Attur, Karkala: The historic St Lawrence Basilica at Attur in Nitte village of Karkala taluk is set to mark the 10th anniversary of its elevation as a Minor Basilica on August 10, coinciding with the annual feast of St Lawrence.
The shrine, which has a history spanning nearly two and a half centuries, has emerged as one of the prominent pilgrimage centres in the country. St Lawrence, the patron saint of the shrine, is widely revered as the “God of Karkala”for his miraculous intercession. The shrine attracts devotees from across India and abroad, cutting across religious and caste boundaries.
In recognition of its spiritual significance, Pope Francis declared the shrine a Minor Basilica on April 26, 2016. It was formally elevated and dedicated as the second Minor Basilica in Karnataka and the 22nd in India on August 1, 2016. The historic ceremony was attended by three Cardinals, 20 Bishops, around 190 priests and nearly 30,000 devotees.
Spiritual and infrastructural development
Over the past decade, the Basilica has undertaken several spiritual and infrastructural initiatives aimed at serving the growing number of pilgrims. Counselling services are available for those seeking personal guidance, while priests are available to cater to the spiritual needs of devotees through regular Holy Masses, confessions, meditation sessions, and individual and community prayers.
The number of pilgrims visiting the shrine has increased considerably over the past decade. In view of the growing turnout, the annual feast has been extended to five days. Efforts are also under way, with the support of the government and local administration, to improve the roads connecting the shrine.
Several infrastructure projects have also been completed. A Manastambha and a monolithic statue of St Lawrence have been installed. The Basilica premises have been improved with the installation of stone slabs and interlocking tiles and asphalted areas to reduce dust and enhance the overall appearance of the campus.
A spacious and systematically arranged stall area has been developed for the convenience of pilgrims. The seven-storeyed, multi-purpose *Krista Kripa Building* has also been completed. The facility includes accommodation for pilgrims, a dining hall, a modern kitchen and training halls, among other facilities.
Renovation of the altar is currently under way with the objective of creating a more prayerful atmosphere while retaining the traditional character and charm of the Basilica.
Decennial celebrations on 10thAugust
The 10th anniversary celebrations will be held on August 10 as part of the feast of St Lawrence. According to the programme, the Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi, Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, and retired Bishop Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo will be received at the entrance of the church at 9 a.m. The blessing ceremony of the newly constructed Christ Kripa Building will take place at 9.15 a.m., followed by the foundation-laying ceremony for the renovation of the altar at 9.30 a.m. Candles of honour will be distributed at 9.45 a.m.The solemn Eucharistic celebration will begin at 10 a.m. Following the Mass, a special meeting to mark the decennial celebrations will be held. Lunch will be served to all devotees attending the programme.
Other Holy Masses will be celebrated at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the same day.
As part of the celebrations, a Konkani humorous drama titled ‘SBG Travels’* will be staged at 6 p.m.
Basilica Director Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza, in a press release, has appealed to devotees to participate in the decennial celebrations in large numbers and seek the blessings and intercession of St Lawrence.