Pics by Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala
Karkala, Jan 20: With the annual feast of St Lawrence Minor Basilica to be held from January 27 to January 31, novena prayers as preparation for the feast were inaugurated by Sunil Kumar, chief whip, Karnataka state legislative assembly.
Addressing the gathering, Kumar who is also the MLA of Karkala said, "We will be celebrating the annual feast of St Lawrence from next Sunday. People come to this place with worries and prayers and keep them in front of St Lawrence and seek his blessings. This place attracts many people in and around the globe. This place has witnessed many miracles and is also a place where people from all religion flock and keep their prayers in front of St Lawrence. Various development works have taken place here under the leadership of the priest. There are still more development works to be done and being a people's representative, I shall try my best to fulfill them. May St Lawrence bless us with his choicest blessings.”
Former MLA Gopal Bhandary said, "Our place is known for unity in diversity. This feast gives a message of unity in diversity as the people from every corner come to this place and celebrate this feast. We have seen miracles happening in this place. Also, we have seen many developments happening in this place. This place as Minor Basilica is blessed. As we celebrate the feast of St Lawrence may it give the message of peace to all."
John D'silva, vice President of parish pastoral council welcomed the gathering. Leena D'Silva, secretary of parish pastoral council proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Richard Pinto, coordinator of 18 Commission.
Zilla Panchayat member Reshma Uday Shetty, Taluk Panchayat member Harishchandra, St Lawrence Minor Basilica rector Fr George D’Souza, assistant parish priest Fr Jencil Alva were present on the occasion.
Feast Days
The theme of this year’s feast is “Am holy so you also be holy” The feast which will begin on Sunday, January 27 to Thursday, January 31 will have 46 masses in Konkani and Kannada language.
On Sunday, January 27, special prayers will be held for children and Mangalore diocese bishop emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza will be preside over the special mass at 5.00 pm.
On Monday, January 28, special prayers for sick, elders will be conducted and Dr Robert Miranda, bishop, diocese of Gulbarga will preside over the special mass at 3.30 pm. On this day, if any sick and elderly people want confession and communion, special arrangements will be made to attend people near their vehicle itself. First two days of the feast, vehicle can be taken to the church grounds.
On Tuesday, January 29, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru will be presiding over the festival mass at 6.00 pm.
On Wednesday, January 30, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha will be preside over the festival mass at 10.30 pm and in the evening at 5.30 pm. Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Belthangady will be preside over in Kannada.
On Thursday, January 31, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi will be presiding over festival mass in Konkani. During five days round the clock arrangements for confession service have been done by the priests.