Karkala: Pilgrims poured in over Rs 9 lakh in the special offering box kept for the beggars at the three day annual feast of St. Lawrence in Attur.
Fr George D’Souza, parish priest said that Rs 9.10 lakh was collected as offering, which was then distributed among the beggars. It is the customary practice and we do not allow anyone begging alms during the feast.
He told the reporters that the physically/mentally challenged persons were given Rs 2,000 each and Rs 1,500 was given to those who were partly physically/mentally challenged. The others were given Rs 500 and Rs 200 each. Instead of money, food packets were distributed to the children and to those who were healthy.
Members of parish council Santhosh D’Silva, John D’Souza, Nakre George, Prakash Pinto and others were present.