Shrine News

News: Michael Rodrigues, Mangalorean.com
Photos: Wilson, Phoenix Shirva

Karkala : The historic day in St. Lawrence Shrine in particular and Udupi Diocese in general dawned on Monday, 01 August 2016 as all the roads from the twin dioceses of Udupi and Mangalore led to the holy shrine to witness the solemn proclamation and dedication of  the Shrine as Minor Basilica during the Holy Eucharist which was followed by public function.

The solemn Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration is concelebrated by the His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias Archbishop of Mumbai, President CCBI and FABC along with His Eminence Baselious Cardinal Cleemis Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Trivandrum and President CBCI, His Eminence Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church Ernakulam, Most Rev Dr Bernard Moras Archbishop of Bengaluru, Aloysius P D’Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru diocese, Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Msgr Baptist Menezes Vicar General Udupi Diocese, Fr George D’Souza Rector of St Lawrence shrine, many bishops and priests.

Pope Francis has elevated the shrine of St Lawrence at Attur to the status of a minor basilica. It will be the second Minor Basilica in Karnataka, the first being St Mary’s Basilica at Shivajinagar in Bengaluru.

Prior to the solemn Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebrations, a nine-day novena service of St Lawrence began for the preparation of the Titular Feast of St Lawrence.
A day of divine intervention, god's flock is guided to the hilltop in Attur. St Lawrence Minor Basilica is heading to witness a historic event, proclamation of the decree of Minor Basilica and its elevation.

Pope Francis elevating St Lawrence's Shrine to Basilica has enriched its divinity.

The Novena has commenced, Fr George Dsouza, Rector of St Lawrence Basilica is leading scores of devotees in the Novena. The hymns dedicated to St Lawrence are echoing in Attur, choir team of St Lawrence Basilica Attur together with other choir teams of Karkal deanery are leading the choir. Fr George D'Souza prayed for the faithful and their intentions, he called the devotees to lead a holy life.

His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Trivandrum and President CBCI proclaimed the decree in Latin followed by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi in Konkani. The Decree was handed over to Fr George Dsouza, Rector of St Lawrence Basilica Attur followed with Gloria.

Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bengaluru in his homily said we have to thank the lord for the gift of Minor Basilica, his grace led to the proclamation and dedication of Minor Basilica. There has been an account of Basilicas in Rome during the evolution of Christianity. Catholic Basilica is the temple of Lord Jesus Christ.

Basilica tends to strengthen divine intervention. St Lawrence Shrine has a history of 250 years which has witnessed the devotion of people of all faiths. The Minor Basilica will strengthen our faith. Let us lead our life in faith and devotion.

The public function began with an invocation by Fr Valerian Mendonca, Chancellor of the Diocese of Udupi. A one minute silence was observed for the departed soul of Rakesh Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Pramod Madhwaraj, Minister for Fisheries, Sports and Youth Empowerment in his speech said that it is a historic moment for Karnataka. St Lawrence is a ray of hope for the poor and destitute. I have been a devotee of St Lawrence and have offered prayers on various occasions. The teachings of Jesus Christ have played a vital role in the lives of Devotees who visit St Lawrence Basilica. I pray for the well-being of all communities. St Lawrence Basilica has served the masses and it will continue to serve the people of all religions. It has been a pleasure that St Lawrence Shrine is elevated as Basilica
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Diocese of Udupi delivered the welcome note. The dignitaries were welcomed by presenting them saplings.

His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church Trivandrum and President, CBCI unveiling of Basilica plaque in his message said that the lord has showered his blessings in abundance by gifting the elevation of St Lawrence Shrine as Basilica. Bishop Gerald has strived hard for the elevation of St Lawrence Shrine as Basilica, he added.

Unfurling the Papal Flag, His Eminence Mar George Cardinal Alencherry in his message said that, I have heard a lot about St Lawrence Shrine from many sources. It has been a wonderful experience in visiting Attur. St Lawrence is a martyr of charity and poor. Let the Basilica serve the country in the divine needs of people, he added.

Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bengaluru shared the message of Holy Father Pope Francis. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangaluru shared the message of Nuncio.

The Chalice from Nuncio was presented to Rector of the Basilica Fr George D'Souza.

Sunil Kumar, MLA Karkal Constituency said that the elevation of St Lawrence Shrine as Basilica will attract many from all over the world. The prayers offered in the church tend to peace and prosperity. It has remained a bridging factor between different communities. I feel proud that a Basilica is in my constituency and my hometown. I will take steps in developing roads and other facilities in Attur, he added.
Former MLA Gopal Bhandary in his speech said that the message of peace and communal harmony is spread through Attur church. The diocese has played a vital role in developing the shrine, he added.

His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias shared his insights. Msgr. Baptist Menezes, Vicar General of the Diocese of Udupi delivered the vote of thanks. Fr Denis D'sa, PRO Udupi Diocese and Dr Vincent Alva compered the programme.

Archbishop Anil Couto, Delhi Archdiocese; Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao, Goa Archdiocese, Bishop of Ajmer, Bishop Pius D'Souza, Bishop Ignatius D'Souza of Bareilly, Bishop Saldore Lobo of Bareeipur, Bishop Gerald Almeida of Jabalpur, Bishop Alex Vadakumthala of Kannur, Bishop Gerald Mathias of Lucknow, Bishop Varghese Chakkal of Calicut Diocese, Bishop Peter Machado of Belgaum, Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy of Belthangady Diocese, Rev. Tomasappy A Swamy of Chikkamangluru Diocese, Bishop Robert M Miranda of Gulbarga Diocese, Bishop Derek Fernandes of Karwar Diocese, Bishop Antony Kariyil CMI of Mandya Diocese, Bishop Thomas A Vazhapilly of Mysuru, Bishop Geevarghese Mar Divanssios of Puttur Diocese, Bishop Francis Serrao SJ of Shivamogga and others were present.

About 12000 devotees participated in the holy Eucharistic celebrations and public function. Festal lunch was served to the devotees soon after the programme.