Pics: Kevin Rodrigues

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (WD/KR)

Karkala, Jan 23: A huge flock of devotees walked into the St Lawrence Minor Basilica Attur seeking God’s grace on the second day of the annual feast. The day was dedicated to the sick and elderly.

Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Beltangady along with Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, Fr Steevan D’Souza, director Divya Joythi, Udupi diocese and other priests celebrated the holy Eucharistic mass in Kannada.

In his homily, bishop of Beltangady said, “I am glad to be here on this happy occasion. We seek God’s blessings and specially pray for the sick and elderly. May St Lawrence bless you all. The theme to be meditated upon this year is ‘Blessed are those who help the poor’. We reflect on three reasons, first God loved the poor and needy, second, St Lawrence also loved the poor and loved, third, the Catholic church also loves and serves the poor and needy. They are very dear to God.

“We can also see here in this holy place that beggars are given alms after the annual feast. One can seek God’s blessings by helping people. Helping may not be monetary help only, but it may be spending some time with our old parents who need our time at this age. There are people yearning for love. Even if little mercy is shown towards them that is sufficient."

Prior to this, a mass was offered by Fr Alban D’Souza, parish priest Stella Maris Church, Kalmady which was specially offered for the sick and elderly. In his message to the devotees, he said, “Serving the old and sick is serving God himself.” He prayed for the sick and old who were unable to attend the Eucharistic celebration.

In large numbers, devotees took part in the Sacrament of confession. Many priests from the diocese and other dioceses were part of the service. Devotees from all walks were seen to actively take part in devotional activities.

On Tuesday January 23, Dr K A William, bishop of Mysuru will offer a Eucharistic mass in Kannada at 6.00 pm. There will be nearly 11 masses starting from 7.30 am onwards on an hourly basis.

On Wednesday January 24, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru will offer the festive Eucharistic mass in Konkani at 10.30 am. There will also be nearly 11 masses from 6.30 am onwards on an hourly basis.

On Thursday January 25, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi will offer the festive Eucharistic mass in Konkani at 10 am. Along with this, there will be nearly 10 masses from 6.30 am onwards on an hourly basis.

Sunil Kumar, MLA of Karkala, Gopal Bhandary, former MLA, Ivan D'Souza MLC, chief whip of Karnataka Legislative council visited the place on the occasion. Ivan D’Souza was honoured by the bishop, diocese of Udupi.

Daijiworld.com will bring the live web streaming on Tuesday January 23 at 6.00 pm on Wednesday January 24 at 10.00 am and Thursday January 25 at 10.30 am.