Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 25: Parishioners gathered in unity, marking the closure of a week-long celebration with a Eucharistic procession on Sunday, November 24. The altar servers accompanied by a band, added to the solemnity of the event. The celebration was led by the main celebrant, Fr Faustin L Lobo, designate director Father Muller’s Hospital Kankanady, who was warmly welcomed by Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza concelebrants included Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza parish priest, Fr Petr Gonsalves principal St Lawrence Eng Med School Fr William D'Souza, assistant parish priest, Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ, Fr Theo Pinto, Fr Arul Betharram and Fr Vincent Saldanha.

During his homily Fr Faustin Lobo highlighted the significance of unity and familial bonds in faith, likening the feast to Confraternity Sunday. He reflected on the essence of Christ’s mission, emphasizing that God desires all to live in unity, loving Him and one another. "Jesus lived among us, offering himself as food for our souls through the Eucharist. By receiving His body and blood in the form of bread and wine, we are called to become like Christ, embodying His love and service," he said. 

Fr Faustin encouraged the faithful to embrace their mission to become another Christ by serving selflessly and loving without boundaries, just as God loved the world by giving his only Son. He reminded everyone that the Eucharist unites all as one family and provides spiritual sustenance, empowering everyone to live in harmony and fulfil Christ’s teachings.

A solemn Adoration and Holy Hour was conducted by Fr Faustin, who prepared the parishioners for the Eucharistic procession. Leading the congregation in heartfelt prayers, Fr Faustin set the tone for the sacred procession. The Eucharistic procession began from the church, extended to Bondel circle and returned, with the faithful participating devotedly. Following the procession, Fr Faustin bestowed a special blessing upon all present.

In a moment of divine significance, the monstrance was reverently taken in a procession to the newly built Adoration Chapel, marking its formal establishment. The Adoration Chapel, blessed by bishop Peter Paul Saldanha during the centenary celebrations, now serves as a sacred space for continuous worship.

Adding to the day's events, the patron saint album was ceremoniously released. This album, produced by Vincent Fernandes from Cassia with music by James Fernandes, was sponsored by Francis and Edna. On their behalf, Lancy D'Souza received the honour from Fr Faustin, along with a shawl and memento, acknowledging their generous contribution.

The closing ceremony of the week-long celebrations at St Lawrence Church and Shrine concluded with a well-organized stage programme. Fr Peter Gonsalves warmly welcomed all distinguished guests, including Fr Faustin Lobo, Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Fr William D'Souza, Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ, Fr Arul Betharram the vice president John D'Silva, secretary Santhosh Misquith, PPC members, ward members, Gurukars and the many parishioners who attended in large numbers.

Fr Peter expressed gratitude to all the volunteers who had worked tirelessly throughout the week and to the sponsors who contributed generously to various aspects of the celebration, including meals and church needs. To honour their contributions Fr Faustin presented them with mementos as tokens of appreciation.

In his address, Fr Faustin described the construction of such a grand shrine as a miracle and expressed hope for many more miracles in the future. He congratulated Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza for his dedication and urged everyone not only to build physical structures but also to focus on building families, strengthening the church community, and keeping the Holy Spirit alive within their hearts.

A special screening of St Lawrence our patron saint movie scope took place. This was directed by Savant Sudhakar, sponsored by Preethi D’Souza and family and Anil Lavina Jia, and written by Fr Andrew and Dr Preethi D’Souza. The director was honoured by Fr Andrew, who honoured them with shawl and memento & his team in recognition of their contributions.

Fr William led the congregation in the grace before meals, followed by a thanksgiving hymn sung by all the parishioners, marking the end of the ceremony.

The entire event was skilfully hosted by Fr Peter Gonsalves, ensuring a smooth and meaningful conclusion to the week-long celebrations. The parishioners departed with a sense of spiritual renewal, unity, and joy.