Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP/PMD)

Mangaluru, Jul 28: In light of its annual feast, St Lawrence Church, Bondel, will hold a nine-day novena, preceded by a special programme at 5.30 pm on Monday, July 31 where 'Hore Kanike', a procession carrying the offertory, will be led from Mount Carmel School, Maryhill to St Lawrence Church, Bondel.

This was informed by the parish priest of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, Fr Andrew D'Souza, in a press meet here on Friday, July 28.

The annual festival of St Lawrence Church, Bondel will be held on Thursday, August 10. As preparation time for the feast, a nine-day novena will be held from August 1 to August 9.

"The novena will be inaugurated on Tuesday, August 1 at 10.30 am. Hundreds of people partake in the ceremony each year. On all days of the novena, Mass will be held at 11 am and 6 pm," informed Fr Andrew D'Souza.

"The novenas will be held for different intentions each day. novena will be held on the first day for the family, second day for the priests and the religious, the third day for unity, peace and love, fourth day for those persecuted, fifth day for the country, sixth day for children and youth, seventh day for substance addicts, eighth day for the sick, and the ninth day for the missionaries. The message for this year is to 'Be witnesses unto God's word, like St Lawrence'," he said.

"On the concluding day of the novena, on August 9, mass will be celebrated by the rector of St Aloysius College Fr Dionysius Vas SJ, at 6 pm," he added.

"The feast mass on Thursday, August 10 will be held at 10 am. Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza will be the chief celebrant. Another Konkani mass will be held on the feast day, at 6 pm," he said.

The faithful will be served lunch after the morning novenas. Bread will be distributed in the evenings, informed the parish priest.

"The chapel will be open for adoration of the blessed Sacrament from 6 am to 7 pm on all days. Blessed candles and sacred articles can be found in stalls on all days of the novena. Provision will be made to honour the holy cross and the relics of the saint on the days of the novena and the feast. People will be blessed with laying of hands by the priests. There will be special prayers for intentions. Petitions can be sent to the church address. All are warmly invited for the novenas and the feast," he concluded.

Invitations to the feast were inaugurated on occasion. Elected representatives are expected to be present at the annual celebration.

Rudolph Pinto, convenor of the feast committee, Henbert Pinto, vice president, Stany Alvares, publicity incharge, Francis Veigas, parish secretary, Elias Fernandes, proprietor of Four Winds were present at the meet.