, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza will celebrate festival mass in Konkani at 10.30 am on that day.
Bishop Udupi, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo will celebrate festival mass in Konkani at 10 am on January 28.