Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 26: On the joyous occasion of Christmas, St Lawrence Church & Shrine hosted a Bandhutva programme on Wednesday, December 25 in the church compound. The event showcased a beautiful tableau of the Birth of Jesus and an engaging Yakshagana performance depicting the life of our beloved patron, St Lawrence.
The cultural programme began with a prayer song, followed by a welcome dance, Christmas carols, and Christmas songs performed by students from St Lawrence School, Presentation Convent, St Lawrence Kannada Medium School, Bondel Church Choir. Children from Balagraha School, UMI Convent Novices, Novices from Presentation Convent, Vidya Jyothi School children, and Betharram Brothers also showcased their talents through vibrant performances.
During the programme, parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza & Fr William D’Souza assistant parish priest, Santhosh Misquith-PPC secretary felicitated three academically bright students from underprivileged families of St Lawrence School – Aishatul Sumaiya, Vedana & Ranjini, were extended financial support for their education. Together along with their parents, superiors from all convents, they symbolically cut the Christmas cake.
The Christmas tableau, written and directed by James master and coordinated by Jason Fernandes, were felicitated with a shawl by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza. All the parishioners took part in the tableau, showcasing their talents and contributing to the beautiful presentation.
Special recognition was given to Vincent Menezes from Kokkada parish, who has portrayed Santa Claus for the past 25 years, spreading joy and proclaiming the good news across Mangaluru and Udupi districts. He was honoured with a shawl and garland by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza and Fr William D’Souza in appreciation of his dedicated service and cheerful contributions to the community.
In his heartfelt message, Vincent Menezes emphasized the true spirit of Christmas, urging everyone to embrace love, happiness, and unity, free from religious discrimination. He called for the promotion of humanity and environmental responsibility and beautifully sang a song celebrating the Birth of Jesus. Additionally, he shared a powerful anti-drug and go green message, encouraging the community to come together for a better and healthier future.
For the first time, a two-hour Kannada Yakshagana performance depicted the life of St Lawrence in a mesmerizing and heartfelt manner was compiled and executed by G K Salian. The play, beautifully enacted by talented performers, left the audience deeply moved and thrilled by their captivating portrayal of the patron saint’s life and legacy at the conclusion of the Yakshagana performance, G K Salian was felicitated by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza for his heartfelt love and message for the Christian community and beloved patron saint, despite being a non-Catholic. Fr Andrew expressed his sincere gratitude, thanking him wholeheartedly for this wonderful programme.
The much-anticipated lucky draw results announced during the Bandhutva programme, which was organised by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), were one of the event's highlights.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, acknowledging the congregation sisters and the large number of parishioners gathered to celebrate the event. The evening was a true reflection of unity, joy, and the spirit of Christmas.
The programme was gracefully compered by Denith and Anvilla, who added charm and enthusiasm to the evening event.