Udupi Diocese News

Media Release

Attur - Karkala, 30th January 2025 — St.Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur, Karkala reverberated with prayers and hymns, as lakhs of devotees gathered in reverence to mark the Feast of St. Lawrence. This annual religious event drew people from near and far, irrespective of religion and color.

January 29 was the Key day of the five day event. In total, ten Masses were offered throughout the day, with each one drawing a large congregation. The Masses were led by priests who reflected on the life and sacrifices of St. Lawrence, inspiring the faithful to live with hope, putting up with the daily trials and tribulations.

The following priests offered the day’s Eucharist: Rev. Fr (Dr) Jencil Alva, Milagres Cathedral, Rev. Fr Stany Dsouza, Shivamogga Diocese, Rev. Fr Ronald Miranda, Parish Priest, Barkur, Rev. Fr Francis Rodrigues, Parish Priest, Adyapady, Rev. Fr Paul Dsouza, Chikmanglore Diocese, Rev. Fr Sunil Dsilva, Parish Priest, Sastan Parish, Rev. Fr Joseph Cyril D Souza, OCD Katkere, Kundapur, Rev. Fr Canute Barboza, Parish Priest, Miyar. The main festal Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, Bishop Emeritus, Mangalore Diocese at 10.00am.

Special prayers were offered for the sick and suffering. The atmosphere at the shrine was filled with a sense of unity, as the faithful came together to honor the martyrdom of St. Lawrence, the patron saint of the poor and the oppressed. The rich traditions, prayers, and hymns created an environment where the spirit of charity, love, and solidarity thrived.

The faithful departed from the shrine with renewed hope and gratitude, carrying with them the blessings and peace of the celebration. The Feast of St. Lawrence at the Karkala Attur Shrine remains an important event on the region’s religious calendar, symbolizing the enduring power of faith, hope, compassion, and community spirit. Justice Santhosh Hegde, the retired Lokayukta, and Retired Chief Justice of Supreme Court of India, who has been a prominent figure in the fight against corruption in Karnataka, also the Ex-state Minister of Government of Karnataka Shri. Abhayachandra Jain visited the Shrine and conveyed their wishes to pastors and faithful.

January 30 is a thanksgiving day, dedicated to Our Lady of Guide where the parishioners thank God and Mother Mary for all the help received during the feast. The last Mass is at 8.30pm and thereafter the festal flag will be lowered and thus the festivities that lasted for five days will end.

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