Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 6: The fifth day of the novena in honor of St Lawrence was observed with great devotion and spiritual fervor at the St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, centered on the theme ‘Prayer Refreshes Our Hope.’
The morning service began with adoration, followed by the Holy Mass. Fr Joseph Martis, parish priest of Derebail parish, was the main celebrant. He was joined in concelebration by Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Fr Peter Mascarenhas, Fr Fredrick Rodrigues, Capuchin, Fr Deepak Oswald D'Souza, and Fr James Britto, MSIJ.
In his homily, Fr Joseph Martis beautifully highlighted the power of prayer in strengthening hope. “Prayer refreshes hope,” he said, emphasizing that prayer and hope are inseparable—trusting in a God who alone can transform lives. He drew inspiration from Hannah, who prayed with tears and was heard, and St Monica, who persevered in prayer for her husband and son. He encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in prayer, just as St Lawrence did, and to take home a spark of hope from the celebration.
The liturgy was organized by the parishioners of Bajpe and Bondel, while the Valencia Parish Choir led the congregation in melodious hymns.
The evening service commenced with adoration, followed by Mass. Fr Naveen Pinto, coordinator for Pastoral Commissions /Judicial Vicar of the diocese of Mangalore, was the main celebrant. He was joined by Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest, Fr James Britto MSIJ.
In his homily, Fr Naveen Pinto described prayer as our spiritual breath a deep connection where our heart meets God’s. Quoting St Padre Pio, he said, “When I pray, I open God’s heart and it is full of love.” Fr Naveen reminded that without prayer, a Christian lacks hope, strength, and direction. “Hope dies when prayer fades. But when we kneel and cry out to God, hope comes alive we are heard, held, and helped. Like St Lawrence, may we be rooted in prayer and bring others closer to God through our lives," he said.
The evening liturgy was led by parishioners of Angelore and Bondel, and the choir was conducted by the Carmelite brothers of Bikarnakatte. Special prayers were offered for married couples, invoking blessings for unity, love, and grace in their family lives.