St Lawrence Feast Celebrated at Bondel
Mangaluru: At the annual feast of Bondel St Lawrence Church & Shrine the celebration was led by the Most Rev. Dr. Wilfred Gregory Moras, Coadjutor Bishop of Jhansi. He celebrated the Holy Eucharist on the eve of the Annual Feast of the Shrine of St. Lawrence in Bondel on Saturday, 10 August 2024 at 10.30 a.m. A significant number of pilgrims and devotees filled every available space in the shrine to partake in the grand celebration.
Bishop Dr Wilfred Gregory Moras began the celebration saying “A Life of Prayer is a gift of God.”
The solemnity of the Holy Mass was profoundly enhanced by the inspiring homily delivered by Coadjutor Bishop Moras emphasized the profound message of St. Teresa of Avila described prayer as an intimate conversation with God, emphasizing that it is a way to deepen one’s relationship with Him. She believed that three important virtues are essential for prayer: humility, detachment, and love for others, “dying to oneself for others is real prayer” is vividly illustrated by the example of Father Abraham. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, as commanded by God. Similarly, Abraham’s intercession for the people of Sodom highlights his deep compassion and commitment to others.
Rev. Fr Andrew Leo DSouza, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal, St Lawrence Medium Eng. School, Rev Fr William DSouza Asst Priest, Rev Fr Andrew DSouza and other various priests from city Deanery celebrated the mass. The melodious choir was from Bondel under the leadership of Dr Suraj.
Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest of St Lawrence shrine felicitated the newly Coadjutor Bishop with a beautiful shawl, flower bouquet and a memento, he extended his heartfelt thanks to the Bishop, the priests who celebrated, and all who participated in the Mass.
Later in the noon distinguished group visited the shrine among them were Newly elected MLC Mr Ivan DSouza, Mr Joachim Stany Alvares, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.
During their visit, they had the opportunity to meet with the Coadjutor Bishop of Jhansi, Most Rev. Dr. Wilfred Gregory Moras who was present at the shrine, along with the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Andrew. The convener of the shrine, Mr. Prakash Pinto, and members of the shrine committee were also in attendance, welcoming the guests with warmth and hospitality.
The closing ceremony of the Feast of St Lawrence’s Church, Bondel was celebrated with grandeur and devotion on Saturday 10 August 2024 at 6.00 p.m. Rev. Msgr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar Diocese. was the main celebrant. In his homily, Bishop Duming Dias delivered a profound message on the essence of prayer, He outlined three simple yet powerful steps: first, cultivating a deep desire for God’s presence in our lives; second, inviting Christ into our hearts and daily routines; and third, placing our hope firmly in Christ.
Bishop Dias also emphasized the significance of family prayer, pointing out two essential elements: prayer brings God closer to us, and prayer fosters a bond with our fellow beings – the neighbors and loved ones whom God places in our lives.
Rev. Fr Andrew Leo DSouza, Parish Priest, Rev Fr James DSouza, Vicar Forane -City Varado, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev Fr William DSouza, Rev Fr J.B. Saldanha, Rev Fr J.B Crasta, Rev. Fr Santhosh Rodrigues and various priests from the city, other parishes & other congregation concelebrated the mass.
Parish Priest Fr Andrew, felicitated the Bishop with a shawl, flower bouquet and a memento, extended his heartfelt thanks to Rev. Msgr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar & all the priests for celebrating and participating in the mass.
The choir group of children from Bondel parish captured the minds and hearts of the Parishioners.
Rev Fr Andrew thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the nine novena and the feast. Special thanks to the Liturgy Committee, Shrine Committee, Parish Council members, Divine Word TV and team, Media Committee, Vehicle Parking Team, Volunteers, the Ladies Association as well as those in charge of Lights, Band Sponsors, Sound, and Decorations. Fr Andrew wish everyone who gathered a joyful and blessed feast. It was inspiring to see people of all religions visiting the shrine and expressing religious unity during the feast.
Rev. Fr. James DSouza, the vicar Forane took a moment to speak and extend his heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Andrew Leo DSouza for his unwavering dedication and service to the parish. He acknowledged Fr. Andrew’s tireless efforts and commitment to his ministry, at the Bondel Church & Shrine, praising the impactful way he has been leading his Parish.
Rev. Msgr. Duming Dias Bishop of Karwar Diocese, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Fr Peter Gonsalves, Fr William DSouza, Fr J.B Saldanha, PRO of Mangalore Diocese, Fr J.B Crasta, various priests from the city & other parishes, John DSilva, Vice president, Santhosh Misquith Secretary PPC, Prakash Pinto, Convener Shrine Committee, Meena Barboza, Convener, Media Committee along with guest priest were present during the closing ceremony.
Photography: Stany Bantwal
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
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