Mangalore Diocese News

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography: Stanly Bantwal

Bondel - Mangaluru, Aug 1: The Nine-day Novena prior to the Annual feast of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, began on Thursday , August 1st 2024 with the unfurling of St Lawrence's flag here at the church premises at 5.00 p.m.

Parish Priest Rev. Fr  Andrew Leo D'Souza  warmly welcomed the guest Rev. Fr Denis D'Sa  PRO of Udupi Diocese and Parish Priest of Thottam. Vice President Mr John D'Silva  extended a heartfelt welcome  to Rev. Fr Denis  presenting him with a bouquet of flowers. Rev. Fr Denis D'Sa hoisted the flag and gave an official nod to the novenas and feast of  St Lawrence . Addressing the gathering,  Rev. Fr Denis D'Sa said, "We are the pilgrims of hope. We are the travelers." He emphasized that as we journey through life, we will encounter challenges and uncertainties. By keeping our focus on faith and the cross, we can navigate these difficulties with hope and perseverance. St. Lawrence is a miracle worker and his blessings guide and uplift us as we navigate our spiritual path.

Rev Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza - Parish Priest, Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves –Principal St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev Fr William  D'Souza - Asst Parish Priest,  Rev Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ , Mr John D'Silva  - Vice-President- Parish Pastoral Council, Mr Santhosh Misquith - Secretary, Mr Prakash Pinto- Shrine committee convener, were present on the occasion. Miss Anvilla D'Souza  compered the whole programme..

The novena on the first day began with  Adoration followed by  Eucharistic celebration.  Rev. Denis D'Sa was the main celebrant, Rev Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev. Fr William D'Souza, Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ concelebrated the mass.

 Rev. Fr Denis D'Sa  called on the devotees of St Lawrence  to be firm in their faith. In a compelling homily, Rev. Fr Denis D'Sa highlighted the profound theme, "Faith is the foundation of our prayer life." He emphasized four crucial pillars to guide our daily lives: Faith, Family, Prayer & Life . "If the roots are good, the fruits are good," he reiterated, underlining that a strong foundation in these areas leads to a fulfilling and faithful life. "When faith is the foundation of our prayer life, it profoundly impacts our families", Fr Denis said.

The choir from Bajal Parish  under the leadership of Mr Simon Pinto added beauty to the celebration on the first day of Novena.
During the mass and novena, special prayers were offered for the departed souls of the parish families.

Theme of the Feast: "A life of prayer is a gift of God ."
Message of the Feast : "If you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22)"

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