Mangalore Diocese News

Report : Meena Barboza
Photography: Stanly Bantwal

Bondel - Mangaluru , Aug 11 : At the annual feast of St Lawrence  church & Shrine,  Bondel, the celebration was led by the Most Rev. Dr. Wilfred Gregory Moras, Coadjutor Bishop of Jhansi on Saturday, 10 August  2024 at 10.30.a.m. A significant number of pilgrims and devotees  filled every available space in the shrine to partake in the grand celebration.
Bisho Wilfred Gregory Moras began the celebration saying " A Life of Prayer is a gift of God ".

The solemnity of the Holy Mass was profoundly enhanced by the inspiring homily delivered by Coadjutor Bishop Moras who emphasized the profound message of St. Teresa of Avila described prayer as an intimate conversation with God, emphasizing that it is a way to deepen one's relationship with Him. She believed that three important virtues are essential for prayer: humility, detachment, and love for others, "dying to oneself for others is real prayer" is vividly illustrated by the example of Father Abraham. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, as commanded by God. Similarly, Abraham's intercession for the people of Sodom highlights his deep compassion and commitment to others.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza - Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves - Principal St Lawrence Medium Eng. School, Rev Fr William  D'Souza  - Asst Priest, Rev Fr Andrew D'Souza and other various priests  from city Deanery  celebrated the mass.

The melodious choir was from Bondel under the leadership of Dr Suraj.

Rev Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest of St Lawrence shrine felicitated the newly  Coadjutor Bishop with a beautiful shawl, flower bouquet and a memento, he extended his  heartfelt thanks to the Bishop, the priests who celebrated, and all who participated in the Mass.

Later in the noon, a distinguished group visited the shrine among them were Newly-elected MLC Mr  Ivan D'Souza ,Mr Joachim Stany Alvares , president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.
During their visit, they had the opportunity to meet with the Coadjutor Bishop of Jhansi, Most Rev. Dr. Wilfred Gregory Moras  who was present at the shrine, along with the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Andrew. The convener of the shrine, Mr. Prakash Pinto, and members of the shrine committee were also in attendance, welcoming the guests with warmth and hospitality.

The closing ceremony of the Feast of St Lawrence's Church, Bondel was celebrated with grandeur and devotion on the evening at 6.00 p.m.  Rev. Msgr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar Diocese was the main celebrant. In his homily, Bishop Duming Dias  delivered a profound message on the essence of prayer, He outlined three simple yet powerful steps: first, cultivating a deep desire for God's presence in our lives; second, inviting Christ into our hearts and daily routines; and third, placing our hope firmly in Christ.
Bishop Dias also emphasized the significance of family prayer, pointing out two essential elements: prayer brings God closer to us, and prayer fosters a bond with our fellow beings—the neighbors and loved ones whom God places in our lives.
Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest,  Rev Fr James D'Souza, Vicar Forane - City Varado , Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves , Rev Fr William D'Souza  , Rev Fr  J.B Saldanha, Rev Fr J.B Crasta , Rev. Fr Santhosh Rodrigues and  various priests from the city , other parishes & other congregations  concelebrated the mass.
 Rev Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest of  St Lawrence shrine, felicitated the  Bishop with a beautiful shawl, flower bouquet and a memento and extended his heartfelt thanks to Rev. Msgr. Duming Dias  & all the priests for celebrating and participating in the mass.

The choir group of children from Bondel parish  captured the minds and hearts of the Parishioners.

Rev Fr Andrew thanked everyone  who contributed to the success of the nine  novena and the feast. Special thanks to the Liturgy Committee, Shrine Committee, Parish Council members, Divine Word TV and team, Media Committee, Vehicle Parking Team, Volunteers, the Ladies Association  as well as those in charge of Lights, Band Sponsors , Sound, and Decorations. Fr Andrew  wished everyone who gathered a joyful and blessed feast. It was inspiring to see people of all religions visiting the shrine and expressing religious unity during the feast.

Rev. Fr. James D'Souza, the Vicar Forane  took a moment to speak and extend his heartfelt gratitude to Rev.Fr. Andrew Leo D'Souza  the parish priest for his unwavering dedication and service to the parish. He acknowledged Rev. Fr. Andrew's tireless efforts and commitment to his ministry,  at the Bondel Church &  Shrine, praising the impactful way he has been leading his Parish.
 
Bishop Duming Dias , Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves ,Rev Fr  William  D'Souza, Rev Fr  J.B Saldanha PRO of Mangalore Diocese, Rev Fr J.B Crasta, various priests from the city & other parishes  , Mr John D'Silva Vice president, Mr Santhosh Misquith Secretary PPC , Mr Prakash Pinto Convener Shrine Committee,  Meena Barboza Convener Media  Committee along with guest priests  were present during the closing ceremony .

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)".

Watch Video - 10.30 am mass : 

Watch Video - 6.00 pm mass :