Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 26: A devotional pilgrimage was organised from St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai, to the St Lawrence Shrine, Bondel, under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The faithful participated in the walk with rosary prayers and devotional hymns.

At the shrine, a Holy Mass was offered, followed by the celebration of the Eucharist.

"Human life itself is a journey. Through this journey, the hardships we face should not discourage us. May we receive the grace to face them with courage through this pilgrimage to the St Lawrence Shrine," prayed Fr J B Saldanha, parish priest of Bejai Church.

Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, rector of the Bondel shrine, welcomed the pilgrims, while Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence School, delivered the vote of thanks.

Also present were Fr Norman Mathias, Fr Vincent Siqueira, Fr Johnson Siqueira, church vice-president Ashok Pinto, secretary Avitha Pinto, commission coordinator Godwin Pinto, heads of various organisations, and a large number of devotees.