Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (WD/JD)

Karkala, Aug 10: Titular Feast of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur was celebrated with great devotion on Monday August 10. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, Udupi diocese, was the main celebrant while Fr George D'Souza, rector, St Lawrence Basilica, Fr Roy Lobo, assistant parish priest, Fr Prakash Anil Castelino, parish priest Kolalgiri, Fr Vincent Coelho, Parish Priest, Holy Cross Church, Byndoor were the concelebrants.

In his homily, Fr Prakash Anil Castelino, said, "We need to prepare ourselves to the eternal life as St Lawrence had done with his life. St Lawrence is an inspiration for us. Jesus did many good deeds in his life and we Christians have to do good deeds even in our difficult times. Even though in olden days, there was cruelty and hatefulness towards Christians, they lived in prosperity with faith in Christ. They preached the word of God even when they had no freedom. St Lawrence took the leadership when the Christian community faced criticism for spreading its faith. A good person spreads goodness to others. Today, our faith is strong due to the good deeds of our ancestors. We need to sacrifice ourselves for goodness. St Lawrence took the leadership when the Christian community faced criticism for spreading its faith. He calls us to be the witness of God.”

“We need to thank God for his blessings on us every day and let us inculcate the goodness that Jesus taught us. Let us learn from the simplicity of St Lawrence. Jesus gave us the Holy Eucharist and asked us to celebrate it with joy. May we spread the peace and goodness in and around us. May our ancestors’ faith be an inspiration for us to live in Christ.”

After the Mass, special prayers for the sick were held.

Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo in his message said, “Due to corona pandemic, all of you were not able to celebrate the Mass. But we have prayed for all of you in last nine days of novena. Truly, St Lawrence will hear our prayers and will bless us. May St Lawrence bless you all.”