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Karkala: Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at the Basillica Office, Fr George D’ Souza- Rector of the Basilica said, “The annual feast of Attur St Lawrence Basilica will be held on 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 January 2019. All preparations for the great event have been completed. We fondly hope and pray that all the devotees arriving at the Basilica experience mental peace and spiritual contentment. The feast will commence on Sunday, the 27th, at 7:30 a.m. with the Holy Mass of Confraternity. On that day there will be special Masses for the children at 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. On Monday, the 28th, there will be a special Holy Mass for the sick at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The sick are requested to attend the special Mass “.

He further said, “About 35 Masses in Konkani and 12 Masses in Kannada will be offered on the days of the feast. The Archbishop of Bengaluru, the Bishops of Gulbarga, Shimoga, Beltangady, Mangaluru and Udupi will offer Masses during the festival. In view of the security of the devotees, 64 CCTV’s have already been installed in the old and new churches premises. 32 more cameras will be installed in and around the campus. Facility for Confessions for the Catholic Christians has been created on the western side where the Miraculous Statue has been installed. The old church has been reserved only for personal prayer”.

“The devotees may submit their offerings, candles, etc. on the eastern side of the old church. Holy water and Flowers (Jala Prasada and Pushpa Prasada) will be distributed to them at the same location. The Miraculous Spring has been reconstructed in order to visit the ‘Pushkarini’ safely. Pure and cold drinking water will be provided for the devotees in five locations in the campus. Forty new and modern washrooms have been built adjacent to the Police Service Centre and twenty near the Presbytery during the current year. Commodes have been provided for the use of the physically disabled and senior citizens” added Fr D’souza.

Fr D’souza further said, “Police officers and security personnel will be looking after the law and order in and around the campus. Bomb-defusing squad and reserve police will take care of the safety of the pilgrims. The vehicle parking arrangements for the pilgrims is being looked after by experienced Home Guards and associated personnel. In order to avoid the rush for those arriving through the Kabettu entrance, arrangements are made for them to come from Pulkeri through Doopadakatte, which is closest to the Basilica. Five Parking spaces have been arranged for the four wheelers, and a separate parking place for two wheelers”.

“Spacious Parking Spaces for those who arrive through Doopadakatte as well as Kabettu have been arranged. On the Parpale Hill, a new Parking area has been created this year. The owners and drivers of the vehicles are requested to cooperate with the organisers. Those who hold Vehicle Passes are requested to arrive through the Kabettu – Attur Convent route only. Parking facility has been provided for them in the newly-created parking area on the eastern part of the hill near the Basilica. The vehicles holding Passes and those parked on the Parpale Hill shall not return by the same route. They should move forward through the one-way road to the Karkala-Padubidri road “said Fr George.

Speaking further, he said, “Candles shall be sold in the official stall of the Basilica only. In view of the safety and convenience of the pilgrims, unauthorized sale of candles in the campus has been prohibited. 

Fr Jancil Alva- Assistant Parish Priest, John D’Silva-Vice President of the Pastoral Parish Council (PPC), Ms Leena D’Silva-Secretary of PPC, Richard Pinto-Convener of the 18 commissions, Santhosh D’Silva, Valerian Pais, Prakash Pinto, Vandesh Mathais, Ronald Noronha were present during the press meet.