The Nine-day Novena prior to the Annual feast of St Lawrence’s Church, Bondel, begins with the unfurling of the flag

Mangaluru: “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),

The Nine-day Novena prior to the Annual feast of St Lawrence’s Church, Bondel, began on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, with the unfurling of St Lawrence’s flag here at the church premises at 5.00 p.m. 

Parish Priest Rev. Fr  Andrew Leo D’Souza warmly welcomed the guest, Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa PRO, Parish Priest, Thottam-Udupi Diocese. Vice President Mr John D’Silva extended a heartfelt welcome to Rev. Fr Denis, presenting him with a bouquet of flowers. Rev. 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, Rev. 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 is a miracle worker; his blessings guide and uplift us as we navigate our spiritual path.

Rev Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza Parish Priest, Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev Fr William D’Souza, Asst Parish Priest, Rev Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ, Mr John D’Silva, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, Mr Santhosh Misquith, Secretary, and Mr Prakash Pinto, Shrine Committee Convener, were present on the occasion. Miss Anvilla D’Souza compeered the whole programme.

The novena on the first day began with adoration, followed by a Eucharistic celebration. Rev. Denis D’Sa PRO, Diocese of Udupi, was the main celebrant; Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev. Fr William D’Souza, and Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ concelebrated the mass. 

Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa called on the devotees of St Lawrence to be firm in their faith. In a compelling homily, Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa highlighted the profound theme, “Faith is the foundation of our prayer life.” He emphasized four crucial pillars to guide our daily lives: faith, family, prayer, and life. “If the roots are good, the fruits are good,” he reiterated, underscoring 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.

The choir from Bajal Parish, under the leadership of Mr 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 of our family.

Photography: Mr Stany Bantwal
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza