Photography: Stany Bantwal.
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Mangaluru, Jul 1: The Nine-day Novena prior to the Annual feast of St Lawrence's Church, Bondel, began on Thursday, August 1 with the unfurling of St Lawrence’s flag here at the church premises at 5 pm.
Parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza warmly welcomed the guest Fr Denis D’Sa PRO, parish priest–Thottam-Udupi Diocese. Vice president John D’Silva extended a heartfelt welcome to Fr Denis presenting him with a bouquet of flowers. Fr Denis D’Sa PRO, Diocese of Udupi., hoisted the flag and gave an official node to the novenas and feast of St Lawrence. Addressing the gathering, 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, a miracle worker, in his blessings guide and uplift us as we navigate our spiritual path," he said.
Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, parish priest, Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal, St Lawrence English Medium School, Fr William D’Souza, assistant parish priest, Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ, John D’Silva, vice-president, Parish Pastoral Council, Santhosh Misquith, secretary, Prakash Pinto, Shrine Committee Convener, were present on the occasion. Anvilla D’Souza compered the whole programme..
The novena on the first day began with adoration followed by Eucharistic celebration. Denis D’Sa, PRO, Diocese of Udupi, was the main celebrant, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Fr Peter Gonsalves, Fr William D’Souza, Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ concelebrated the mass.
Fr Denis D’Sa called on the devotees of St Lawrence to be firm in their faith. In a compelling homily, Fr Denis D'Sa highlighted the profound theme, "Faith is the foundation of our prayer life." He emphasized four crucial pillars to guide 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," he added.
The choir from Bajal parish under the leadership of 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.