Daijiworld News Network team from Attur - Karkala - Pics by Praveen Tauro Kulshekar
Mangalore, Jan 15: The nine-day prayers in preparation for the annual feast of St Lawrence at the Attur shrine began on Sunday morning with a Mass offered by Mangalore University' s chair in Christianity head and professor Dr John Fernandes, followed by the symbolic lighting of the lamp.
Moodbidri MLA and state government chief whip K Abhayachandra Jain was the chief guest, and he also released a booklet containing information on the shrine. Besides, he said that this shrine had made a name not only in the region but the entire country.
Shrine director Fr Francis Cornelio honoured the chief guest and assured everyone of prayers during the festive period. Nitte panchayat chairperson Varija was present on the occasion and called upon people of all denominations to work for the shrine, keeping in mind the benefits from it to the society.
Parish council vice president Victor M Pereira welcomed the gathering. John D'Silva compered the function and Benedicta Noronha proposed a vote of thanks.
The highlights of this year's feast:
- Motto of the feast "Seek first the Kingdom of God"
- Mediation over the saint's life and prayers, with Mass at 8-30 am on the days of the Novena
- Special prayers and Mass for the seniors and the sick on Monday, January 23 at 3-30 pm
- Spacious and secure parking place for the devotees' vehicles
- Three days' festal proceedings will be telecast live on cable TV channel
- Confessions in the Sauharda Community Hall and for the elders in the old church
- Begging is not allowed - alms received for them will be distributed on Friday, Jan 27 at 2-00 pm
- On the three festive days, Mass will be celebrated by Bishops Lawrence Mukkuzhy of Beltangady, Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangalore and Robert Miranda of Gulbarga
- Yakshagana presentation 'Raktasakshi St Lawrence' on Tuesday night at 2 o'clock