Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 13, 2024 : On the route from Mangalore to the Bajpe International Airport, nestled 8 km away in Bondel on the right side of the road, stands the beautiful St. Lawrence Church and Shrine. Surrounded by nature, this sacred site has drawn many devotees and is now celebrating a Historic Triple Celebration.

Background:

A century ago, a French missionary, Rev. Alexander Dubois, captivated by the area's beauty, called it "Bon Vel" (meaning "very beautiful" in French). Over time, this became "Bondel."

Until 1923, Bondel was not an independent church. Local Christians had to walk several miles to Milagres or Rosario churches for religious services.

Recognizing their struggle, the Priest of Milagres Church, Rev.Fr Louis Fernandes, built a prayer house in Banger, Pachanady. In 1908, a school was established on the same site. Later, Rev. Fr Frank Pereira started offering mass and other services at this prayer house on Saturdays.

In 1913, he relocated the prayer house and school to the current church location. With the community's support, a new prayer house was built in 1915, and in 1923, Bishop Paul Perini declared Bondel an official church dedicated to St. Lawrence. Rev.Fr Frank Pereira was appointed the First Parish Priest.

Since its inception, 12 head Priests and numerous Assistant Priests have selflessly served this Parish, contributing to its development. Today, under the leadership of Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza as the head Priest, Rev. Fr William D'Souza as Assistant Priest, and Rev.Fr Peter Gonsalves as the school Principal, the church continues to grow.

A Journey of Development:

Starting with a small Christian community, Bondel Church now serves over 1,200 families across 36 wards. The dedicated efforts of the church's Pastoral Council, various Committees, Religious Sisters, and Parishioners have helped this church thrive.

The St. Lawrence Primary School, St. Lawrence English Medium Nursery, Primary and High School, and St. Lawrence Kannada Medium School with a 116-year history operate under this church’s administration.

‘Bondelchem Bonder’ - The Voice of Bondel:

Launched in 1996, the church magazine "Bondelchem Bonder" provides updates on church activities. Information on events is also available on the church website www.bondelchurch.in, enabling worldwide access.

Sacred Facilities:

In 2012, a Holy Sacrament Chapel was opened for devotees seeking moments of peace. Additionally, a relic of the ancient Holy Cross, bestowed to the church in 1894, has been a revered symbol of faith here.

St. Lawrence Shrine:

In 2012, under the leadership of Rev. Andrew D'Souza, the shrine was established, attracting thousands of devotees for its annual feast on August 10. Since then, the shrine has witnessed many miracles, further enhancing its sacred reputation.

As part of its centenary celebrations, the church has completed the construction of three homes for the needy and a renovated church building under the guidance of Rev. Andrew Leo D'Souza. On November 18, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha , Bishop of Mangalore will inaugurate and bless this renewed St. Lawrence Church and Shrine, declaring it an official shrine of the Mangalore Diocese.

Inauguration and Blessings of the Shrine:

On November 18, the church will celebrate the centennial closing ceremony, the inauguration of the renovated church, and the official declaration of the St. Lawrence Shrine, with a Eucharistic celebration led by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore; Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’souza, and Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese.

The ceremony will begin with the Holy Eucharistic Mass on November 18, 2024, at 3:00 PM. The stage program will follow at 5:30 PM. State leaders and eminent dignitaries will be present on this occasion.

They heartily welcome all for the celebration.

The details were revealed in a press meet held at Mangalore Press Club on 13th November at 10.30 am. The press meet was attended by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr William D'Souza, Asst Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal, St Lawrence Schools; Mr John D'Silva, Vice President ; Mr Prakash Pinto, Coordinator, Shrine Committee; Mrs. Mary Miranda, Editor, Centenary Memorial Souvenir and Mrs. Preeti D'Souza, Coordinator, Centenary Memorial Programme.