Crowds throng St Lawrence Minor Basilica as the annual feast of St. Lawrence gets underway
Karkala: Sunday, Jan 26 saw the annual feast of St Lawrence at the Minor Basilica in Karkala begin with devotion and splendor. The Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo celebrated the Holy Eucharist along with Fr George D’Souza, rector, Fr Roy Lobo, assistant parish priest, and other priests to kick off the celebrations.
The newly-built statue of St Lawrence at Miracle pond donated by Vincent Mathias and family, Mumbai was blessed by Bishop Dr Lobo. After the Eucharistic Mass, the holy sacrament was taken in a procession from Basilica to the silver jubilee memorial stage of Yuvaka Mandala at Doopadakatte.
Fr George D’Souza, rector of St Lawrence Basilica, thanked all the parishioners for their wholehearted service and also requested them to extend their helping hand throughout the festivities.
In his homily, Fr Stevan Lobo, Koteshwar said, “Todays saints are those who give, those who help, especially the needy. We must be a witness to Christ is what today’s Gospel Reading tells us. We must be like candles that light up the world and be good to others. How – like Salt or a candle both dissolve as they spread their goodness. Same with Jesus Christ – He gave himself up for us. We too must be like Christ and be useful to others and by this, our society grows.”
” God treats everyone equally and he expects us to do the same. We must exculpate our selfish intent and help others as much as we can. We need to take the example of Blessed Mother Teresa, her selfless work has brightened the lives of many. God will ask us about our good deeds and not what luxuries we have in our life. Thus, let us set an example to others with our good behavior and deeds.” he said.
The Chlidren were in focus as Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus, diocese of Mangaluru celebrated the first day’s festive mass. Fr Joswey Fernandes, dean, Karkala deanery and other priests from Udupi diocese concelebrated the Mass.
In his homily, Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, ” Christians follow Christ in all that he did and taught. Especially in regard to helping others. A prime example is our institutions. Our institutions, old age homes, etc serve society and people recognize our community, and through this, we have become witness to Christ. God does not ask us what we don’t have, He asks us to be generous. We give to God when we help the poor.
“St Lawrence surrendered his life to God. When the emperor asked him to get the wealth of the church, he gave all the wealth to the poor and needy and presented them in front of the emperor. For this, he was killed and became a true martyr. We as Christians have so many opportunities to be generous to others. Let us be kind to others and be a true example of Christ.” he said.
Stalls selling various religious articles have been set up in the Minor Basilica premises. Police bandobast, a health center, an inquiry desk, media center, and Catholic Sabha Karkala deanery voluntary stall are all in place. Various other stalls are set up outside the premises too. A big LED screen has been installed where more than 2,500 people can sit and witness the celebrations especially the Masses.
A special project to make the entire campus dust-free which has been initiated will be completed before 2021 annual feast.
Mass timings
- Dr. Anthony Swamy Thomasappa, bishop, diocese of Chikkmagaluru, will preside over the holy Eucharistic celebration on Monday January 27 at 6.00 pm. Mass will be celebrated in Kannada.
- Geevarghese Makarios Kalayil, bishop, diocese of Puttur (Syro-Malankara), will preside over the holy Eucharistic celebration on Tuesday, January 28 at 10.30 am. Mass will be celebrated in Kannada.
- Dr Francis Serrao, bishop, diocese of Shivamogga, will preside over the holy Eucharistic celebration on Tuesday, January 28 at 6.00 pm. Mass will be celebrated in Kannada.
- Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, will preside over the holy Eucharistic celebration on Wednesday, January 29 at 10.30 am. Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
- Dr. Lawrence Mukkuzhy, diocese of Beltangady (Syro – Malabar) will preside over the holy Eucharistic celebration on Wednesday, January 29 at 6.00 pm. Mass will be celebrated in Kannada
- Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru, will preside over the holy Eucharistic celebration on Thursday, January 30 at 10.30 pm. Mass will be celebrated in Konkani.
