Pilgrims from Belle go on ‘Paadayatre’ to the Shrine of St. Lawrence, Attur-Karkala

By Eugene Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 25 January 2011: The ‘Walking Pilgrimage’ (Paadayatre) to the Shrine of St. Lawrence, Attur-Karkala on the Vespers Day, that was initiated under the leadership of Gerald Fernandes six years ago had been a regular feature every successive year. This year too, around hundred pilgrims, men and women, young and elderly, Christians and non-Christians gathered in front of the Shrine of St. Lawrence in Belle with excitement and enthusiasm to go on the ‘historic paadayatre’ on Tuesday, 25th January 2011 at 4 pm.

 

Fr. Joswey Fernandes, parish priest of Belle, conducted the prayer service before flagging off the ‘paadayatre’. He invoked the blessings of St. Lawrence for the safety of the pilgrims on their way to Attur-Karkala. He sprinkled holy water and blessed the gathering and wished them success in their ‘paadayatre’. Before the pilgrims left the premises of the church on their way to Attur-Karkala they were offered cold drink sponsored by Allan Mathais who had been a regular pilgrim, but could not do so this year as he is in Mumbai.

 

 

According to Gerald Fernandes, organizer of the ‘paadayatre’ to Attur-Karkala for the last six years, the pilgrims will halt briefly at regular intervals and will be served refreshments. At Edmeru, Albert Fernandes will be offering them cold drink so also by Sadananda Shenoy (Shenoy Master) at Ninjoor and at Palli by Govinda Jogi. At Kuntadi, the pilgrims will be provided with the dinner prepared by the pilgrims themselves and rest a while at the residence of Mrs. Rashmi Shetty, newly elected member of Karkala Taluk Panchayat.

 

After reaching the Shrine of St. Lawrence at Attur-Karkala, the pilgrims will attend the 10 pm Mass and return to Belle by mid-night in the King of Kings bus provided by its proprietor, Michael D’Souza from Shirva who is also one of the ‘paadayatris’.