Media Release
Karkala, Jan 29: The final day of the festal celebrations witnessed a steady flow of devotees to the Basilica to venerate their patron St Lawrence. The atmosphere was marked by deep faith and devotion as priests and the faithful gathered in large numbers.
The Holy Eucharist on the concluding day of the feast was celebrated by Fr Robert D'Souza, parish priest, Allipade; Fr Albert Crasta, parish priest, Piusnagar; Fr John Pereira, Pallottine, Kera; Fr Sunil George D'Souza, director, BCC, Mangaluru; Fr Louis D'Sa, parish priest, Nakre; Fr Vincent Crasta, secretary, CESU, Udupi, along with several other priests who concelebrated.
The main solemn Mass at 10.00 am was celebrated by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru, and concelebrated by the bishop of Udupi, the rector of the Basilica, and other priests. In his homily, Bishop Peter Paul reflected on the theme “Dilexit te” (I have loved you) and urged the faithful to love one another unconditionally, just as God loves humanity without reservation.
The rector of the Basilica, Fr Alban D'Souza, expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful celebration of the feast. Bishop Gerald, while thanking the rector and the priests for the smooth conduct of the five-day celebrations, also shared future plans for the Basilica and sought the prayers and support of the faithful. Parishioners and devotees who made generous contributions towards the feast were felicitated on the occasion.
As part of the cultural programme, a Yakshagana titled Dharma Rakshane, written and directed by Srinivasan Salian of Bondel and performed by the troupe Kalakar, Mangaluru, was staged before an enthusiastic audience.
Later in the night, after due veneration by the faithful, the miraculous statue of St Lawrence was solemnly returned to its original place. The Basilica flag was then ceremoniously lowered, marking the official conclusion of the annual feast.
Volunteers from various parishes rendered yeoman service for the success of the feast under the guidance of Vinup Karkal. Media activities were coordinated by Fr Alwyn Sequeira, OCD, and Jeevan Mascarenhas. Santhosh D'Silva, vice president, and Ronald Noronha, secretary, along with designate vice president and secretary Vandish Mathias and Melwyn Castelino respectively, were also present and guided various activities.