Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (WD/KR)
Karkala, Jan 29: The third day of the annual feast of St Lawrence Church at Attur saw scores of devotees throng the church on Tuesday, January 28.
The celebrations began on January 26 and will continue till January 30.
With the theme ‘Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father’, the third day of the annual feast was a splendid view.
Holy Eucharistic Mass in Kannada was celebrated by Bishop Geevarghese Mar Makarios, diocese of Puttur (Syro-Malankara), and other priests from Udupi diocese took part in the celebrations.
In his homily bishop of Puttur said, “I am happy to be here in this holy place to offer the Eucharist. I thank the Bishop of Udupi diocese and the priest of this place for the opportunity. The theme of the feast this year “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father’ tells us to be good to others and help people in their needs. St Lawrence also did the same in his life. His good deeds towards the poor and needy sets an example for us. He is an inspiration to us. His love towards the creator was an inseparable bond.”
The evening festive mass was headed by Dr Francis Serrao, bishop, Shimoga diocese while Fr Joswey Fernandes, dean, Karkala deanery, Fr Steevan D’Souza, director, Divya Joythi, Udupi diocese and other priests celebrated the holy Mass in Kannada.
In his homily Dr Francis Serrao said, “We see violence, difficulties, hatred, and jealousy in this world. Today pets are in air conditioned room and are taken in Mercedes cars but there is no basic facilities for people in need who are humans like us. Our faith teaches us to serve others and love them. Holy Cross is the upright sign of us Christians. The faith we have is not only a task but also a programme. We need to restore our faith by doing good to others. This helps us to build good relation with the creator.
“Involving ourselves only in church celebrations is of no use but living our life as per our faith makes our celebration meaningful. Our faith should not be restricted only within the four walls of the church but must be seen in our service we give to the needy. We celebrate the feast of St Lawrence today. He is a martyr and his life is an inspiration. Let us take example of St Lawrence and be the witnesses of Christ,” he said.
Former union minister Oscar Fernandes, state minsters Pramod Madhwaraj, Ramanath Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake, Abhayachandra Jain, MLC Ivan D’Souza and other dignitaries visited the place and sought the blessings from St Lawrence.
Large crowds could been seen visiting the Minor Basilica on the third day of the annual feast. St Lawrence is also known as 'Karla Da Dever ' in Tulu in Karkala. A beautiful view of people lighting offertory candles to the saint and visiting the Pushkarni (Miraculous pond) can be seen. Arrangements have been done to distribute the holy water and flowers as blessings.
Various religious and miscellaneous stalls have been set up. Many stalls of eateries can be seen at the place. Amusement park is also full of visitors. Devotees from different cultures and faiths visit this place every year in thousands.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, will preside over Holy Eucharistic celebration on Wednesday, January 29 at 10.30 am. Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, diocese of Beltangady (Syro-Malabar) will preside over Holy Eucharistic celebration on Wednesday, January 29 at 5.30 pm. Mass will be celebrated in Kannada.
Dr Peter Paul Saldhana, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru, will preside over Holy Eucharistic celebration on Thursday, January 30 at 10.30 pm. Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Daijiworld.com will bring the live web streaming on Wednesday, January 29 at 10.30 am and at 5:30 pm Thursday, January 30 at 10.30 am.