Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Mangaluru, Aug 4: The fourth day of the Novena in preparation for the annual feast of St Lawrence was prayerfully celebrated at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel. The day's celebrations centred on the theme, "As the Father Has Sent Me, So I Send You to Be Witnesses of My Love and Mercy," inviting the faithful to become living witnesses of Christ through love, compassion, and service.
The morning service began with Eucharistic Adoration at 10:30 am, followed by the holy Eucharist at 11:30 am.
The holy Mass was celebrated by Fr Archibald, OCD, as the main celebrant. He was joined by Fr Basil Vas, parish priest and rector of St Lawrence Shrine, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest, and Fr George OFM Cap, as concelebrants.
In his homily, Fr Archibald emphasised that every baptised person is called to continue the mission of Christ. Reflecting on St Lawrence, he reminded the faithful that God calls everyone to a life of love and service.
He stressed that this mission is not limited to priests and religious, but is an invitation to every Christian. While some are called to consecrated life, each one has a vocation to serve God and His people.
The morning liturgy was conducted by the Carmelite Sisters of Mary hill, Surathkal Parish, together with the parishioners of Bondel, while the Carmelite Sisters Choir prayerfully led the hymns during the eucharistic celebration.
#Evening Mass
The evening service commenced with Eucharistic Adoration at 5:30 pm, followed by the holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Jerald Lobo OFM Cap, Superior of Bejai, as the main celebrant. He was joined by Fr Basil Vas, rector & parish priest, Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, and Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest, as concelebrants.
In his homily, Fr Jerald highlighted the inspiring lives of St John Marie Vianney and St Lawrence, who offered themselves completely to God. He reminded the faithful that each one of us is called to offer ourselves to God and continue the mission of Jesus entrusted to us. Whether in religious life or family life, we are called to live our vocation faithfully and become witnesses of Christ’s love through our service to others.
Special prayers were offered for all those living the consecrated life, invoking God's abundant blessings upon priests, religious brothers, sisters, and all who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Church.
The evening liturgy was conducted by the Carmelite Brothers & Kids of Bendur Parish together with the parishioners of Bondel, while the Carmelite Brothers Choir, Bikarnakatte, beautifully led the singing, enhancing the prayerful atmosphere of the celebration.
The faithful once again gathered in large numbers, continuing their spiritual preparation for the Annual Feast of St Lawrence through prayer, worship, and reflection on Christ's call to be witnesses of His love and mercy.