Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Photography: Stanley Bantwal

Mangaluru, Aug 10: The theme for the day focused on the message: “By Reaching Out in Love and Service to Others, We Become Pilgrims of Hope.”

The ninth day of the novena began with adoration at 10:30 am, followed by holy mass at 11 am. The main celebrant was Clifford Fernandes, parish priest of Cordel parish. Concelebrating were Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest of Bondel; Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest; Peter Mascarenhas; Roshan D’Silva, YCS director; and Fredrick Pais, parish priest of Malandur.

In his homily, Clifford Fernandes encouraged devotees of St Lawrence to live their faith through concrete action — loving their families, helping the needy, and serving selflessly. He reminded the faithful that at the final judgment, God will not ask about the wealth or possessions they had, but about the love they shared, the good they did, and whether they reached out to those in need.

The morning liturgy was conducted by parishioners of Bejai and Bondel, with the choir led by Derebail parish.

Dignitaries including U T Khader, speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly; Inayat Ali; several association heads; and other prominent figures from the political and service sectors visited the St Lawrence Shrine to seek the saint’s blessings. Devotees from all faiths attended in large numbers.

The evening celebration began with adoration at 5:30 pm, followed by holy mass at 6:00 pm. The main celebrant was Pius James D’Souza, OCD, definitor general from Rome. Concelebrants included Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest of Bondel, and Alwyn Richard D’Souza, director of the Family Life Centre and guardian of St Zuze Vaz Home, Jeppu.

In his homily, Pius James D’Souza reflected on St Lawrence as a sign of hope. Pointing to the leaf St Lawrence holds in his hand, he explained that it symbolises the ultimate victory of hope rooted in Christ. Quoting St Paul, he said the three pillars of Christian life are faith, love and hope — virtues that strengthened St Lawrence in his witness to the faith. He urged everyone to become rays of hope for the needy, poor and helpless, reminding them that in serving others, they serve Christ himself, and that whatever is done for the least of our brothers and sisters is done for Jesus.

The evening liturgy was led by parishioners of Cordel and Bondel, with the choir presented by the Blue Angels Choir. Special prayers were offered for all donors and benefactors, especially those working abroad for the well-being of their families.