Mangalore: St Lawrence feast celebrated with fervor at Bondel Parish

By Stanley Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 10 Aug 2013: The annual feast of St Lawrence parish was celebrated with religious fervour at Bondel church here on Saturday August 10.

Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration along with Bondel parish priest Fr Andrew D’Souza, assistant parish priest Fr Elias D’Souza, Fr Cyprian Pinto, Fr Francis Rodrigues, Fr Boniface Pinto, Fr Peter Noronha and other clergies. 

Bishop Dr Aloysius, in his homily said, ‘We should lead our life in accordance with the principles of the Church and inculcate the values lived by the saints. Even when problems came his way, St Lawrence faced them bravely. He always came to the help of the sick, the widows and the poor.’

 

As St Lawrence lived a true Christian life, he became a martyr. Have faith in god even when you face problems in life,’ advised Bishop Dr Aloysius.

‘Today, the people of Bondel "Church devoted to St Lawrence are trying to understand the values of the saint and live it in a similar manner,’ said Bishop Dr Aloysius.

After the festal Mass, Bishop Dr Aloysius inaugurated the novena in honor of St Lawrence, which will be held in the church on every Tuesdays by handing over the rice to the parish priest. Similarly, MLA Mohiuddin Bava handed over vegetables to Bondel parish council vice-president Rudolph Pinto.

Fr Andrew handed over a cheque of Rs 25,000 to Bishop Dr Aloysius D’Souza for the African mission.
Earlier, Bishop presented the blessed candles to the sponsors of parish feast.

Bondel parish council vice president Rudolph Pinto, secretary Reginald D’Souza, executive members Stany Alvares strived in organizing the annual feast.

Various stalls were put up in the parish grounds which were thronged by people after the holy Mass. Thousands of devotees attended the feast to seek divine blessings of St Lawrence.

The evening festal Holy Mass was offered by vicar general Monsignor Dennis Moras Prabhu at at 6.00pm.