Report:Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography :Stanley Bantwal
Mangaluru, Aug 5: The fifth day of the Novena in preparation for the Annual Feast of St Lawrence was observed with deep devotion and spiritual fervour at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel. The day's reflection centered on the theme, "Blessed Are the Peacemakers," calling the faithful to become instruments of peace, reconciliation, and love in their families, communities, and the world.
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 Pius D'Souza of the Diocese of Shimoga as the main celebrant. He was joined by Fr Basil Vas, parish priest and rector of St Lawrence Shrine, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant priest, Fr George OFM Cap as concelebrants.
Reflecting on the theme “Blessed are the Peacemakers,” Fr Pius reminded the faithful that true peace comes from Jesus. We must first allow Christ’s peace to fill our hearts and then share it with others through love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He urged everyone to become instruments of Christ’s peace in the world.
The morning liturgy was conducted by the parishioners of Vamanjoor, Bantwal and Bondel, while the Vamanjoor Parish choir prayerfully conducted the Eucharistic celebration.
The evening service commenced with Eucharistic Adoration at 5:30 pm, followed by the holy Eucharist at 6:00 p.m., celebrated by Fr Alban D'Souza, Rector of Minor Basilica Attur, as the main celebrant. He was joined by Fr Basil Vas, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Fr Vincent D'Souza director -CODP, and Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal, St Lawrence English Medium as concelebrants.
In his homily, Fr Alban reflected on the Christian call to be peacemakers, beginning with peace in our own hearts, families, workplaces, and society. He invited the faithful to look to Jesus on the Cross and seek His peace through the holy Eucharist and the Word of God. When Christ’s peace dwells within us, we become true instruments of peace to others.
Evening Mass
The evening liturgy was conducted by the kids of Permannur, Urwa and Bondel Parish, while the Permannur Kids Choir beautifully led the devotees in prayerful hymns.
Special prayers were offered for peace in the world, praying that God may bless every nation with harmony, end conflict and violence, and fill all hearts with His peace through the intercession of St. Lawrence.
The faithful continued to participate in large numbers, united in prayer and devotion as they journeyed through the Novena in preparation for the Annual Feast of St Lawrence, seeking to become true witnesses of Christ's peace and love.