People throng in thousands to pay their homage to St Lawrence on the 3rd day in Attur
Karkala: The third day of the feast of St Lawrence at the Basilica in Attur saw great throngs flocking to the Shrine seeking the blessings of Saint Lawrence.
All in all, there were ten masses in total and the following priests celebrated the Holy Eucharist and prayed for the faithful. Rev. Fr Lenson Lobo, OFM, Cap, Brahmavar, Rev. Fr Alwyn Dsouza, Family Commission, Mangalore, Fr Pius Dsouza, Shimoga, Rev. Fr (Dr) Anil Castelino, Parish Priest, Shankerpura, Rev. Fr Ronson Pinto, Asst. Parish Priest, Shirva, Rev. Fr Anil Joel Dsouza, Parish Priest Thokur, Rev. Fr Joachim Fernandes, Parish Priest, Kinnigoli Parish, Rev. Fr Deep Fernades, OCD, Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangalore, Rev. Fr Melwyn Noronha, Parish Priest, Alangar-Moodubidri.
The main mass at 5 pm was celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop of Belthangady. In his homily, he exhorted the people to remain steadfast in their hope amidst the upheavals of life. At the end of every mass, a special prayer was prayed over the sick and the suffering. Different choirs and liturgy groups from nearby parishes assisted at the Eucharistic celebration.
Former Ministers Vinay Kumar Sorake, Ramanath Rai, MLC Ivan Dsouza, and other local political leaders visited the Shrine, met the Rector, and wished the pilgrims a blessed feast.
Several people from various parishes came by walk-in groups to fulfill their vow to St. Lawrence. The Saint who died a martyr during the Roman persecution in the first century is believed to have made his seat here at Attur when the first missionaries came to this area. As they got down to drink water from a nearby pond the statue of St Lawrence which they brought with them would not move. This they thought as an indication and built a Shrine here which eventually became a renowned place of worship for people of all faiths. This place has a history of 300 years.
On January 29 Tomorrow is the main day of the feast and like Tuesday there are 10 masses the main festal mass is at 10 am by the Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D Souza, the Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore.