Pics: Stanly Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Nov 16: The offertory procession of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, was flagged off from Mount Carmel School on Saturday, November 16, as part of the centenary celebrations and the renovation of the church, which will be inaugurated on November 18.

The procession began at Mount Carmel School and proceeded to St Lawrence Church, Bondel. It was flagged off by KPCC general secretary Inayath Ali, marking the start of the festivities.

On November 18, St Lawrence Church will be officially declared a shrine, recognising its spiritual significance in the region.

Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, blessed the procession. Attendees included Fr Arun, superior of the Betharram Formation House; Fr James D’Souza, parish priest of Vamanjoor Church; Sr Leela, superior of Presentation Convent; Sr Melisa, principal of Mount Carmel School, Maryhill; and Congress leader M G Hegde.

The procession was also joined by John D'Silva, vice-president of the Parish Pastoral Council, and Santhosh Misquith, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza welcomed the gathering, while assistant parish priest Fr William D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks.

The upcoming inauguration of St Lawrence Church as a shrine on November 18, along with the centenary celebrations and renovation, will be a historic moment for the parish, marking a new chapter in the church's rich legacy.