Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (TP)
Karkala, Jan 15: The annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur, is scheduled to be celebrated from January 25 to 29, and all preliminary preparations have been completed, said Fr Alban D’Souza, director of the Basilica.
Addressing a press conference organised at the Karkala Press Club on Thursday, January 15, Fr Alban D’Souza said the theme of this year's annual feast is “I Love You.” The nine-day novena leading up to the feast will begin on January 16 and conclude on January 24.
A special day of prayer for the sick has been scheduled for Saturday, January 24, featuring adoration at 9 am, followed by a holy Mass at 9.30 am. Organisers have requested that the sick and infirm cooperate with the arrangements made for their comfort and participation. Authorities have announced a strict prohibition on entry of vehicles into the church premises during the feast days.
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, a special holy Mass and prayer for children will be held at 3 pm.
During the five-day feast, a total of 45 holy Masses will be offered, with 36 in Konkani and 9 in Kannada. Bishops from the dioceses of Udupi, Mangaluru, Karwar, Allahabad and Ajmer, along with the retired Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese, will participate and lead the holy Masses.
To ensure the safety and security of the anticipated large number of devotees, the Basilica has installed a comprehensive surveillance system comprising 72 CCTV cameras both inside the Basilica and across its premises.
To provide essential amenities, clean and chilled drinking water will be accessible at five strategically located points within the Basilica premises. Physical amenities include approximately 40 modern toilet facilities set up near the police service center, with an additional 20 toilets available on the left side of the Gurunivasa. Dedicated toilet facilities have been arranged for persons with disabilities, including commode-type toilets for senior citizens.
A significant contingent of police officers and personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of pilgrims. Trained Home Guards and other staff will oversee vehicle parking arrangements.
To mitigate traffic congestion from the Kabettu entrance, vehicles will be diverted from Pukkeri via Doopadakatte, entering through the Doopadakatte gate. Spacious parking facilities have been arranged on the left side near the entry, near the Garden House turning, and further beyond after passing the Garden House. Movement of autos will be restricted to the barricaded area.
Vehicles displaying valid vehicle passes must enter through the Kabettu route, turn left near the Panchayat toilet, and proceed to the designated VIP and pass-holder parking area near Attur Convent and the BSNL Mobile Tower. From this parking area, vehicles will be routed through a one-way concrete road connecting to the Karkala–Padubidri Road. Only police and emergency vehicles will be permitted inside the Basilica premises.
Only the official Basilica stalls within the Basilica premises are authorised to sell candles. The sale of candles by unauthorised vendors within the premises is strictly prohibited.
To facilitate the smooth movement of the public and pilgrims, the local Nitte Gram Panchayat has been instructed to ensure sufficient space along both sides of the road from Doopadakatte to Prasad Tailor Junction is maintained during the construction of shops.
The Basilica boasts of a massive statue of St Lawrence carved from a single stone, a feature replicated only in Rome, Italy. Additionally, a new monolithic stone statue of St Lawrence has been installed at the St Lawrence Pushkarini, a feature unique to Attur St Lawrence Basilica.
The Basilica premises have been paved with stone slabs and interlocking tiles, making the environment dust-free.
On Thursday, January 29 following the 6 pm holy Mass, a Kannada Yakshagana performance titled “Satya Darshana,” written by G K Srinivas Salyan, will be staged in the Basilica premises with the participation of guest artistes.
The Basilica’s commitment to social welfare was highlighted by the construction of houses for two underprivileged families in 2025. The Basilica continues to provide assistance to those in need, irrespective of caste or religion, based on their individual circumstances.
Outside the annual feast period, accommodation facilities comprising approximately 60 rooms are available for devotees in the newly constructed Krista Krupa building within the Basilica premises.
Following the annual feast, a project for the renovation of the church sanctuary will be undertaken, with preparations already underway to renovate it in the style of sanctuaries found in holy Rome.
Church pastoral committee vice-president Santosh D’Silva, secretary Ronald Noronha, and members Vandeesh Mathias, Melvin Castelino, and Johnson D’Silva were also present at the press conference.