Annual Feast of St Lawrence Church Bondel celebrated with grandeur and devotion

By MSB
Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 11 Aug 2023: Most Rev. Dr Henry DSouza, Bishop of Bellary Diocese, began the celebration saying “Family Life is God’s plan, let us take it as a gift of grace.

 

The theme of the Feast is “Through the intercession of St Lawrence, let us make our lives fruitful. Most Rev. Dr Henry DSouza celebrated the Holy Eucharist on the eve of the Annual Feast of the Shrine of St. Lawrence in Bondel on Thursday, 10 August at 10.30.a.m. Numbers of pilgrims and devotees of St. Lawrence thronged the shrine and occupied every available space in order to be a part of the grand celebration.

 

The solemnity of the Holy Mass was enhanced by the homily of the Bishop Henry DSouza "God Loves a Cheerful Giver" - 2 Corinthians 9:7 An act done “cheerfully” is done with a happy heart. This is because God not only looks at the gift; He also looks at the heart.  Our giving must come from the heart if it is to please God. The right condition of the heart is very important, because before God accepts the gift, He first accepts the giver. God will only accept the one whose heart is right before Him. When the heart is not right with God, the sacrifice cannot please the Lord because it is impossible to know what to sacrifice without a right relationship with God.  He cited Jesus Is Precious as the Foundation of the Family Prioritize God in the choices that you make each day so that God is honored and worshiped in your family. God wants us to receive His love and love Him in return. We demonstrate our love through obedience. Jesus commanded us to love one another.

 

 

Bishop, highlighting the readings of the day, Pope Francis has encouraged married couples to always remember three key words in their relationship: “Please, thanks and sorry.” The simple practice of saying “May I?," “Thank you," and “Pardon me” is a key to building a happy family life. The family is our nest of happiness. The family is our cradle of warmth. So live a happy family.

 

7 Essentials for the Christian Life: Use your Mind  for  Dreams, your Eyes for Mercy, Your Face for Smile, Your Mouth for Truth, Your Heart for Love, Your Hands & Legs for Service, and Your Life for a good relationship with family. Respect your elders & love your kids.

 

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves Principal St Lawrence Medium Eng. School, Rev. Fr Lancy D’Souza Asst. Priest, V. Rev. Fr James D’Souza, Vicar Forane-City Varado, Rev. Fr Antony Serrao, Rev. Fr Joseph Martis and other various priests celebrated the mass.

 

Bishop Henry DSouza Inaugurated the New church model which the work will complete next year. The melodious choir was from Bondel under the leadership of Dr Suraj.