Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (JD)
Karkala, Feb 20: The annual feast of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur began on Sunday February 20 with divine fervour. The annual feast which was earlier scheduled to be held in the last week of January was postponed due to Covid scare. The annual feast will be celebrated for 5 days starting from February 20 to Thursday February 24.
Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shivamnogga diocese presided over the festive holy Eucharistic celebrations held in the morning, while Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, diocese of Mangalore, preside over the celebrations held in the evening.
In his homily, Dr Francis Serrao said, "According to the Jewish culture, a newborn baby should first receive blessings from father to be considered as a member of the family. Jesus blessed the children and proclaimed them as members of Almighty’s kingdom. According to the Bible, the term children refers to those who depend on God. From birth to death, we go through a number of worries, but children never worry because they will have father by their side. We always worry about our past and future, we do not live in the present. But children are never worried about the past or the future, they live in the present moment. We need to become like a child to enter the heavenly adobe."
Dr Peter Paul Saldhanha, Bishop, diocese of Mangalore celebrated the feast mass at 4 pm. In his homily, he said, "Family becomes complete when we start to say 'we love you' to our child. But in recent times there is a change which is lowering our responsibilities, where we do not want to get married and therefore try to escape responsibilities of family. There are more than 12 lac minor children who have become victims of child trafficking. Children go through various stages of life, and parents play an important role in this process of growth. Parents teach children to love Jesus in various ways. We cannot forget the love of our parents."
A large number of devotees attended the Eucharistic celebrations and visited the Minor Basilica. Arrangements for receiving sacrament of confessions were also made. Due to Covid, sacrament of confession was not offered during the annual feast last year.
'Karkaladalli Chraistaru', a book on Christian community in Karkala region authored by Bennet G Amanna, Dr Pius Fidelis Pinto and George Castelino Nakre was released by Dr Francis Serrao.
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Special prayers were offered for children and the sick.
Fr Alban D’Souza, rector St Lawrence Minor Basilica and other priests from tUdupi, Mangaluru and other dioceses participated in the Eucharistic celebrations.
Masses and celebrants:
Every day six holy masses will be held - at 8 am, 10 am, 12 noone, 2 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese will preside over the festive Mass on Monday, February 21 at 10 am. The Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Dr Henry D’Souza, bishop, diocese of Bellary will preside over the festive mass on Tuesday February 22 at 10 am.
Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus, diocese of Mangalore, will preside over the festive Mass on Wednesday, February 23 at 10 am.
Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Beltangady will preside over the holy Eucharistic celebration on Thursday, February 24 at 4 pm. The Mass will be celebrated in Kannada.
Morning Mass:
Evening Mass: