Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (JD/WD)
Karkala, Aug 10: The nine-day novena at St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur, came to an end with the titular feast celebration of St Lawrence on Tuesday August 10 with the theme ‘Let peace, happiness prevail in our families through the intersession of St Lawrence’. A large number of devotees took part in the celebration with devotion.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, presided over the Holy Eucharist celebrations, while Fr Alban D’Souza, rector of the minor Basilica, Fr Roshan Menezes, OFM, episcopal vicar for religious, diocese of Udupi, Fr Melwyn Pinto, assistant parish priest, Fr Roman and other priests from the denary and diocese were present.
In his homily, Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “With the theme ‘Let peace, happiness prevail in our families through the intercession of St Lawrence’ we have celebrated the titular feast of St Lawrence today. We all are born in a family, grow up in a family and build a family. No one wants to live a lonely life and it is not possible for a person to live alone for a long time because human being are social beings. A family is created by God and that is why he created Eve as a partner for Adam and blessed them. Our God is not alone, He also has a family, His son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Our families are the reflection of this divine family and the same love and bonding must be present in our families too. Divine family stands for unity, love, cooperation, dedication and support. We need to imbibe these qualities in our families to lead a good Christian life.
“Jesus was born in an ideal family. Mother Mary accepted the call given by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Family is the best example for a good and happy family. In the document ‘Amrois Laetitia’, Pope Francis terms family as a minor church. Let us recognize the presence of Jesus Christ. Let us live in peace and happiness in our families with the grace of St Lawrence. Let us recognize the presence of God in our families in happiness and times of sorrow. Let us uphold spirituality in our family. Spirituality of our family is involved in the small deeds we do within our families. St Lawrence was the true follower of God and with his good deeds, he became a witness to the Catholic Church. With his blessings, let us build a peaceful and happy family," he said.
Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, candles were distributed to the parishioners and to the sponsors of the titular feast.
The nine-day novena at St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur began on August 1 and on the same day, the fifth annual celebration of proclamation and dedication of St Lawrence Minor Basilica was held. During the nine days of novena, various priests celebrated the Eucharist and prayed for various intentions.
Fr Alban 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 the pilgrims.
Click here for full Mass video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JZeV41YrXw