Pics: Meryick D'Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Jul 28: At a press meet at Bondel Church hall here on July 28, Fr Andrew D'souza, parish priest of Bondel Church announced, "The Bondel Church devoted to St Lawrence will be celebrating its annual feast on Monday, August 10. A solemn mass will be offered by the bishop of Mangaluru, Dr Aloysius Paul D'souza at 10 am. This will be followed by an evening mass by Dr Henry D'souza, bishop of Bellary."

He added, "As preparation for the feast there will be a novena followed by mass from August 1 to 9. This will be at 11 am and 6 pm. The annual feast will begin on August 1 at 10.30 am by hoisting the flag of the church by J R Lobo MLA of Mangaluru south constituency. Jacintha Vijay Alfred mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) will be the chief guest and Fr Joseph Martis, rector of St Joseph's Seminary will offer the mass. Food will be served to all the devotees after the mass."

"The speciality of this year's annual feast is that sacred particles from the wood of the holy cross of Jesus Christ have been found in the church. They were given to the church in April 1894. 121 years have passed but no one was aware of the sanctity of the cross as the certificate was sealed and kept inside the cross. This was kept in the archives of St Lawrence Church which recently came to light on June 6. After authentication it was proved that the sacred particles are from the wood of the Holy Cross. During the solemn mass Dr Aloysius Paul D'souza, bishop of Mangaluru will re-install the cross in the church. All are requested to participate in the annual feast and receive grace and blessings of St Lawrence," he added.

Parish council vice-president Henbert Pinto, secretary Wilfred Alvares, Elias Fernandes, Stevan D'silva convener of the shrine committe, Stany Alvares convener publicity committee were present.