Karkala: Karkala taluk is well known for black stone which is available in abundance as well as for places of worship. Hindu temples, Jain Basadis,mosques and churches are found in this taluk showcasing the religious diversity of the region. St.lawrence church located in Attur stands out as devotees from all religions converge to offer their prayers every year during annual feast.

Attur church is now gearing up to celebrate the first annual feast (Attur jatre) after it was accorded minor basilica status by the current head of Roman Catholic Church,Pope Francis.Attur is the second basilica in Karnataka while the other one being St.Mary’s Basilica in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru

Brief history:

We learn that the Shrine of St. Lawrence at Attur – Karkala seems to have been in existence even before 1759. History reveals that the Christians of this place too were among those who suffered under Tippu Sultan regime from 1784-1799. The church in those days was situated at a place about 7 kilometers away which was destroyed by Tippu. He took the Christians to Shrirangapatna as captives and few of those Christians who returned to freedom from captivity built a church with thatched roof on the way to Nekre in the year 1801 under the leadership of a Goan Priest named Francis Salvadore Lobo.

When the thatched roof was on the verge of collapse, goan priest went in search of a new location to build a church holding the statue of St.Lawrence in hand. He descended from the top of Parapale hills and tried to quench his thirst by drinking water from a nearby pond by placing the statue on the ground. When he planned to continue his journey, but was unable to lift the statue which held its ground. Considering it as a miracle the future events led to construction of a shrine in the year 1839 at the same place.

Shrine gives hope for the sick and suffering

St.Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of the city of Rome under Pope Sixtus II who were martyred during the persecution by Emperor Valerian in 258. The shrine built to honour the martyred saint stands tall as it offers hope for the sick and dying. Thousands of hopeful including sick, disabled and suffering arrive at the church to find a healing touch. In addition thousands of devotees belonging to all religions arrive at the basilica to experience mental peace and spiritual contentment.

Holy cross and the Miracle Pond

The Cross at top of Parpale Hill is said to be erected around 1930-35, on top of the Parpale Hill belonging to St. Lawrence Church Attur. There is a road leading to this Cross and people can climb the distance of 1 km behind the convent. The disabled can go on their vehicles.

In 1998 the ‘Miracle-Pond’,Pushkarini was renovated in modern Indian architectural style with the facility for pilgrims to descend into the pond. In addition, the Twin gates in front of the church, built in 1999, in line with the Tower further enhances the beauty of the Holy Place.

Relic in enclosure

A piece of blood stained cloth, considered a relic is placed inside a special enclosure.

People from all walks throng the shrine

This basilica being widely acclaimed as having the power to intercede with God, attracts not only the nearby residents but also pilgrims from all parts of India.

Attur Basilica of St Lawrence completed 200 years of its existence in January 2001. A new church building as a memorial of the Bicentenary was blessed on the 21st of January 2001 by the Bishop of Mangalore. The Annual Festival popularly known as ‘Attur Jatre (Festival)’ is both a religious and cultural fete, as people from all faiths throng the church on this occasion. People of all religions are equally fond of the Attur Church or the Attur Jatre.

What’s in store?

The feast will commence on Sunday, January 22 at 7.30 am with the Holy Mass of Confraternity. On the day there will be special masses for the children at 3 pm and 5 pm.”

On Monday the 23rd, there will be a special Holy Mass for the childfen at 10 am. and for the sick at 3.30 pm. The sick are requested to attend the special Mass for the sick.

In all, 31 masses in Konkani and 12 Masses in Kannada will be offered on the days of the feast.

The Archbishop of Bangaluru, bishops of Bellary, Belthangady, Mangaluru and Udupi will offer masses during the festival.