St Lawrence Basilica annual feast from Jan27

St Lawrence Minor Basilica in Attur is all geared up to celebrate the annual feast from January 27 to 31.

Rector of Basilica Fr George D’Souza told reporters that the preparations for the annual feast were complete.

The feast will begin at 7:30 am on January 27, with the holy mass of confraternity. On that day, there will be special masses for the children at 3 pm and 5 pm.

On January 28, there will be a special Holy Mass for the sick at 10 am and 3:30 pm.

He said about 35 masses in Konkani and 12masses in Kannada will be offered on the days of the feast.

The Archbishop of Bengaluru, Bishops of Gulbarga, Shivamogga, Beltangady, Mangaluru and Udupi will offer masses during the festival.

In view of the security of the devotees, 64 CCTV cameras have already been installed on the old and new churches premises. In addition, 32 more cameras will be installed in and around the campus.

A 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 give 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 to the devotees in five locations on the campus. Forty new and modern washrooms have been built adjacent to the Police Service Centre and 20 near the Presbytery during the current year,” said Fr D’Souza.

The 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 provided for four-wheelers and a separate parking place has been arranged 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 is arranged.