Media Release

Karkala, Jan 26: The second day of festivities at St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Karkal Attur, began with the first holy Mass at 8 am, celebrated by Fr Oswald Vaz, assistant parish priest of Belman. As the day progressed and the heat intensified, the number of devotees visiting the Basilica steadily increased.

The highlight of the day was the solemn eucharistic celebration at 5 pm in Kannada, presided over by Dr Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. In his inspiring homily, the Bishop reflected on the theme “Dilexit Te – I have loved you,” drawing attention to the recent apostolic exhortation of Pope Leo and emphasising the Christian call to care for the poor and the needy.

Choirs from various parishes of the Mangalore and Udupi Dioceses enhanced the liturgy with their devotional singing. Fr Wilson D’Souza and Fr Pradeep Cardoza served as the MCs for the Masses.

Several dignitaries visited the shrine during the day, including MLC Ivan D’Souza, Congress leader Uday Kumar Shetty, Narayana Guru Nigama chairman Manjunath Poojary and Philip D’costa, philanthropist. They met the bishop and the priests at the presbytery and extended their greetings and best wishes on the occasion of the feast.

Other holy Masses during the day were celebrated by Fr Anil D’Souza, parish priest of Pakshikere; Fr Cyril Lobo of Divya Dhama Seminary, Moodubelle; Fr John Francis Sequeira, OCD; Fr Assisi Francis D’Almeida, secretary, KRCE, Bengaluru; Fr Joseph Martis, parish priest of Derebail; Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest of Thottam; Fr Vijay D’Souza, principal of St Mary’s CBSE School, Udupi; and Fr Johnson Sequeira, principal of Lourdes CBSE School, Bejai.

Fr Alban D’Souza, rector of the Basilica, and Fr Robin Santhumayor, assistant parish priest, closely supervised all aspects of the organisation. They were ably assisted by Santhosh D’Silva, vice-president of the parish pastoral council; Ronald Noronha, secretary; and the designate vice-president and secretary, Vandish Mathias and Melwyn Castelino respectively.