Novena in Preparation for St. Lawrence Feast inaugurated at Bondel

By Meena Serrao Barboza
Pics by Staney Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 02 Aug: 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, 01 August  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, 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 - Secretory, Mr Prakash Pinto- Shrine committee convener, were present on the occasion. Miss Anvilla D’Souza  compered the whole programme..

 

The novena on the first day began with  Adoration followed by  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, 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 & 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 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.