St Lawrence Basilica Attur gearing up for Annual Feast
Pics By Prasanna Kodavoor
Karkala: The annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur-Karkala will be held on January 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. The Basilica authorities are ready with all the preliminary preparations for the great annual feast. It is hoped that all the pilgrims who visit the Basilica during this period will have spiritual experience and mental peace.
According to Fr George D’Souza Rector of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur-Karkala The Flag of St Lawrence Basilica will be hoisted on Sunday, 21 January at 7:30 am followed by the holy mass marking the beginning of the annual feast with the observance of the Confraternity Sunday and Eucharistic Procession. On the same day at 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm there will be special masses for the children.
On Monday, 22 January at 10:00 am as well as 3:30 pm there will be special masses for the sick and the ailing. The sick persons are requested to visit the Basilica on the same day.
During the annual feast days, there will be 33 masses in Konkani language and 10 in the Kannada language. During these days, Bishops of Shivamogga, Beltangady, Mysore, Mangaluru and Udupi will be offering masses on different days.
For the security of the pilgrims, 64 CCTV cameras have been installed inside as well as outside the old and new church buildings. 32 CCTV cameras will cover the premises of the Basilica.
For the convenience of the pilgrims, additional space has been provided on the left side of the Basilica as well as the place where candles will be burnt.
For Catholic Christians, special arrangements for Confessions has been made to the right side of the Basilica next to the Miraculous Statue. Pilgrims can use the interior of the old church for the purpose of prayers only.
Pilgrims can make their offerings in terms of money, material or wax articles on the left side of the Basilica.
Fresh and cold drinking water facility will be provided at 5 points in the premises of the Basilica.
For answering nature’s call, 40 toilets have been provided with modern amenities in a specially constructed structure by the side of the Police Help Post at the entrance to the Basilica. Besides, there are 20 toilets on the left side of the presbytery. Commode type of toilets have been provided for the physically challenged and senior citizens.
Senior police officers, Bomb disposal squads, reserve police forces and security personnel will take responsibility to maintain law and order and the security of the pilgrims. Home Guard officials and volunteers will help the pilgrims in parking their vehicles.
Five spots have been reserved closer to the Basilica for the vehicles entering the Basilica from Kabettu and Doopada Katte. Separate parking arrangement has been made for two-wheelers.
Those pilgrims who arrive through Doopada Katte can park their vehicles towards the vast space towards the left of the turn near Garden House and towards the left after crossing the Garden House. Vehicles can also be parked at the place belonging to Robert Noronha. Rickshaws can proceed up to this point and no vehicles can proceed further.
Vehicles coming from Kabettu side can be parked in the playground of the High School after crossing Prasad Tailors Junction. Pilgrims can also park their vehicles on both sides of the Chetana Halli Road. Those pilgrims who drive by the left side road of the Cemetery can park their vehicles on the newly arranged parking place on the Parpale Hill.
Vehicles with passes can approach the Basilica through Kabettu-Attur Convent Road only. Pass holding vehicles can be parked in the newly laid out parking place on the Parpale Hill towards the left side of the Basilica.
Pass holding vehicles, as well as those parked on the Parpale Hill on their return journey, cannot take the same route as they had entered. They have to take the one-way road connecting the Karkala-Padubidri Main Road.
Pilgrims can acquire candles only in the official candle store within the Basilica premises. Unauthorized sale of candles is prohibited.
Begging during the annual feast days is completely prohibited in the premises of the Basilica. Pilgrims can deposit their donations for the beggars in separate boxes which will be distributed to the deserving on Friday, 26 January at 12 noon along with food.
In order to provide information regarding the services and facilities to the pilgrims, the public announcement will be made from Doopada Katte to Chetana Halli.