Pics: Kevin Rodrigues

Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (WD)

Karkala, Jan 25: The ongoing annual feast of St Lawrence Church, Attur witnessed a huge turnout on Wednesday, January 24, with thousands flocking the pilgrim centre to seek blessings.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru, preside over the festive Eucharistic Mass while Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, Fr George D’Souza, rector, St Lawrence Basilica, Attur, Fr Denis D’Sa PRO, diocese of Udupi, Fr Jossy Fernandes, dean, Karkala deanery, Fr Jencil Alva, assistant parish priest, St Lawrence Minor Basilica, priests from other parishes of Udupi and other dioceses were the co celebrants.

In his homily Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, “As we reflect on the theme ‘Blessed are those who help the poor and needy’, even Jesus Christ wants us to know each other and help people in need and build a society with God’s spirit. St Lawrence, a martyr from Rome, when asked by the emperor to get the riches of the church, distributed the money to poor, blind, lame, and destitute and then presented them before the emperor addressing them as the riches of the church. And for this deed as a punishment, he was boiled in hot oil.

“We see such selfless people serving in our society like Paulose of Seon Ashram Belthangady, Snehalaya Charitable Trust, Mangaluru, and Corrine Rasquine of White Doves, Mangaluru. Also we see so many orphanages and institutions who serve the poor and needy. The needy will always remember our good deed. We see many people without basic necessities, let us help them. While we return from this place today, let us have a strong will that we will do something for the poor and needy ones,” he said.

Fr George D’Souza, rector, thanked the bishops who celebrated the Eucharistic Mass at the shrine during the feast days and also the team leaders of various committees who were responsible for the success of the event. He also thanked all the priests who rendered selfless service to the devotees in their spiritual needs.
The choir of the mass was lead by St Lawrence Minor Basilica choir troupe.

A short felicitation programme was held in the evening. Ramanath Rai, minister of Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Annamalai K, IPS, superintendent of police, Chikkamagaluru were felicitated by Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo and Fr George D’Souza.

Dinaker Babu, president, zilla panchayat also visited the place.

Devotees from far and near have been flocking to the shrine and holy confessions were on since early morning. By the end of the feast, lacs of devotees are expected to visit the shrine.