Novena Inugrarated at St Lawrence Church, Bondel

Photos: Stany Bantwal
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

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

Parish Priest Fr Andrew Leo DSouza welcomed the guest Fr Denis DSa, PRO, Parish Priest, Thottam, Udupi Diocese. Vice President John DSilva extended a heartfelt welcome to Fr Denis presenting him with a bouquet of flowers.

Fr Denis DSa hoisted the flag and gave an official node to the novenas and feast of St Lawrence. Addressing the gathering, he 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 his blessings guide and uplift us as we navigate our spiritual path.

Parish Priest Fr Andrew Leo DSouza, Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal, St Lawrence English Medium School, Fr William DSouza, Asst Parish Priest, Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ, Vice-President- Parish Pastoral Council John DSilva, Secretory Santhosh Misquith, Shrine committee convener Prakash Pinto were present on the occasion. Anvilla DSouza compered the programme.

The novena on the first day began with Adoration followed by Eucharistic celebration. Denis DSa was the main celebrant, Fr Andrew Leo DSouza, Fr Peter Gonsalves, Fr William DSouza, Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ concelebrated the mass.

Fr Denis DSa called on the devotees of St Lawrence to be firm in their faith. In a compelling homily Fr DSa 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 & 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.

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.