Attur basilica, 2,500 needy persons given festal charity.

Attur basilica, 2,500 needy persons given festal charity.

Mangalore Today News Network

Jan 28, 2017: Reports are rife that food packets and alms were distributed to the poor at the St. Lawrence Basilica at Attur near Karkala in Udupi district on Jan 27, Friday after five days of the annual feast of the ‘Saint of Miracles.’ Around 2,500 destitute received alms totalling Rs. 10.32 lakh.

The alms-giving tradition at the St. Lawrence Shrine, which was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in August 2016, has been going on for the last 17 years, said a media information released by the Udupi Catholic Diocese here. The alms were distributed in the presence of Fr. George D’Souza director of the basilica, Fr. Vijay D’Souza, assistant parish priest, and John D’Silva, vice-president of the basilica.

The poor were divided into three categories depending on their problems and state of their physical health. The alms were distributed as per their needs. The distribution of alms and food packets to the destitute could be considered the final act of the annual feast. The annual feast concluded on January 26.