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On the foothills of Parpale Hill at Karkala lies St Lawrence Church, a miraculous shrine with rich history that dates back to 1759 AD. The picturesque shrine on the placid hill has been attracting devotees worldwide, who are marvelled by its beauty and its legend.

History
History tells us that the Christians who lived in this place suffered captivity under Tippu Sultan during the period of 1784-1799. The parish was originally situated 7 kilometers from the present place was destroyed by Tippu and the Christians were taken as captives to Shrirangapatana.

The Christians who were later freed from captivity built a church with a thatched roof at Nakre in 1801 AD. When the church was too old to be used, devotees of St Lawrence accompanied by a Goan priest went in search of a suitable site for a new church, carrying with them a statue of St Lawrence.

Miraculous statue
The devotees continued their journey and crossed the Rama-Samudra of Karkala and walking down the woods of Parpale, they reached Attur. The exhausted devotees were overjoyed when they saw a spring of pure water and stopped by it to quench their thirst.
After some rest, the priest wanted to take the statue and continue his journey but to his immense surprise, the statue was firmly rooted to the ground making it impossible to move. The priest understood the divine will and decided to build a church at that spot after which the statue moved with utmost ease.

The Church
The St Lawrence Church was erected in 1839 and has gained its popularity with pilgrims coming from all over the world to have a glimpse of the 1 foot high miraculous statue which is present even today.

In the year 1895, the then parish priest, Rev Fr Frank found many devotees testifying that they received innumerable favours from the saint. Hence, the priest organised novenas and prayer services, helping the devotees to offer their prayers. In 1900, Rev Fr Frank Pereira constructed the present church facing north and it was inaugurated on January 22, 1901 by the Vicar General Rev Mgr Frachetti. In 1975, Rev Fr Fredrick P S Moniz built a little shrine for St Lawrence where the miraculous statue is kept in a small glass house.

In the year 1997, a hundred feet high tower was erected which represents the religious art and symbolises the church’s ingenuousness in accepting people of various faiths. In 1999, the twin gates were constructed in line of the tower, making the church look enchantingly beautiful.

The pond
A small pond with clear water known as ‘Pushkarini’ is present in the Church premises. It is said that the pond is always full of water. The water is believed to have tremendous healing power and people always collect the water from the pond in bottles and some people throw coins in the water. The pond is also an abode for ornamental fishes, which adds to the glee of the devotees. In 1998, the pond was renovated and a flight of stairs enable the devotees to step into the pond.

The cross
A cross is erected on top of Parpale hill which is said to be erected around 1930-35. A road leading to the cross enables people to climb the distance of 1 kilometer and the disabled also can visit the place on a vehicle. On Plam Sunday, the devotees take procession to the top of the hill and the way of the cross is conducted here every year. The church is very famous for its annual feast ‘Attur- Jaatre,’ which is held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the last week of January every year. People visit here and pay respects to the saint by lighting candles as it is believed that if you pray doing so, your wish comes true. A fair in and around the church premises has vendors selling items for those who are on a shopping fete.

Born in 3rd century
St Lawrence born in the 3rd century AD is believed to be a Spaniard. St Xystus ordained Lawrence as Archdeacon in 257 AD. The Emperor Valerian began to persecute the Chriastians in 257 AD. His intention was the destruction of the Church. He commanded all bishops, priests, and deacons to be put to death without delay.
Once when the prefect of Rome asked Lawrence to present the Church riches, he presented the poor people of the church. The enraged prefect ordered Lawrence to be grilled to death. It is said when he was being grilled he said "turn me over ... I’m done on this side," hence showing us the brave attitude of the martyr.

How to reach
It takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Karkala by bus. Karkala is about 51 kilometers from Mangalore. Once you reach Karkala, you can take a rickshaw to St Lawrence Shrine.