Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 21: The advent retreat commenced on Friday December 20 with a heartfelt Rosary, setting a prayerful tone for the day. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza parish priest warmly welcomed Br Amruth Raj and his team to St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, marking the beginning of a spiritually enriching journey.

Br Deepak led the gathering in a powerful invocation of the Holy Spirit, preparing hearts and minds for the grace-filled moments ahead. Members of Br Amruth Raj’s team shared inspiring testimonies, touching the hearts of all present.

Br Amruth Raj delivered an enlightening message, focusing on the theme of Emmanuel and the spiritual preparation needed for Christmas—the celebration of Jesus’ birth. He emphasized the importance of cleansing our souls from sin to truly embrace the essence of the season.

The retreat also included the sacrament of reconciliation, with a large number of parishioners availing themselves of confessions. Many attendees reported profound spiritual and physical healings, as individuals with various ailments experienced the grace of divine intervention.

This retreat holds special significance as it is the first one hosted after the parish's recent renovation. The day concluded with the Holy Eucharistic Mass celebrated by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, followed by a deeply moving adoration and blessing of the Blessed Sacrament.

Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza expressed profound gratitude to Br Amruth Raj and his dedicated team for their inspiring guidance in leading the parishioners toward a meaningful preparation for the advent and the birth of Jesus.

In his concluding note, Br Amruth Raj extended his heartfelt thanks to the parish priest for his unwavering support and to all the parishioners for their active participation and prayers.