Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP)
Karkala, Jan 29: Chief minister Siddaramaiah visited Attur St Lawrence pilgrimage centre here on Wednesday January 28 and inaugurated a residence for priests and laid the foundation stone for a community hall. The Shrine is celebrating its three-day annual feast.
Addressing the gathering, the CM said, "Attur pilgrimage center devoted to St Lawrence is holy. As people of all religions come and pray here, this is a place meant for communal harmony. When we keep our trust in religion, peace and tranquility is possible in the society. May St Lawrence bless our government."
Earlier, he offered lighted candles to the saint, visited the miracle statue of the saint and prayed.
Udupi diocese bishop Dr Gerald Lobo said that the government has provided funds amounting to Rs 2.50 crore for different projects during the annual festival. "We hope to receive some more help from the government," he added.
Fr George D'Souza, parish priest of Attur requested for funds for the development of the pilgrimage center.
Ministers Vinay Kumar Sorake, Ramanath Rai and U T Khadar, MLAs Mohiuddin Bawa, Pramod Madhwaraj, MLC Ivan D' Souza, H Gopala Bhandary, Rehmat N Shaikh, Richard Pinto, John R D' Silva, Santhosh D' Silva, Aveline Louis, Valerian Pais and others were present.