Pics: Stany Bantwal.

Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 2: The second day Novena prior to the Feast of St Lawrence was held at Bondel Church, Mangaluru on Wednesday, August 2.

The theme of the second Day was 'Prayer is the Divine strength of family life'.

The adoration was followed by Mass. Fr Cyprian Pinto, vicar forane, Permannur Parish was the main celebrant. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza and Fr Theo Pinto, celebrated the Mass.

Fr Cyprian Pinto called on the devotees of St Lawrence, stating, "Praying as a family brings you closer to God and closer to one another. Three elements in family life are water, fresh air and the very important one is prayer.

"Prayer is the spiritual communication between man and God. It is a direct line to heaven, whereby the human soul communicates with God who created the soul. St John Marie Vianney says, 'Prayer is nothing else than union with God. When the heart is pure and united with God, it is consoled and filled with sweetness; it is dazzled by a marvelous light'. Pray together as a family. God blesses families who pray together with increased peace, love, and happiness in the home.," he said. 

He further added, "Jesus too prayed because God infused in him a spirit of prayer. Praying as a family fortifies your love as you pray for each other. Your family prayers can bless your children for generations to come."

The melodious choir was from Infant Jesus Church, Bikarnakatte.

During the Mass and novena, special prayers were offered for the children of the families.