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Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (WD/KR)
Karkala, Aug 10: The 10-day novena at St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur came to an end with the titular feast celebration of St Lawrence on Friday, August 10. Large number of faithful took part in the celebration with zeal and sanctity.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Fr Gregory D'Souza, rector, St Lawrence Basilica, Fr Jensil Alva, assistant parish priest, Fr Joswey Fernandes, dean, Karkala deanery, Fr Chetan Lobo, editor, Uzwad monthly, and other priests from Udupi and Mangaluru dioceses took part in the celebrations.
In his introductory message, the bishop said, “We all have gathered here to seek the blessings of St Lawrence. He lived a faithful life by helping the poor and needy and taught us to be like him. While we celebrate this Eucharistic celebration, let us pray to God to follow his footsteps.”
In his homily, Fr Chetan Lobo said, "St Lawrence lived a holy life. He is an inspiration to live holy life as followed the footsteps of Jesus Christ. But in this 21st century, it is difficult to live a holy life. A person is known to be holy when he helps other people to lead a holy life. Pope Francis has said, ‘Our Catholic church is for the poor and it is meant for the poor’. We all are included in this Catholic Church and it serves the poor in two ways, which is physically and spiritually.
Physically in the sense is helping the poor and needy and providing them necessary things. Spiritually in the sense is nourishing the faith of the faithful.
“But in today’s world, there are people who have pointed fingers towards people who help others in their material needs. Also there are people who have questioned about the sacrament of penance and due to this we are made to think whether to help others or not. Same ways, there are so many difficulties in our way while we go according to the word of God. Even St Lawrence had many hurdles in his mission, but he did not stop, but led an inspirational life.
“To lead a holy life we need not do big things, but respect our elders and be helpful towards others. We need not go anywhere in search of holy people, but if we just see our parents and their life and the difficulties they go through to bring up their children makes us believe that holy people are living among us. So let us be like St Lawrence and walk in his footsteps,” he said.
Prior to the Eucharist, candles were distributed to the parishioners and to the sponsors of the titular feast.
The 10-day novena at St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur began on August 1 and on the same day, the second annual celebration of proclamation and dedication of St Lawrence Minor Basilica were held. During the nine days of novena, various priests celebrated the Eucharist and prayed for various intentions.
Fr George D'Souza, rector of the Basilica, thanked each and everyone involved in the arrangements made for the feast.
After the Mass, special prayers for the sick were conducted and blessings were invoked for the divine intervention in the lives of pilgrims. The feast concluded with the fellowship meal.