Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/KR)
Udupi, Jan 19: The first annual feast of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur in Karkala will be held from Sunday January 22 to Thursday January 26.
Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO, diocese of Udupi, addressing a press meet here on Thursday January 19, said that the annual feast of St Lawrence Minor Basilica will be held on the theme 'Tumi Muji Sashi Jaya'.
Festivities will begin with the holy Mass at 7.30 am on January 22 followed by the procession of the Sacrament. This day is also celebrated as the Confraternity Sunday.
The same day, there will be special Eucharistic celebration and prayers for children at 3 pm and 5 pm.
On Monday January 23, there will be special Eucharistic celebrations and prayers for the sick at 10 am and at 3.30 pm. As many as 31 Masses in Konkani and 12 Masses in Kannada will be offered on the days of the feast.
The same day, Dr Henry D'Souza, bishop, diocese of Ballari will be offering the Eucharistic Mass in the Kannada at 6 pm.
On Tuesday January 24, Dr Bernard Moras, archbishop of Bengaluru, will be offering the Eucharistic Mass in Kannada at 6 pm.
On Wednesday January 25, Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Beltangady will offer the Eucharistic Mass in Kannada at 8 am and Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru will offer the festive Eucharistic Mass in Konkani at 10.30 am.
Daijiworld.com will bring live web streaming of the five Eucharistic Masses to its worldwide readers.
Arrangements
Elaborating on the preparations, Fr Denis D'Sa said, "An area of about 60,000 square feet was added n the eastern side of the Basilica recently. This will help the pilgrims at the location in lighting the candles and making their offerings. Facility for confessions for the Catholic Christians has been created at the western side where the Miraculous Statue will be installed. The old church has been reserved only for personal prayer. The devotees may submit their offerings, candles, etc on the eastern side of the old church. Holy water and flowers (Jala Prasada of Pushpa Prasada) will be distributed to them at the same location. In view of the security of the devotees, 64 CC cameras have already been installed in the old and new churches. Another 32 cameras are being installed in and around the premises.
File Photos
"The Miraculous Spring has been reconstructed in order to visit the 'Pushkarini' safely. Pure and cool water for drinking has been provided for the devotees in 5 locations in the premises. Nearly, 40 new and modern wash rooms have been built adjacent to the police service centre and 20 near the Presbytery during the current year. Special commodes have been provided for the use of the disabled and senior citizens. Police officers and security personnel will be looking after the law and order in and around the campus. Bomb-defusing squad and reserve police will take care of the safety of the pilgrims. The vehicle parking arrangements for the pilgrims is being looked after by experienced home guards and associated personnel," he said.
Regarding the parking system, in order to avoid congestion, those arriving through the Kabettu entrance are provided detour to come from Pulkeri through Doopadakatte to as close to the Basilica as possible. Five parking slots have been arranged for the four-wheelers. A separate parking space has been provided for two-wheelers.
In view of the safety and convenience of the pilgrims, unauthorised sale of candles in the premises has been prohibited.
As in previous year, begging has been totally banned during the festival. Donations offered by the devotees for the purpose will be distributed with meal on Friday January 27 at noon, said Fr D'Sa.
A temporary network connectivity has been set up for the people.
To look after the spiritual needs of devotees, priests are ready at the shrine round the clock. The Church opens early at 5.30 am and closes at 7 pm. Priests at the Shrine will give counseling and conduct prayer service for the devotees.
Also, rosary is held every Thursday at 10.15 am, followed by adoration at 10.30 am, Eucharisitic mass at 11 am, and special prayers with blessed oil at 12 noon. This is followed by Annasantarpana for the devotees.
Fr Royston Fernandes, assistant parish priest, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and others were present at the press meet.
On Thursday January 26, Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi will offer the festive Eucharistic Mass in Konkani at 10 am.
Daijiworld.com will bring live web streaming of the five Eucharistic Masses to its worldwide readers.