Photography: Stany Bantwal

Report : Meena Serrao Barboza (MSB)

Mangaluru, Aug 9: The ninth day of the novena, leading up to the Feast of St. Lawrence, took place at Bondel Church in Mangalore.

Under the theme "Honor & Respect for Each Other: The Foundation of Family Unity," the event saw Vicar Forane Fr. James D'Souza, City Deanery, as the main celebrant. Joining in the proceedings were Fr. Andrew Leo D'Souza and Fr. Gregory Pinto SVD, who concelebrated the mass.

Addressing the attendees, Fr James D’Souza drew inspiration from Archbishop Desmond Tutu's words, emphasizing that families are a divine gift from God. He stressed that recognizing the family one is born into as a God-given blessing is crucial. God's creation of families predates the establishment of the Church itself. The Holy Family serves as a model, reflecting the ideal of a family founded on Divine Law that remains steadfast in its devotion to God.

Fr James D’Souza underscored the significance of respecting both siblings and parents as a fundamental aspect of maturing within the family unit. Drawing from Genesis 2:23, which signifies the equality of the first man and woman, and Ephesians 6:1–2, which highlights the commandment to "Honor your father and mother," he encouraged attendees to honor parents and one another, fostering unity in their families. The ethos of honoring and cherishing loved ones mirrors the devotion one seeks to maintain toward God, he added.

The Vamanjoor parish choir graced the occasion with their melodious renditions. Special prayers were dedicated to donors who contribute to the community's well-being and sustenance.