Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Aug 1: The nine-day novena prior to the annual feast of St Lawrence Church, Bondel began on Thursday, August 1 with the unfurling of St Lawrence's flag here at the church premises.

Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld Media Group, hoisted the flag and said, "Bondel Shrine is one of the main centres, which reflects communal harmony in the region. It opens the doors for all religions without any discrimination. The annual feast contains a message of peace and brotherhood. Thousands of devotees visit here and pray to St Lawrence. This should continue and the light of humanity should spread from this holy place."

Fr Leo Veigas inaugurated the novena by lighting the lamp along with guests and priests, followed by the invocation of God’s blessings with a prayer.

Earlier, parish priest Andrew Leo D’Souza welcomed the guests with flower bouquets.

Former mayor Harinath, renowned Konkani writer Austin D’Souza Prabhu, assistant priest Fr Cyril, Fr Clifford, Stany Alvares, Francis Veigas and a large crowd of faithful were present.

The novena of first day began with the Eucharistic celebration. Fr Leo Veigas was the main celebrant.

The feast Mass will be held on Thursday, August 10 at 10 am. Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Peter Paul Saldanha will be the chief celebrant. On the same day, the concluding mass of feast will be celebrated by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangaluru at 6 pm.