Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Nov 18: The centenary closing ceremony, inauguration of the renovated St Lawrence Church, Bondel, and the official declaration of the St Lawrence Shrine were held on Monday, November 18.
The Eucharistic celebration was led by bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, along with bishop emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza and bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. The renovated church, spanning 15,000 sq ft with a seating capacity of 1,500, was constructed at a cost of Rs 7-8 crore.
Bishop emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza inaugurated the renovated church, while bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo blessed the St Lawrence Shrine.
Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha said, "One thing is clear: the people were built first, then their hearts. While binding their hearts together, the church was also built. Now, when people pass by this route to the airport, they will not miss the sight of the renovated St Lawrence Church and shrine. The saint will intercede with God to bless all passersby. If anyone prays while passing by, St Lawrence will surely perform miracles in their life. Many noble deeds have already been done in this area, including the construction of houses for the poor. We are witnesses to a history of good being done for many. We must continue these noble deeds, binding the hearts of people and promoting harmony between different communities and religions, always supporting the needy. St Lawrence believed that the poor and the destitute are the assets of the holy church, a view effectively embraced by this parish. I thank the priests and the clergy for continuing this legacy of noble deeds. I hope that many welfare activities continue in this parish and that devotees receive the blessings they seek from the Almighty."
Speaker UT Khader said, "I am delighted to be part of the centenary celebration and the inauguration of the St Lawrence Shrine, Bondel. This shrine is a feather in its cap and can promote tourism, drawing many devotees. This shrine has completed 100 years, and it is now up to the youth to take it forward for the next 100 years. Spreading hope, faith, and love will make our country number one."
Speaker UT Khader released the souvenir and handed over the keys to the centenary memorial house.
Former parish priests of Bondel St Lawrence Church, main sponsors, parishioners, donors, architects, and contractors were honored during the event.
Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, speaker UT Khader, and mayor Manoj Kumar were felicitated.
The event was attended by mayor Manoj Kumar, corporator Sangeetha R Nayak, former mayor Jayanand Anchan, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School Fr Peter Gonsalves, vicar general of Mangaluru diocese Maxim L Noronha, ex-MLA J R Lobo, vicar forane of the city vicariate Fr James D'Souza, PPC vice president John Andrew D'Silva, PPC secretary Santhosh Misquith, shrine committee coordinator Prakash Pinto, church committee coordinator Manoj Lewis, cultural committee coordinator Dr Preethi Keerthi D'Souza, Fr Denis D'Souza, former parish priest of Bondel, Fr Clifford D'Souza, former parish priest of Bondel, Dr John Mendonca, parish priest of Mukamar and former parish priest, Fr Antony M Shera, parish priest of Mulki and former parish priest of Bondel, Fr Andrew D'Souza, parish priest of Bajal and former parish priest of Bondel, Fr Arul SCJ, superior of the Sacred Heart Fathers of Betharram, Fr Ravi Kumar Bathula MSIJ, superior general of the Missionary Society of Infant Jesus, Sr Maria Shamita AC, provincial superior of the Karnataka Province, Apostolic Carmel, Sr Bernice Therese CSST, provincial superior of the Karnataka Province, Carmelite, Sr Celine D'Cunha PDDM, provincial superior of the Sisters of the Disciples of the Divine Master, Sr Nikesh Munjanattu UMI, provincial superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate, Stany Alvares, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, corporators Lohith Amin, Sumangala, Sharath Kumar, Sophia D'Souza and family, sanctuary sponsor Michael D'Souza and family, Dubai Adoration Chapel sponsor Bonaventure D'Souza and family, altar wall sponsor Franky D'Souza and family, Dubai, mass altar sponsor Gregory D'Silva and family, and architect Colin Pinto, Bendur, and contractor Roy Castelino, Kulshekar.
Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, parish priest of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, welcomed the gathering, and assistant parish priest William D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
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