Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network -Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Aug 10: The nine-day novena culminated with a festive Mass at St Lawrence Church, Bondel, on Saturday, August 10.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru, was the main celebrant. Fr Antony Serra, secretary, Catholic Board of Education, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest, Bondel, Fr Cyril Lobo, assistant parish priest, and Fr Cliford Pinto were the con-celebrants.
In his homely, the bishop said, “Deacon St Lawrence martyred at the time of Emperor Valerian. He was an active member of the Catholic Church. His politeness and love towards poor made him very popular in church and outside world. He had to go through tough times for his good deeds and Catholic faith. But he was not scared of death. He kept his faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. He proclaimed that Catholic Church is from poor and for poor.
“Due to his good nature and kind-heartedness, he became a villain in the eyes of Roman empire. So they killed him. But they were not successful in removing him from the minds of members of Catholic Church. He still lives in our hearts and does miracles in our families. He is a model for us. He is the inspiration for social service and teaches us to show mercy on poor,” he said.
The concluding Mass of the feast was celebrated by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangaluru, at 6 pm. MLC Ivan D’Souza was present as chief guest for a short programme after the Mass.
Many priests from across the diocese took part in the solemn Eucharistic celebration. Despite of continuous rain, thousands of devotees attended the feast and participated in Mass and offerings.
The Novena was held from August 1 till August 9 in preparation of the feast. As part of the novena, everyday two Masses were offered at the shrine at 11 am and 6 pm and food was served after the first Mass to the devotees.
The relic of St Lawrence was on display at the church premises for the devotees whereas the relic of the Holy Cross has been on display inside the church.
Vice president of the pastoral council Henbert Pinto, secretary Wilfred Alvares and convener of the arrangements Rudy Pinto, Stany Alvares, Francis Veigas and others from arrangement committee and liturgy committee made the arrangements for the festive Mass and other proceedings.