Karkala : A donation of Rs. 9.1 lakh, collected from devotees, was distributed to over 1,000 beggars at the St. Lawrence shrine at Attur village near Karkala on Friday.

The amount was collected from two money-collection boxes, which were kept near the shrine during the annual feast, which was held from January 25 to 29.

The boxes were kept specifically for the purpose of donating money, collected in the boxes, to the beggars as was being done after the annual feast.

The amount collected was distributed among the beggars depending on their needs or their disabilities. Besides this, the beggars were also given meals in the afternoon.

Begging is prohibited in the area during the annual feast at Attur.

Speaking to presspersons on the occasion, Rev. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Catholic Diocese, said that St. Lawrence had special compassion for the poor and his work was being carried on at the Attur shrine for many years.

It was not only after the annual feast, but also on other days that the needy and beggars were given help at the shrine.

“The shrine has also been providing money to the poor to build their houses or for the education of poor children. These programmes would be made more systematic in the coming years,” he said.

George D’Souza, Rector of St. Lawrence Shrine, Charles Louis, assistant priest, Richard Pinto, Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council, John D’Silva, former Vice President, and others were present.