Pics: Kevin Rodrigues

Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (JD) 

Karkala, Aug 1: The third annual celebration of the proclamation and dedication of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur, was held with sanctity on Thursday, August 1. 

The nine-day novena, prior to the titular feast was also inaugurated on the occasion. 

The holy Eucharist was celebrated by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi while Fr Chetan Lobo, PRO, Udupi diocese, Fr George D’Souza, rector, St Lawrence Basilica, Attur, Fr Roy Lobo, assistant parish priest of St Lawrence church, Attur and other priests from the diocese were the co-celebrants. 

In his homily Fr Chethan said, “One has to make various choices in life. When God created humans, he gave them the ability to choose things wisely. Now it all depends on humans, on what they choose. They can choose good as well as bad. God has not restricted his creation from making choices.” 

“Church chooses to serve the poor, needy and the disabled. Everyone in the church has to make this choice. Our Pope Francis is a best example for this reason. St Lawrence also made a choice. Instead of giving his property to the king, he gave it to the poor people. With this act, he became a saint. In our day to day life, we face many situations where we have to make choices. If we choose the good things, we will be creating a space for ourselves in the heaven,” he added. 

“To make choices the person should be courageous. He has to take right decisions. St Lawrence had the courage to make decisions. Due to his decisions, he was executed and he became a martyr and then was declared a saint. Before making choices, we have to be cautious. Many a times we have to choose between serving the rich or poor, disabled or the strong,” he said.     

After the mass, special prayers interceding St Lawrence were offered for the sick. Fr George Thomas D’Souza, rector and parish priest of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur, thanked all the devotees present on the occasion. 

Prior to the mass, adoration was held by Fr George D’Souza, rector and parish priest of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur. 

The novena will be held till August 9. There will be special prayers every day morning at 10 am, followed by adoration at 10.30 am and holy Eucharistic mass at 11.00 am. A fellowship meal will be served to all the devotees after mass.

On tenth day on August 10, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, emeritus bishop of Mangaluru, will preside over the festive Eucharistic celebrations. On the festival day, the holy Eucharistic mass will start at 10.30 am.