Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 2: With deep devotion and spiritual fervor, the nine-day novena in preparation for the annual feast of St Lawrence was solemnly inaugurated at the St Lawrence Shrine, Bondel on August 1. The celebration began with the hoisting of the traditional feast flag, symbolizing the commencement of a sacred spiritual journey for all the faithful.

Parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza extended a warm welcome to the chief guest, Dr Rajesh Rosario, rector of St Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, presenting him with a floral bouquet. Dr Rosario had the honor of hoisting the flag and delivered an inspiring message to the gathered faithful.

Reflecting on the jubilee year, Dr Rajesh Rosario reminded everyone that all are pilgrims of hope. He affirmed that St Lawrence remains an enduring source of inspiration and a true instrument of God’s grace. "Through his life, St Lawrence taught us to love God wholeheartedly, care for our neighbors, and remain faithful to the Holy Catholic Church," he said and encouraged the faithful to follow St Lawrence’s example by living a life of love, service, and unity, always walking together in faith and hope. "Our true shrine lies in heaven, and we are never alone on this journey, but united as one people of God," he concluded.

The event was graced by several parish leaders and committee members, including Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza – parish priest, Fr Lawrence Cutinha – assistant parish priest, Fr Peter Gonsalves – principal, St Lawrence English Medium School, John D'Silva – vice president, Parish Pastoral Council, and Prakash Pinto – convener, Shrine Committee.

The first day of the novena began with adoration and the Holy Eucharist, where Dr Rajesh Rosario was the main celebrant, and Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza and Fr Peter Mascarenhas concelebrated. Reflecting on the day’s theme, ‘Faith is the foundation of our hope’, Dr Rosario invited the faithful to meditate on five key points of faith: Faith is a Gift from God, Faith is a Response to God, Faith is a Journey in Darkness, Faith is Lived in Community, Faith Brings Certainty.

The faithful received blessings through the sprinkling of holy water and anointing. The morning choir was beautifully led by Infant Jesus Church, Bikarnakatte, and the liturgy was conducted mated by Bikarnakatte and Bondel parishioners. A fellowship meal was shared with all devotees after the morning Mass.

In the evening, the Eucharistic celebration was led by Fr Andrew D’Souza, parish priest of Bajpe parish, as the main celebrant, with Fr Peter Gonsalves - principal St Lawrence English Medium School, Fr Lawrence Cutinha - assistant parish priest, and Fr Ravikumar MSIJ as concelebrants.

During his homily, Fr Andrew D’Souza shared: "Faith is the certainty of what we hope for, A deep trust in God, even when His ways are unseen. Like Abraham and Sarah, we journey with courage, Holding firm to God’s promises with steadfast hearts.

Blessed bread was distributed to all the devotees, Special prayers were offered for those struggling with addictions to drugs and alcohol, and for those who have lost their faith due to life’s hardships. The evening choir was led by Bejai parish, and the liturgy was organized by Bejai and Bondel parishioners.