The annual feast of St. Lawrence Basilica will be held at Attur near Karkala in Udupi district from January 22 to 26.
Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, Rev. Fr. Dennis D’Sa, priest, said that all preparations for the feast had been completed. This is the first annual feast after the St. Lawrence shrine was elevated as Basilica on August 1, 2016. The feast usually held for three days had been extended to five days because of an increase in the number of devotees.
As many as 31 masses in Konkani and 12 masses in Kannada will be offered on the days of the feast. The feast will commence at 7.30 a.m. on Sunday with the Holy Mass of Confraternity. There will be special masses for the children at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the same day. There will be a special holy mass for the children at 10 a.m. and for the sick at 3.30 p.m. on Monday. The Archbishop of Bengaluru, the Bishops of Ballari, Belthangady, Mangaluru and Udupi, will offer masses during the festival.
About 60,000 sq ft area was added on the eastern side of the Basilica recently. This will help devotees at the location to light candles.
Facility for Confessions for 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 will be distributed to them at the same location.
