Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (WD/KR)
Karkala, Jan 30: The ongoing annual feast of St Lawrence Church, Attur witnessed a huge turnout on Wednesday, January 29, with thousands flocking the Minor Basilica to seek blessings.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, preside over the festive Eucharistic Mass while D Fr George D’Souza, rector, St Lawrence Basilica, Attur, Fr Joswey Fernandes, dean, Karkala deanery, Fr Melwyn Roy Lobo, assistant parish priest, St Lawrence Minor Basilica, priests from other parishes of Udupi and other dioceses were the co celebrants.
In his homily Bishop of Udupi diocese said, “Those who serve poor people will die without any fear. ‘If I do not love my neighbor then I am not worthy for the love of God’ says St Vincent De Paul. We are celebrating the feast of St Lawrence with the theme ‘Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father’. St Lawrence was great martyr who had immense love towards poor and needy. He was told to surrender the wealth of the church by the emperor but he distributed the wealth to the poor and presented them in front of the emperor. For this deed he was punished and thus became a martyr.
“Our God is full of love and does not think bad for his children. There are many people who are deprived of basic needs. Let us be a helping hand to these people in need and make our way to eternal rest. Only prayer is not enough for people in need but our helping hand is more needed at this hour. Thus, let us follow the footsteps of St Lawrence and imbibe the teachings of Christ in us,” he said.
Fr George D’Souza, rector, thanked the bishops who celebrated the Eucharistic Mass at the Minor Basilica during the feast days and also the team leaders of various committees who were responsible for the success of the event. He also thanked all the priests who rendered selfless service to the devotees in their spiritual needs.
The choir of the Mass was led by St Lawrence Minor Basilica choir troupe.
Dr Lawrence Mukkuzy, bishop, diocese of Beltangady, was the main celebrant of the evening festive mass. Other priests from Udupi and Mangaluru diocese were the co celebrants.
In his homily Dr Lawrence Mukkuzy said, “I wish everyone happy feast and may St Lawrence bless you all. We are here to pray to St Lawrence for our needs and also to thank him for his blessings he has showered on us. As today’s feast theme says ‘Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father’, St Lawrence too followed the same path in his life. He is a great martyr who walked in the path of Christ. He was ready to give away anything for the sake of poor and needy. He is a role model to us. His life inspires us to be generous. So let us try to be the salt and lamp of the earth with gives meaning to one’s life.”
Devotees from far and near were seen visiting the place and seeking the blessings of St Lawrence. More people are expected to visit the place on the last day of the feast.
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 Thursday, January 30 at 10.30 am.