Photography: Stany Bantwal/Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangalore-Bondel: Bishop Most Rev. Dr Henry Dsouza, celebrates Mass on the eve of the Annual Feast of St Lawrence.
Most Rev. Dr Henry Dsouza, Bishop of Bellary Diocese, began the celebration saying “Family Life is God’s plan, let us take it as a gift of grace.

The theme of the Feast is “Through the intercession of St Lawrence, let us make our lives fruitful. Most Rev. Dr Henry Dsouza celebrated the Holy Eucharist on the eve of the Annual Feast of the Shrine of St. Lawrence in Bondel on Thursday, 10 August 2023 at 10.30.a.m .Numbers of pilgrims and devotees of St. Lawrence thronged the shrine and occupied every available space in order to be a part of the grand celebration.

The solemnity of the Holy Mass was enhanced by the homily of the Bishop Henry Dsouza "God Loves a Cheerful Giver" - 2 Corinthians 9:7 An act done “cheerfully” is done with a happy heart. This is because God not only looks at the gift; He also looks at the heart. Our giving must come from the heart if it is to please God. The right condition of the heart is very important, because before God accepts the gift, He first accepts the giver. God will only accept the one whose heart is right before Him. When the heart is not right with God, the sacrifice cannot please the Lord because it is impossible to know what to sacrifice without a right relationship with God. He cited Jesus Is Precious as the Foundation of the Family Prioritize God in the choices that you make each day so that God is honored and worshiped in your family. God wants us to receive His love and love Him in return. We demonstrate our love through obedience. Jesus commanded us to love one another.

Bishop, highlighting the readings of the day, Pope Francis has encouraged married couples to always remember three key words in their relationship: “Please, thanks and sorry.”. The simple practice of saying “May I?," “Thank you," and “Pardon me” is a key to building a happy family life. The family is our nest of happiness. The family is our cradle of warmth. So live a happy family.
7 Essentials for the Christian Life: Use your Mind for Dreams, your Eyes for Mercy, Your Face for Smile, Your Mouth for Truth, Your Heart for Love, Your Hands & Legs for Service, and Your Life for a good relationship with family. Respect your elders & love your kids.
Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves Principal St Lawrence Medium Eng. School, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza Asst Priest, V. Rev Fr James D'Souza, Vicar Forane -City Varado, Rev Fr Antony Serrao, Rev Fr Joseph Martis and other various priests celebrated the mass.

Bishop Henry Dsouza Inaugurated the New church model which the work will complete next year. .The melodious choir was from Bondel under the leadership of Dr Suraj.

Rev Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest of St Lawrence shrine, thanked the Bishop and priests celebrating and participating in the mass. He thanked all those who had contributed to the success of the 9 days of novena and of the feast. The Parish Priest thanked Rev Fr Gregory Pinto SVD for spirituality guiding the faithful., the Liturgy Committee, Shrine Committee, Parish Pastoral Council Members, Divine Word TV & Team, Media Committee, Vehicle Parking Team, Volunteers, Ladies Association Convener & the Members , Light Sound decoration in charge and those who helped selflessly , He wished all those who gathered a happy feast. During the feast, people of all religions visited the shrine and expressed religious unity.

The closing ceremony of the Feast of St Lawrence's Church, Bondel was celebrated with grandeur and devotion on Thursday 10 August 2023 at 6.00 p.m. . Rev. Dr Roshan D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese was the main celebrant..

Rev. Dr Roshan D'Souza , who presided over the Holy Eucharistic celebration, said " Love is the foundation of a family". To live a fruitful family life, you need to follow 10 keys. 1. Love 2. Prayer 3. Sorry & Thank you 4. Appreciate each other 4. Respect each other 5. Forgive each other 6. Communication & sharing with your family members 7. Patience 8. Humility 9. Sacrifice 10. Giving up. Make your families examples and inspiring models of holiness and sanctity. Then it will be a source and way for your children to achieve holiness in life and this itself will be the greatest blessing you can give them.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves ,Rev Fr Lancy D'Souza, Rev Fr J.B Saldanha, Rev Fr J.B Crasta and various priests from the city & other parishes concelebrated the mass. . The choir group of children from Bondel parish captured the minds and hearts of the Parishioners.

Rev Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest of St Lawrence shrine, thanked Rev. Dr Roshan D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese & all the priests for celebrating and participating in the mass.

Rev. Dr Roshan D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese , Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves ,Rev Fr Lancy D'Souza, Rev Fr J.B Saldanha, Rev Fr J.B Crasta, various priests from the city & other parishes , Ronald ‘Roy’ Castelino PRO Of Mangalore Diocese, Mr John D'Silva, Vice president, Mr Santhosh Misquith Secretary PPC , Mr Prakash Pinto Convener Shrine Committee, Meena Barboza Convener Media Committee were present during the closing ceremony .