Attur Basilica Annual Feast: ‘Those who give to poor give to God’ – Bishop Francis Serrao
Karkala: The five-day-long annual feast of St Lawrence Minor Basilica Attur – Karkala began with traditional joy and gaiety on Sunday, January 21.
The first-day special mass con-celebrated by Dr Francis Serrao Bishop of Shivamogga Diocese at 5:00 pm. In his homily, Bishop Francis Serrao said, “Poor people are our brothers and sisters and those who give them, give to God Himself. Their help never goes waste. Helping the poor and the marginalized should not be considered as self-realization but it is our responsibility”.
The five days long annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica commenced on Sunday, 21 January 2018 with grandeur and devotion. The solemn mass of the Confraternity Sunday was concelebrated by Fr Viresh Moras of Shivamogga Diocese. He also led the Eucharistic procession that followed the solemn Confraternity Sunday mass.
The first day of the five days long feast of St Lawrence Basilica was dedicated to children. During the day two special masses, at 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm were reserved for the children. A large number of children along with their parents attended these masses. Fr Jason Pais (OFM Cap) and Bishop Francis Serrao offered special masses for the children. At the end of each mass, a special blessing was bestowed on the children. Oscar Fernandes, member of Rajya Sabha along with his wife were present for the morning solemn mass. The Basilica was visited by Lakshman Nimbargi-SP of Udupi, Kumar Chandra-Additional SP and Rishikesh Sonavane-ASP. Sunday being a holiday, a large number of devotees attended the religious services in the Basilica.
The preparations for the five days long annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica have been completed on a war-footing. Around 500 volunteers have been rendering their service in helping and guiding the pilgrims. A large number of priests who have arrived from different parts of Karnataka have been administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation to the Catholic Christians. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi will be present at the Basilica throughout the five days long annual feast.
On Monday, 22 January, the second day of the annual feast, there will be 7 masses (8 am, 10 am, 12 noon, 3:30 pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm and 9 pm). The main fest mass at 6 pm will be offered by Dr Lawrence Mukkhazzi, Bishop of Belthangady. Special masses for the sick will be offered at 10:00 am and 3:30 pm.
The Basilica and the surrounding edifices have been illuminated with colourful lights, thus, spreading the grandeur of the annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica.