Attur Basilica marks 10 years of dedication with call to serve the poor

The St. Lawrence Basilica in Attur, Karkala, celebrated the decennial of its dedication on Monday, with Bishop of Udupi diocese Leslie Clifford D’Souza urging the faithful to draw inspiration from the life of St. Lawrence in serving the marginalized and the needy.

Presiding over the felicitation programme held as part of the decennial celebrations, Bishop D’Souza said human life becomes meaningful when every effort is made to understand the struggles of the poor, the destitute, and the oppressed, and when one becomes a reason for bringing happiness into their lives. He described St. Lawrence, who shared the wealth of the church with the poor and the needy, as an exemplary model for all. The Bishop called upon the followers of the church to embrace and practise the principles that St. Lawrence preached and lived by.

The celebrations included a concelebrated Eucharistic celebration, during which Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Udupi Gerald Isaac Lobo delivered the homily. The main celebrant, Bishop D’Souza, also blessed the Krista Kripa building and laid the foundation-stone for a new altar at the basilica.

The St. Lawrence Basilica, a prominent pilgrimage centre in Karnataka’s coastal region, is dedicated to St. Lawrence, a third-century deacon of the early Christian church who was martyred in Rome. The basilica was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 2016, and the decennial celebrations mark a decade since its dedication. Thousands of devotees from across the state and beyond are believed to have gathered for the occasion, which also featured the titular feast of St. Lawrence.

Local church authorities and community members participated in the events, which underscored the basilica’s role as a centre of spiritual and social outreach. The day’s proceedings included prayers, cultural programmes, and community gatherings, reflecting the festive yet solemn nature of the milestone.

Bishop D’Souza’s message resonated with the broader Christian teaching on charity and compassion, and his emphasis on understanding the struggles of the marginalised drew attention to the church’s ongoing social commitments. The blessing of the Krista Kripa building, which is expected to serve as a facility for pilgrims and charitable activities, and the foundation-stone for the new altar were seen as steps to enhance the basilica’s services to the community.

The decennial celebration concluded with a call to the faithful to carry forward the spirit of service exemplified by St. Lawrence, ensuring that the church remains a source of hope and support for those in need.