Karkala: The last day celebrations at the St Lawrence Shrine Attur-Karkala was held on Thursday January 28.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop, Diocese of Udupi concelebrated the Holy Eucharist in Konkani at 10:00 am.
The solemnity of the Holy Mass was enhanced by the homily of the Bishop on the theme of the annual feast of the shrine, “Be Mercifully as the Father”. He emphasized on the aspect of Mercy and narrated a number of incidents from the Gospel as well as from the real life.
To point out how Mercy is important in one’s life. Referring to the martyrdom of St Lawrence, Bishop said that as St Lawrence was Christcentric he could sacrifice his life as a martyr for the love of Christ.
A number of devotees from different corners of Karnataka and neighbouring states of South India had come to the Shrine. With great devotion and partook in the Holy Masses. The visitors were seen devoutly visiting the relic of St Lawrence, confessing their sins, visiting the pool at the shrine and receiving flowers and Holy water. After every Mass there was a special prayer for the sick in Konkani as well as in Kannada language. A number of priests and deacons laid hands on the devotees and prayed for their health and happiness. The Sacrament of confession for the Catholics was administrated on the western side of the shrine in the newly constructed block.
The four day festival began on Sunday January 24 with the first mass 7:30 am. The last mass of the festival was held at 8:00 pm on Thursday January 28. Begging was strictly prohibited in and around the shrine. The contribution given by the devotees for charity will be distributed to all the needy on 29 January at 12 noon along with lunch.
Fr George D’Souza Rector of the shrine, Fr Joswy Ferandes Vicar Var of Karkal Deanery, Fr A L D’Lima Chaplain of the Shrine, Fr Viajy D’Souza Assistant parish priest of the Shrine and others were present.