Attur-Karkala: Rev. Fr. Alban DSouza conducts healing service at the Shrine of St. Lawrence

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Karkal, 27 Jan 2014: As the part of the solemn annual feast of St. Lawrence Shrine at Attur-Karkala, Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza, parish priest of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady  concelebrated the Holy Mass and conducted healing service for the elderly and sick persons on Monday, 27 January 2014 from 3.30 pm. A large number of elderly and sick persons from different parts of the twin diocese of Mangalore and Udupi came to the shrine with a hope of finding solace from their illness and find peace. A Bus-load of elderly persons had arrived from Bajjodi-Mangalore.

 

The liturgy of the mass was selected keeping in mind the occasion and the prayers and readings reflected the significance of the theme of the Holy Eucharist. In his powerful homily, Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza  narrated the  episodes from the Gospels where Jesus cured the sick, afflicted and even raised the dead. In all these examples, Fr. Alban stressed on the fact that all those who were healed by Jesus had strong faith in God.  Citing the importance of the Shrine of St. Lawrence, Fr. Alban said that since many years the pilgrim centre of Attur has been known as the holy place where people seek the intercession of St. Lawrence and get healed from their various afflictions.

 

Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza pointed out that many people who express their faith in the healing power of Jesus and get appropriate medical assistance get cured from even terminal diseases. However, he said that one should not be afraid of illness. Nothing happens without the will of God.  Jesus has given meaning to every one’s sufferings by his own suffering and death on the Cross.

 

 

The homily of Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza was so meaningful and powerful that, as I was informed later by someone of my acquaintance, that on hearing the  words of Fr. Alban, a number of people roaming in the fair came nearer the church to listen to him.

 

At the end of the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza conducted the Charismatic prayer for the elderly and sick. He asked the congregation to raise their hands and seek the healing power of Jesus. He also blessed the oil which was to be used in anointing the people including the elderly and the sick.

 

The priests along with Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza anointed the people as they came in line. The Mass and the healing service was conducted in utmost reverence and discipline.

 

Rev. Fr. Chetan (OFM Cap) animated the Mass and the healing service.