Mangaluru: The Ninth Day Novena, prior to the Feast of St Lawrence, was held at St Lawrence Church. Bondel, Mangalore.
The theme of 9th Day -“Honor & respect for each other is the source of unity of the family “
Vicar Forane V. Rev. James D’Souza, City Deanery was the main celebrant; Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza and Rev. Fr Gregory Pinto SVD concelebrated the mass.
Rev. Fr James D’Souza called on the devotees of St Lawrence “Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He said: “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them”. You need to understand that the family you are born into is a gift to you straight away from God and thus, you should feel yourself blessed to have such an amazing treasure. God created families long before He created the Church. The Holy Family: is an Inspiration to Your Own Family Life. A family established upon Divine Law will never turn away from God. Blessings and divine graces hover over it. Learning how to respect your siblings and your parents is an essential part of growing up with your family.
Genesis 2:23- This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh, so the first man & woman are equal. ‘Honor your father and mother’” (Ephesians 6:1–2 We should seek to honour our parents in much the same way that we strive to bring glory to God—in our thoughts, words, and actions, that brings unity in our families. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.
The melodious choir was from Vamanjoor Parish. Special prayers were offered for all donors.
Photographs by:- Stany Bantwal
Report by:- Meena Serrao Barboza
