Karkala: A 3- day annual festivity connected with the shrine of st. Lawrence of Attur, began today (January 24) with a Mass performed by Maanila parish priest, Vincent Crasta.

Shrine director Arttur Pereira welcomed the laity to the programmes of Attur festival. He spelt out the theme as “enliven the faith and build our church”. The church is a part of the 125 years old Mangalore diocese, which is now celebrated.

A relic of st. Lawrence in the church draws Christians of piety to the shrine from all over Karnataka. A special prayer is held after the Mass, for the sick devotees either in Konkani or in kannada.

There is a ‘Guiding Mother’s festival’ on the last day, January 26, Thursday at 5-30PM for all devotees. The main festive Mass is on January 25 at 10AM celebrated by Bishop of Mangalore Aloysius Paul D’Souza. The last mass is held by Diocese chancellor, Henry Sequeira.

The shrine Director Arthur Pereira said that devotees come to Attur for various reasons-medical, religious, spiritual, and to express gratitude for favours received and so on.

Several organizers in Christian faith have joined hands along with Police and government services, to make the Attur festival a great success for the faithful.