Overflowing Faith: Over 60,000 Gather for Feast Celebrations at St. Lawrence Basilica, Udupi

Udupi, January 30, 2025 – The annual feast of St. Lawrence Basilica, Attur, unfolded as a grand five-day spiritual celebration from January 26 to January 30, drawing more than 60,000 devotees to one of Karnataka’s most revered pilgrimage sites.

The festivities commenced with a solemn procession featuring the miraculous statue and the relic of St. Lawrence, which were exposed for public veneration, offering pilgrims a profound spiritual encounter. The Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, officially inaugurated the feast by hoisting the Basilica flag in the presence of the Rector of the Basilica, marking the beginning of the sacred celebrations.

The highlight of the feast was the Solemn Mass on January 29, presided over by the Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore. The Eucharistic celebration, concelebrated by over 20 priests, was a moment of deep reverence and unity, with over 6000 faithful participating.

On the final day, January 30, the feast reached its spiritual crescendo with ten Masses scheduled throughout the day. The lowering of the Basilica flag and a grand procession of the statue of St. Lawrence marked the conclusion of the festivities. On this day, the people of Udupi uphold a 300-year-old tradition of honoring and thanking the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title ‘Our Lady of Gratitude.’

St. Lawrence Basilica holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, renowned for its miraculous occurrences, particularly its sacred pond, which is believed to possess divine blessings. The Basilica was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica in 2016, further solidifying its significance as a prominent pilgrimage center.

The entire feast was meticulously organized under the leadership of Fr. Alban, Rector of the Basilica, along with Fr. Larry, the assistant parish priest, in collaboration with other clergy and the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) members. Their efforts ensured a spiritually enriching celebration, drawing devotees to St. Lawrence's blessings.

By Catholic Connect Reporter