Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Pics: Stany Bantwal

Mangaluru, Nov 11: The much-anticipated Harmony Vehicle Rally took place on November 10, starting from Pachanady circle to St Lawrence Church & Shrine. The programme began with a prayer led by assistant parish priest Fr William D’Souza, setting a devotional tone for the gathering. Parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza welcomed the gathering and the chief guests, including police inspector Shivkumar K R from Vamanjoor police station and Fr James D’Souza, the vicar Forane of the city deanery and parish priest of Vamanjoor.

The guest, Fr James D’Souza, was welcomed with a shawl and a flower bouquet by vice president John D’Silva, while police inspector Shivkumar K R was welcomed by Fr William D'Souza.

In his message, Fr James D’Souza emphasized the significance of the event, reminding the gathered devotees of Jesus' journey to Mount Calvary and his redemptive sacrifice on the cross. He congratulated the parish priest and the clergy on the well-organized event and expressed blessings for the upcoming programmes.

Police inspector Shivkumar K R Vamanjoor police station shared his heartfelt wishes for the centenary celebrations, encouraging all present and blessing the assembled devotees.

Among the dignitaries were Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Fr James D’Souza, D K Shivakumar, Fr William D’Souza, assistant parish priest Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal, St Lawrence Eng Med School, Fr Vincent Saldanha, Fr Pramod Crasta, Br Balaswamy along with the vice president John D’Silva, Santhosh Misquith, secretary, parish pastoral council member Prakash Pinto, Shrine convener Dr Preethi D’Souza, cultural committee convener Manoj Lewis.

The rally was marked by the release of balloons by distinguished guests, symbolizing peace and harmony. The procession included a historic 100-year-old Holy Cross and the Christ the Redeemer statue, both carried to the renovated St Lawrence Church & Shrine.

Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza led the devotees in prayer, with the Holy Cross and Redeemer statue placed in the renovated church. The programme concluded with a thanksgiving hymn and prayer led by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza.

The programme was compered by Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence School, and special acknowledgments were extended during the vote of thanks to vice president John D’Silva, Gregory Pinto, Jason Fernandes, cultural committee members, Rudy Pinto, parish council members, and volunteers.

A large number of parishioners gathered with deep devotion, making this event a memorable occasion and a significant moment in the lead-up to the centenary celebration. Refreshments were provided to all the devotees who gathered.