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Karkala : The fourth day of the annual feast of St Lawrence Minor Basilica at Attur saw scores of devotees throng the Basilica on Wednesday, 24^th January, 2018.

Very Rev Fr. George D’souza, Rector of the Shrine gave honor with candle to benefactors and donors prior to the Solemn Eucharistic celebrations. The main celebrant of the Solemn Eucharistic was Most Rev Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Very Rev Fr. Joswey Fernandes Dean of Karkala, Very Rev Fr. George D’Souza and large priests entered the Basilica from the priests home by procession with brass band and altar servers.

The Solemn Eucharistic mass began with the theme of ‘Blessed are those who help the poor and needy. In his homily Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza pointed out the character of St. Lawrence. The life of St Lawrence has given best example by helping the downtrodden and needy. There is lot of associations in Mangaluru and Udupi dioceses who helps the downtrodden and needy persons. Large people in our community also need help for their life. Instead unnecessary spending during various occasions could spend for the needy. Pope calls us to spend with poor. The Catholic Church needs us to help the needy and poor. Our sacrifice and love towards poor must not be by words but it must reflect in our deeds as well.

At the end of the mass, the Rector of the Shrine, Very Rev Fr George D’Souza gave gratitude to all Bishops who participated during the festival masses. He gave gratitude to priests, deacons, religious sisters and priests, parish pastoral council officials and members and all concerned.

In his address at the end, Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza appreciated the work and development of the Minor Basilica. He thanked Fr. George and others on the occasion.

Large numbers of devotees are seen in a hall for Confessions. Large number of people without caste and religion can be seen touching the feet of the Miracle statue of St Lawrence, touching the relic, praying in old church, lighting the offertory candles to the Saint and visiting the pond of miracles. The priests and deacons can be seen distributing holy water and flowers as blessings.

Devotees from different cultures and faiths visited various stalls inside the church premises as well as outside the church premises on the road. Heavy police security has been provided all over the church premises. A medical team and the fire brigade to address any eventualities present. Every year large number of people visits the ‘Karla Devr’ and offering the petitions.

On 25^th January is the last day of the festival celebrations. There will be mass in Konkani at 10 am which concelebrated by Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo.