Pics: Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Karkala, Jan 13: “The annual feast 2024 of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur will be held from January 21 to 26. All preliminary preparations have been made in this regard and we are ready for the annual feast celebrations. It is celebrated as a festival of interfaith harmony by devotees from all over the country without discrimination of caste or creed," said Fr Alban D'Souza, director of St Lawrence's Basilica, Attur, Karkala.
Speaking at a press conference held at the shrine on Saturday January 13, he said, "There will be Eucharistic celebrations and special prayers for the sick and children on Friday, January 26. Those who are sick should come and attend on the same day. A total of 45 Eucharistic celebrations in Konkani language and 3 in Kannada and thus, a total 48 Holy Eucharistic celebrations will be offered during the six days of the annual feast. On the days of the annual feast, the bishops of Beltangady, Puttur, Mangalore, Shimoga and Udupi diocese will offer the Masses.
“The main message of this festival is ‘Ask and it shall be given’ and this message will be given in special prayers and sacrifices during the festival days. On January 14, the festival of St Sebastian and the inauguration of the annual feast will be held. Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar, president and vice president of the panchayat will participate in the programme at 9 am. On January 20, a Eucharistic procession will be held by Attur devotees at 3:30 pm. The novena prayers have started from January 12,” he said.
Festival Masses and celebrants
Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus, diocese of Mangalore, will preside over the festive Mass on Sunday, January 21 at 4:30 pm. The Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Dr Francis Serrao, bishop, diocese of Shimoga, will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Monday, January 22 at 06 pm. The Mass will be celebrated in Kannada.
Dr Gheevarghese Mar Macarious, bishop diocese of Puttur will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Tuesday, January 23 at 5:30 pm. The Mass will be celebrated in Kannada.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Wednesday, January 24 at 10 am. The Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, diocese of Mangalore, will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Thursday, January 25 at 10 am. The Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop, diocese of Beltangady will preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration on Friday, January 26 at 10 am. The Mass will be celebrated in Kannada.
On January 23, 24 and 25, the Eucharistic celebrations will be held till 10 pm. On the last day, January 26, the last sacrifice of the festival will be at 5 pm.
Facilities and arrangements
For the safety of the devotees, 64 CC cameras have been installed inside the basilica and in the premises of the basilica. On the right side of the basilica, next to the 'Miracle Statue', there is an arrangement for confession of sins for Catholic Christians. Only prayers are allowed inside the church. Devotees have been given an opportunity to submit their offerings in the form of money, materials, and candles to the shrine on the left side of the church. Clean and cold water system for drinking of devotees has been made at five places in the Basilica's premises. There are about 40 modern privileged toilets in the Basilica premise and 20 toilets on the left side to meet the physical needs. There are separate toilets for disabled and commode type toilets for senior citizens. Maximum number of police officers and police constables will be on duty to maintain law and order. The parking system of the pilgrims will be supervised by the skilled Home Guard and other personnel.
In order to avoid the inconvenience caused to the devotees by the traffic of vehicles coming through the Kabettu gate, an extensive parking space has been provided on the left side when entering the Doopadakatte gate from Pulkeri via Doopadakatte, on the left side at the turn near the Garden House, and on the left side after crossing the Garden House. Rickshaw traffic is allowed till Kodange Robert Noronha house. For the vehicles coming from Kabettu side, while coming ahead after crossing Prasad Tyler Junction, on the right hand side, the wide playground of St Lawrence High School, is completely reserved for parking.
Motorists with vehicle passes will bring their vehicles through Kabettu-Attur Convent route, turn left near panchayat toilet on left side, proceed forward, near BSNL mobile tower on right side, turn left, and park the vehicles in the spacious parking lot constructed for VIP and other pass holder vehicles. Vehicles with vehicle pass, parked vehicles are connected to Karkala-Padubidri road through a one-way concrete road from the parking area. Except for police vehicles and emergency medical vehicles, no other vehicles are allowed to enter the Basilica premises.
The local Nitte gram panchayat administration has been informed to leave at least 5 feet space in front of the shop on both sides of the road from Doopadakatte to Prasad Tailor Junction for smooth movement of the public and devotees. This is very necessary for safety reasons and to prevent physical harassment to any person passing by on the road.
Fr Roman Mascarenhas, spiritual director; Fr Larry Pinto, assistant parish priest; Santhosh D’Silva, vice president parish pastoral committee; Ronald Noronha, secretary; Vandesh Mathias, Prakash Pinto, Rithesh Pinto and Roshan Salis were present during the press conference.