Pics: Stanley Bantwal

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, Aug 1: The annual feast celebrations of St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, began with the ceremonial flag hoisting by Fr Richard Coelho, vicar forane of Mangalore City Deanery and parish priest of Paldane on August 1. He was warmly welcomed by Fr Basil Vas, parish priest and shrine rector, with a bouquet and a shawl.

In his message, Fr Richard Coelho extended feast greetings and reflected on the feast message, "Like St Lawrence, let us love and serve the poor." He reminded the faithful that loving and serving the poor is the mission of every Christian and an essential expression of Catholic faith.

Welcoming the gathering, Fr Basil Vas invited everyone to participate in the nine-day Novena and seek the blessings of St Lawrence. Referring to the feast theme, he highlighted the Shrine's unique initiative this year—the medical fund for the sick and suffering—and encouraged the faithful to support this charitable mission. He urged everyone to follow the example of St Lawrence by serving the needy and living their faith through acts of love and compassion.

Among those present were Fr Richard Coelho, Fr Basil Vas, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Fr Biju Bethraam; Fr James Britto, MSIJ; John D'Silva, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council; Alwyn Saldanha, secretary; Avitha Mascarenhas, coordinator of Commissions; Jason Fernandes, shrine convener; and Meena Barboza, media convener. The programme was compered by Ria Veigas.

Novena Day 1

Following the flag hoisting, Fr Richard Coelho led the Eucharistic Adoration and prayed for the intentions of all devotees. He then celebrated the First Day Novena Mass. Preaching on the theme, "Children are the Fruits of the Kingdom of God," he urged parents to bring their children to church regularly so that they may experience God's love and presence. He reminded parents that children are precious gifts from God and should be nurtured in faith and Christian values.

The faithful also received blessings through the sprinkling of holy water and anointing. The morning choir was led by the Paldane Parish Choir, while the liturgy was jointly conducted by the parishioners of Paldane and Bondel. A fellowship meal was served to all devotees after the morning Mass.

The evening adoration, followed by the Eucharistic celebration, was presided over by Fr Daniel Veigas, episcopal vicar for religious and parish priest of St Dominic Church, Ashok Nagar, as the principal celebrant. He was joined by Fr Basil Vas, rector and parish priest; Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; and Fr Lawrence Cutinha as concelebrants.

In his homily, Fr Daniel emphasised that children are precious gifts from God and a true blessing, not a right. He urged the faithful to be grateful to parents, care for children in orphanages, and pray for couples longing to be blessed with children.

Following the Mass, blessed bread was distributed to all the devotees, and special prayers were offered for all children. The evening choir was led by the Kelarai Kids Choir, while the liturgy was conducted by the kids of Kelarai and Bondel Parish.