Fourth Day of Celebrations at St. Lawrence Basilica, Karkal–Attur
Today being Wednesday, the main day of the feast, devotees flocked to the Shrine from early morning till late night, offering their supplications to God through the powerful intercession of St. Lawrence the Martyr. Owing to the heavy rush of devotees, vehicles were parked far away, and people walked nearly a kilometer to reach the venue.
In keeping with tradition, the faithful approached the Sacrament of Confession before attending the Mass, with long queues seen throughout the day. As a token of gratitude for the favors received, the faithful offered Mass offerings. The priests present at the venue blessed the sick and the children brought to them by distressed families. Placing their consecrated hands upon them, the priests prayed for their healing and well-being.
There were two main Masses. The morning Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, while the afternoon Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. John Carvalho, the newly ordained Bishop of Ajmer. In their homilies, both bishops explained the theme “I Have Loved You,” emphasizing how one can experience Christ’s unconditional love and multiply it by sharing it with the downtrodden brothers and sisters.
The other Masses were celebrated by the following priests, who also prayed over the sick: Fr. Steevan Fernandes, Director, ICYM; Rev. Fr. Anil Lobo, Parish Priest, Sundekere, Chikkamagaluru; Fr. Clany D’Souza, Gladsom Home, Mangalore; Fr. Sunil Pinto, Principal, Kadaba School; Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest, Milagres Cathedral; Fr. Rohith D’Costa, Director, Mangala Jyothi, Mangalore; and Rev. Fr. Rohan Dias, CSsR, Alangar, Moodubidri.
Bishop Gerald expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the devotees and the faithful of the Parish of Attur, the Parish Priest, and the assistant priests for the meticulous arrangements made for the successful celebration of the feast. He also requested the prayers of all devotees for the successful completion of the future projects of the Basilica. Ms. Rashmi, Assistant Commissioner of Kundapur division paid visit to the shrine and wished the festive greetings.
Tomorrow’s Mass will traditionally be offered in honour of Mother Mary, the Mother of Gratitude. With the Mass at 6.00 p.m., the festivities will come to an end. A Yakshagana titled Jagathjyothi will be staged soon after the 6.00 p.m. Mass.
