Karkala, Jan 17: The annual feast of St. Lawrence Basilica will be celebrated from January 26 to 30, 2025. All the necessary preparations for welcoming the pilgrims, ensuring spiritual peace, mental satisfaction, and a memorable experience have been completed, said Fr. Alban D'Souza, the Rector/Director of St. Lawrence Basilica, during a press conference.

Speaking at the press conference held at the St. Lawrence Basilica office in Attur, he informed that special prayers and services have been arranged for the pilgrims. On January 26, there will be a mass and special prayers for children. On January 27, there will be three special prayers for the sick. He requested that the sick come and participate in the services for their benefit.

During the annual feast, a total of 38 divine masses will be offered, including 31 masses in Konkani and 7 in Kannada. Religious leaders and prominent clergy from various places like Belthangady, Baruvipur, Mangalore, and Udupi will be offering divine services at the Basilica.

Installation of CCTV Cameras:

To ensure the safety of the devotees, 72 CCTV cameras have been installed inside the Basilica and its premises.

A "Miracle Statue" has been installed on the right side of the Basilica, and arrangements for confession for Catholic Christians have been made nearby. Devotees are requested to offer their donations in the form of money or candles on the left side of the temple.

Facilities for Devotees:

Drinking water: Clean and cool drinking water will be made available at five locations in the Basilica compound.

Restrooms: Approximately 40 modern restrooms will be available near the police service center in the Basilica compound, and 20 restrooms will be located on the left side of the Guru Niwas.

Special restrooms will be available for people with disabilities and senior citizens.

Security and Parking Arrangements:

The security and vehicle parking arrangements will be supervised by the trained home guard personnel and other staff. The vehicles coming from the Kabettu gate will be directed to parking areas near the Garden House and other designated locations. Only authorized vehicles with vehicle passes will be allowed to enter the Basilica premises.

Exclusive Candle Sales:

Candles will only be sold at the official stalls of the Basilica. The sale of candles by other vendors in the Basilica compound is strictly prohibited.

Public Safety and Traffic Arrangements:

To ensure smooth movement of the public and devotees, the local panchayat administration has been instructed to leave space along the roadside from Dookpadkatte to Prasad Taylor Junction, for the construction of small shops. This is necessary for safety and to prevent any physical obstruction for pedestrians.

World's Largest St. Lawrence Statue:

A massive statue of St. Lawrence, carved from a single stone, has been installed on the right side of the Basilica. This unique statue, made of stone, is a one-of-a-kind creation, found only at the Attur St. Lawrence Basilica and the Roman province in Italy.

Cultural Program:

On the evening of January 27, starting at 8:00 PM, a Kannada Yakshagana performance titled St. Lawrence Mahatme, written by G.K. Srinivas Salyan, will be presented by guest artists at the Basilica compound.

Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Larry Pinto, Spiritual Director Fr. Roman Mascarenhas, Vice President Santosh D'Silva, Secretary Ronald Noronha, and members Vandish Mathias and Valerian Pais were present.