Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (WD/KR)
Karkala, Jan 25: Large number devotees sought the blessings of St Lawrence on the ninth day of Novena and annual feast of St Lawrence Minor Basilica on Monday, January 25.
The theme for the day was 'We all are brothers and sisters' and the main Eucharistic celebration of the day was presided over by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus, diocese of Mangalore. While another Eucharistic celebration of the day was presided over by Fr Rolwin Aranha, assistant parish priest, St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavara, Fr Roopesh Tauro, assistant parish priest, St Lawrence Church, Bondel, Fr Sunil Vegas, parish priest, Our Lady of Mercy, Fajir, Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest, Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva.
In his homily, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, "As we celebrate the feast of St Lawrence I wish everyone present here a happy feast. May St Lawrence shower his blessings on us. We are reflecting on the theme 'We all are brothers and sisters', Pope Francis in his book Fratelli Tutti urges us to be good with everyone and live in harmony like brothers and sisters. We have witnessed that during the pandemic several came forward and helped the needy with discrimination in caste and religion. Even at the time of drought in Coorg and Kerala, numerous institutions and other people came forward and supplied essentials to people in need. Mother Theresa of Kolkata helped indigent people who were abandoned by their own families. We need to be good samaritans and even extend helping hand to strangers. We have to help people without looking at their religion, caste. Through this, we can be closer to God."
For the past nine days, five masses have been celebrated every day. Catholic Sabha and Stree Sangathan volunteers have been engaged in guiding the devotees.
Festival Masses and celebrants
Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Beltangady will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Tuesday, January 26 at 10 am. Mass will be celebrated in Kannada.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Wednesday, January 27 at 10 am. Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Dr Peter Paul Saldhana, bishop, diocese of Mangalore, will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Thursday, January 28 at 10 am. Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Daijiworld.com will provide the live webcast of the above Masses.
Watch Mass in Konkani by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus, diocese of Mangalore celebrated on Monday, Jan 25