Karkala feast begins at Attur church

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 28, 2019: The annual feast of St Lawrence Shrine Minor Basilica at Attur generally referred to as ’Karkal Fest’ began on January 27, Sunday with celebration of the confraternity with traditional joy and gaiety.

Fr Chethan Lobo, editor of Uzvaad, the fortnightly of the Udupi Diocese, concelebrated the confraternity Eucharist with Fr Georgre D’Souza, rector of the Basilica, Fr Jancil Alva, assistant priest, and other guest priests.

After the mass was the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, conducted by Fr Chetan Lobo, which was followed by grand Eucharist procession.  The brass band playing tunes of various hymns led the procession.

The choir sang Eucharist hymns throughout the procession in both Kannada and Konkani.

Procession  : The procession started from the Church and ended at UBMC School, Doopadakatte, where Fr Paul conferred the Sacramental blessing.

The annual feast of St Lawrence Basilica will end on January 31. On the opening day, special masses were held for the children at 3 pm and 5 pm. The 5-pm mass was concelebrated by Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, former Bishop of Mangalore Diocese.

On Monday, January 28, special prayers for the sick and the senior citizens will be conducted at 10 am and 3.30 pm. Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop of Diocese of Kalaburagi will preside over the special at 3.30 pm. mass. The five-day religious feast will comprise around 35 masses in Konkani and 12 masses in Kannada.

The Archbishop of Bengaluru, Bishops of Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, Belthangady and Udupi will offer masses during the festival.

A large number of devotees, irrespective of caste and religion, gathered to offer prayers at the shrine. In order to ensure hassle-free visit to the shrine, elaborate parking arrangements were in place.