Mangaluru, Aug 11: The annual feast of St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, was celebrated with devotion and grandeur on Sunday, August 10. The celebrations began with Mangalore bishop Peter Paul Saldanha inaugurating a new stall offering spiritual articles to the faithful and introducing a special candle-lighting area for prayer and reflection.

Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest; Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant priest; Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Fr James D’Souza, vicar forane of the City Varado; and several diocesan and religious priests concelebrated the Mass with the bishop.

In his homily, bishop Saldanha described St Lawrence as a priceless treasure of the Catholic Church and a model of faith and love. He recalled the saint’s courage in martyrdom, sustained by the fire of Christ’s love that no earthly suffering could extinguish. Drawing from the Gospel, he urged the faithful to follow Christ with hope and courage, accepting the cross and trusting in God’s power to transform suffering into glory.

The liturgy was led by parish council members, with the Bondel Church Choir enhancing the celebration with melodious singing. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza thanked the bishop, concelebrants, shrine committee, volunteers, donors, and parishioners for their contributions. Donors were honoured with bouquets and candles.

NRI entrepreneur Michael D’Souza was specially felicitated as the donor of the adoration chapel. He expressed his devotion to St Lawrence and assured his prayers for all. Devotees from all faiths visited the shrine, reflecting a spirit of unity and mutual respect. Special prayers were offered for all donors and devotees.

The celebrations will conclude with a thanksgiving Mass at 6 p.m., to be celebrated by bishop emeritus Aloysius Paul D’Souza.

On the same day, MLC Ivan D’Souza visited the shrine to seek blessings. He was welcomed by Fr Andrew with a bouquet and was felicitated with a shawl and memento. The event was attended by Fr Lawrence Cutinha, John D’Silva, vice president of the parish pastoral council; Rudy Pinto, former shrine convenor; Stany Alvares, president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy, Karnataka; and several council members.