Karkala: A mass on the fourth day of the annual feast at St. Lawrence Basilica at Attur on Wednesday, January 25 was concelebrated by Most Rev Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese, along with Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, Rev Fr. George D’Souza, Rector of Basilica, Rev Fr. William Menezes, PRO of Mangaluru diocese, Rev Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi diocese and a number of other priests.
Bishop Aloysius Paul in his beautiful homily, themed “Be my Witnesses” outlined the history of Christian faith and devotion to Jesus Christ. “A large number of Saints witnessed Jesus in their life. In the history of Christianity, early and later, martyrs testified for Jesus by shedding their blood. India too has witnessed martyrs like Graham Stein and other religious faithful who sacrificed their life or Christ. Even during the attack on churches in Mangaluru recently, priests, nuns and faithful underwent persecution to testify for Christ. Our faith on God should be strong no matter how hard the path is. We have to stand witness to God with our strong faith.
We stand by our faith because we love Christ and He loves us. We selflessly honour and obey Him. We endure because He wants us to love all. This is the power that He offers those who receive Christ in their life.”
Large numbers of devotees of St. Lawrence were present inside the church and also in the premise outside. CCTV’s were installed in key locations. Thousands of people from all walks of life were thronging the holy place for blessing.
Large number of faithful burned the candles, made offerings, paid respect to the relic of the saint and visited the miracle pond, Pushkarini near the Basilica. District Police and the Basilica administration had made excellent arrangements for the smooth celebration of the Annual Feast.
