Mangaluru: The annual feast of St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, concluded with deep spiritual fervour and the participation of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Mangaluru and beyond on Monday.
The celebrations featured solemn Eucharistic liturgies, inspiring messages on Christian love and service, and the participation of clergy, religious and parishioners.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha calls faithful to conquer fear
The grand festive Eucharistic celebration at 10.30 am was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore.
Rev. Fr Basil Vas, Parish Priest and Shrine Rector; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; and Very Rev. Fr Richard Coelho, Vicar Forane of the City Deanery, concelebrated the Eucharist.
In his homily, Bishop Saldanha presented St Lawrence as an example of courageous faith, selfless love and dedicated service to the poor.
Reflecting on the young deacon’s courage in standing before the Roman Emperor and defending the truth, the Bishop urged the faithful to overcome fear through truth and conviction.
He also reminded the congregation that the poor, sick and suffering are the true treasures of the Church, linking the message to the feast theme: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
Bishop Francis Serrao highlights Christian love
The spiritual observances concluded with the Closing Ceremony and Thanksgiving Mass at 6 pm, with Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao, Bishop of Mysore, as the principal celebrant.
In his message, Bishop Serrao reflected on Christ’s commandment of love, emphasising that genuine Christian love must be expressed through service, forgiveness, generosity and sacrifice.
Choirs and volunteers add to celebrations
The liturgies were enhanced by the musical ministry of the Bondel Church Choir during the morning celebration and the Bondel Parish Children’s Choir during the evening Eucharist.
The Parish Council, Shrine Committee, pious associations, youth groups and volunteer teams worked together to ensure the smooth conduct of the celebrations.
During the concluding formalities, Shrine Rector Rev. Fr Basil Vas expressed gratitude to the visiting bishops, priests, religious sisters, donors, benefactors, civil authorities, media personnel and pilgrims for their support and participation.
The feast celebrations officially concluded with the ceremonial lowering of the feast flag, which had been hoisted on August 1 to mark the beginning of the novena.
The faithful returned from the celebrations spiritually renewed, with an invitation to follow the example of St Lawrence through courage, generosity and faithful service.