Media Release
Pics: Stany Bantwal
Mangaluru, Aug 6: The sixth day novena prior to the feast of St Lawrence was held at Bondel church on Sunday August 6. Fr Leo Lasrado, rector, Gladsom-minor seminary, was the main celebrant. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Fr Lancy D’Souza, and Fr Prem Prakash Cutinha - redemtorist, concelebrated the Mass.
Fr Leo Lasrado called on the devotees of St Lawrence, "Our faith asks us to believe that the Jesus hanging from a cross on calvary is the same Jesus transfigured in glory on Mount Tabor.
"The transfiguration took place at a critical moment in the life and ministry of Jesus. He had left behind the green valleys and gentle hills of Galilee and taken the road to Jerusalem where violent death awaited him. He realised that, in Jerusalem, he would meet the same fate as the prophets before him.
"The transfiguration offers us a message of hope and encouragement. In moments of doubt, pain and suffering, disappointment and despair, we need mountain-top experiences so that we may reach out to God and listen to His consoling words: 'This is my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased'," he said.
The melodious choir was from Padre Pio Bejai. Special prayers were offered for those who have been living apart from the unity of the family.