Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Aug 10: The nine-day novena culminated with the annual grand festive Mass at St Lawrence Church, Bondel, here on Thursday, August 10.
Bishop of Shivamogga Dr Francis Serrao was the main celebrant. "St Lawrence's life delivers a simple message - victory over death. The martyr showed us how to become true followers of Christ. Event after the saint's death, God pours blessings through him. St Lawrence never failed in his faith. In his sacrifice, he gave glory to the Almighty." bishop said in the introduction.
In his homily, Fr Anil Alfred D'Souza said, "St Lawrence was impressed by the teachings of Jesus Christ and lived by the Bible. He loved the poor and handicapped. He saw the face of Jesus in them. For his charity and love for the poor, he received the punishment of death. Yet, his spirit was unchanged. He became a martyr for Jesus. And now, through miracles, he continues to take care of the underprivileged and disabled. He pours his special blessings in this place - a large crowd is witness to it."
After the Mass, parish priest Fr Andrew thanked the priests and devotees for partaking in the novena and feast. 30 priests concelebrated the Mass. More than three thousand devotees were present for the eucharistic celebration.