Karkala: Large crowds of patient and devoted people thronged at the St. Lawrence Shrine at the Attur cathedral on the first day of a 4-day annual festival near here. Francis Serrao, S.J. presided over Eucharistic prayers. He told the gathering that God showered his grace in abundance on those who maintained unfailing trust in his presence. He re-told parables of Bible to send the message across listeners.

Mangala Jyothi director Boniface Pinto, Vijay Machado of Pastoral Centre, Francis D’Souza of St. Anthony’s Orphanage, Felix Monteiro of Fr. Muller charities chaplain, Attur parish priest Arthur Pereira and other clergymen joined in special prayers held for ailing and sick on the occasion.