Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KR)
Karkala, Aug 2: The fifth annual celebration of the proclamation and dedication of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur was held with sanctity on Sunday August 1.
Meanwhile, the nine-day novena prior to the titular feast was also inaugurated on the occasion.
Fr Walter D’Mello, judicial vicar, diocese of Mangalore, presided over the Eucharistic celebrations. Fr Alban D’Souza, rector, St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Fr Roman and Fr Melwyn were the concelebrants.
Prior to the Eucharistic celebrations, Satish, president of Nitte Grama Panchayath, inaugurated the 9-day novena by the hoisting the flag. Nithin, member of gram panchayat, Fr Walter D’Mello, Fr Alban D’Souza, Fr Roman, Fr Melwyn, Santhosh D’Silva, vice president, parish pastoral council, Benedict Noronha, secretary, parish pastoral council and parishioners were present on the occasion.
In his homily, Fr Walter D’Mello said, "Many families have been devasted due to the Covid pandemic. Humans think that they are great but a virus has made him silent. If we pray to Jesus with faith, He will help us to come out of this pandemic. Due to Covid, many families have become poor and devasted by losing their loved ones. The pandemic’s third wave is also expected. God has to help us. Our families were devoted to God. Families used to pray together every evening. We were not fearing any circumstances. But today, we have become selfish. Bad habits and drugs have entered our families. Due to Covid, rich became richer. Minorities are under attack and are denied their constitutional rights at times. But we should never run away from our faith. These circumstances should make our faith stronger. God makes wonders. Jesus faced all the difficulties which came on His way. Our focus should be on the Holy Cross and we should face our difficulties boldly.
"When our faith is strong, difficulties faced by us will have meaning. Let us be strong in faith whenever we face any difficulties. Let us pray to St Lawrence to bring us out from this pandemic soon" he said.
Prior to the Mass, adoration was held by Fr Alban D’Souza, rector and parish priest of St Lawrence Minor Basilica Attur.
During the 9-days of novena till August 9, special prayers and adoration will be held at 10.00 am, followed by Holy Eucharistic Mass at 11 am.
On the tenth day on August 10, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, will preside over the festive Eucharistic celebrations. On the festival day, the Holy Eucharistic Mass will start at 10.30 am.
Fr Alban said, "The titular feast will be celebrated in August 10 following the Covid guidelines strictly.”
Special prayers for the sick were held and blessings of relic were given to the devotees.