Pics: Stanley Bantwal

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, Aug 2: The second day of the Novena in preparation for the annual feast of St Lawrence began with Eucharistic adoration followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Dr Leo Praveen Lasrado, secretary of the Catholic Board of Education, was the principal celebrant. He was joined by Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest, as concelebrant.

In his homily Fr Leo Praveen reminded the faithful that God gives us three kinds of nourishment: food for our body, the Word of God for our soul, and the Holy Eucharist — His Body and Blood. He encouraged everyone to recognise God’s blessings in daily life and to be thankful for everything God has created and provided for us.

The morning choir was led by the Angelore Parish, while the liturgy was conducted jointly by the parishioners of Angelore, Ferar, and Bondel.

Evening Novena

In the evening, Eucharistic adoration began followed by the Holy Eucharist, with Fr Franklin D’Souza of the diocese of Shimoga as the principal celebrant. He was joined by Fr Basil Vas, parish priest and shrine rector, and Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, as concelebrants.

In his homily, Fr Franklin spoke about the threefold nourishment God offers us: daily food that sustains our body, His Word that enriches our spiritual life, and the Holy Eucharist — Christ’s Body and Blood — that strengthens our faith. He encouraged everyone to thirst for the Word of God and the Eucharist and remain united in God’s love.

The evening choir was beautifully led by the St Anthony Katte kids’ choir, while the liturgy was jointly conducted by the parishioners of Cordel, St Anthony Katte, and Bondel.

Special prayers were offered for the youth of our parish and young people across the globe, that God may guide and strengthen them in faith. As the light of the world and the hope of the future, may they walk in the light of Christ and become witnesses of His love, faith, and service.