Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Photography Stanley Bantwal

Mangaluru, Aug 7: The seventh day of the novena in preparation for the Annual Feast of St Lawrence was observed with deep devotion at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, centred on the theme, "May God Bless the Work of Our Hands."

The morning service commenced with Eucharistic Adoration at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Holy Eucharist at 11 am, celebrated by Fr Clifford Fernandes, parish priest of Cordel. He was joined by Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant, parish priest and Fr George D'Souza, OFM Cap, as the concelebrant.

In his homily, Fr Clifford urged the faithful to follow the example of Jesus—obedient, compassionate, prayerful and forgiving. He reminded them that even amid suffering, Jesus brought comfort to others and placed His trust in the Father, inspiring us to reflect His love and mission in our daily lives.The morning liturgy was prayerfully presented by the parishioners of Gurpur, Bajjodi, and Bondel, while the Bajjodi Parish Choir led the congregation in devotional singing.

Throughout the day, political leaders, government officials, and devotees from different walks of life visited the shrine to seek the blessings of St Lawrence. Many devotees also shared testimonies of favours received through the powerful intercession of St Lawrence, expressing gratitude for the many blessings and miracles experienced in their lives.

The evening service commenced with Eucharistic Adoration at 5:30 pm, followed by the Holy Mass at 6 pm, celebrated by Fr Anil Fernandes, SVD, director of the Divine Call Centre, Mulki. Fr Basil Vas, rector and parish priest of St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel; Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest of Bondel; and Fr Gregory Pinto, SVD, Fr Peter OFM Cap concelebrated the Holy Eucharist.

Reflecting on the theme of the day, “May God Bless the Work of Our Hands,” Fr Anil encouraged the faithful to recognise the dignity and sacredness of labor and to offer every task to God with sincerity, dedication, and gratitude. He reminded the faithful that no work done with love and honesty is insignificant in the eyes of God. "When we place the work of our hands in God's care and seek His blessing, our efforts bear lasting fruit and become a source of hope and blessing to our families and to society," he added.

The evening liturgy was conducted by the parishioners of Shaktinagar, Jeppu, and Bondel. The Shaktinagar Children's Choir added prayerfulness and joy to the Eucharistic celebration through their melodious hymns.

Special prayers were offered for all workers and laborers, asking God to bless the work of their hands, protect them in their daily labor, provide them with secure livelihoods, and grant peace, good health, and well-being to their families. The faithful also prayed that every form of honest work may be respected and that all workers may experience dignity, justice, and God's abundant blessings in their lives.