Thousands of sick and afflicted throng Attur St Lawrence Basilica on Second day of Feast
Karkala: “Those who find God among the sick and ailing and serve them with love and devotion, serve God Himself. Let there be among us good intention to comfort the physically and mentally sick persons”, said Fr Alban D’Souza, Parish Priest of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady while delivering his homily during the holy mass offered especially for the sick and afflicted on the second day of the annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica, Karkala.
Thousands of the sick and afflicted people, as well as the elderly along with their family members, participated in the specially arranged mass for them. At 10:00 am and 3:00 pm special masses were offered for the sick and the elderly people. Soon after the mass, priests prayed for the wellbeing of the sick and elderly by placing their palms on their heads. The priests even went to the vehicles from which the sick were unable to get down and walk. Fr Reginald Pinto and Fr Alban D’Souza offered the masses specially meant for the sick and the elderly.
The main festive mass of the day was concelebrated by the Bishop of Belthangady, Dr Lawrence Mukkhazi and prayed for the pilgrims.
Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo welcomed Sunil Kumar, MLA of Karkala constituency, Gopal Bhandary, former MLA of Karkala and Ivan D’Souza along with his wife who had visited the Basilica during the day.
Even though it was a working day, thousands of pilgrims could be seen attending the series of masses within the Basilica. Long queues were witnessed in front of the miraculous statue of St. Lawrence as well as around the Pushkarini lake. A large number of people visited the stalls and gaming venues. Tuesday being the eve of the main feast day, thousands of pilgrims are expected to visit the Basilica.
There will be 11 masses on Tuesday, 23 January 2018 (7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm). The main festive mass of the Vespers will be celebrated at 6:00 pm in Kannada offered by Dr K.A. William, Bishop of Mysore. 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm masses will be in Kannada and rest of the masses will be in Konkani language.
Soon after the 6:00 pm mass, there will be a brief programme during which all those who had rendered service at the Basilica will be felicitated by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo. Pramod Madhwaraj and other dignitaries are expected to attend the programme.
