Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (WD/KR)
Karkala, Jan 24: The third day of the annual feast of St Lawrence Church at Attur saw scores of devotees throng the church on Tuesday, January 24.
The celebrations began on January 21 and will continue till January 25.
With the theme ‘Blessed are those who help the poor and needy’, the third day of the annual feast was quite a sight. Holy Eucharistic Mass in Kannada was celebrated by Bishop Dr K A William, diocese of Mysuru, while Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, diocese of Udupi, and number of priests from Udupi diocese, and other dioceses took part in the celebrations.
After the Holy Eucharistic celebrations, the public felicitation programme saw Pramod Madhwaraj, district in-charge minister, Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLA, Kaup, Gopal Bhandary, former MLA, Karakala, Rishikesh Sonawale, IPS, assistant superintendent of police being honored by Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, while Fr George D’Souza, rector, St Lawrence Minor Basilica were present on the occasion. Santhosh D’Silva compere the programme.
In his homily, Bishop Dr K A William said” We reflect on a wonderful theme this year ‘Blessed are those who help the poor and needy’. This calls us to help people in need. St Lawrence’s life has given the best example by helping the downtrodden, widows and needy. It is his faith and his sacrifice for Christ. This year, for the first time, the Pope has declared a day for poor, a day where Pope calls us to spend with poor. Even our Catholic Church calls us to do good deeds towards poor. Our love towards poor must not be only by words, but must reflect in our deeds.”
In his felicitation message Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “A person, who gives with a smiling face is always near to God. It is our duty to felicitate the donors. This place has a history three decades and without any discrimination of caste, creed, and religion, people visit this place to seek the blessings of St Lawrence. This place has become a pilgrim place. Providing basic facilities to the visitors is our duty and there are many people, police staff and ministers who have given their whole hearted service to this place. We adore these people for their service and sacrifice and thank them whole heartedly. May St Lawrence bless all of them.”
Various church choir teams have arrived at the shrine to make the Holy Eucharistic celebrations more meaningful with better involvement of the devotees. Many religious leaders and politicians have been visiting the shrine from the first day.
The number of devotees who visit the shrine of renowned saint of Karkala or ‘Karla Da Dever’ (in Tulu) this year is on the upswing. Confessions are being heard in a hall where devotees are seen in large numbers. People can be seen touching the feet of the statue of the saint, lighting the offertory candles to the saint and visiting the pond of miracles. The priests can be seen distributing holy water and flowers as blessings.
The stalls with religious and miscellaneous items stalls are being visited by devotees. The stalls of sugary confectioneries like the famous ‘Thambde Gulley ’or the ‘Sakkare Meetai’, local eatables, fast foods, sugar cane juice and water melon stalls are favourites. Amusement park is also full of visitors. Devotees from different cultures and faiths visit Karkala every year in thousands.
A police team has been stationed along with a medical team and the fire brigade to address any eventualities.
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.
Daijiworld.com will bring the live web streaming on Wednesday, January 24 at 10.00 am and Thursday January 25 at 10.30 am.
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