Mangaluru: The inauguration of the nine days novena mass in preparation for the annual feast celebration of the St Lawrence Church, Bondel was held on Wednesday, August 1.
Minister for urban development and housing UT Khader, former MCC mayor Kavitha Sanil, Harinath Jogi, Corporator Deepak Poojary, Parish Priest Fr. Andrew Leo DSouza, Assistant parish priests Fr. Clifford Pinto and Fr. Leo Veigas, Vice President of Parish Pastoral Parishad Henbert Pinto, Secretary of Parish Pastoral Parishad Francis Veigas, Convener of Feast Committee Rudy Pinto, Secretary Wilfred Alavares, Chief of publicity committee Stany Alvares, Fr Andrew D Souza, parish priest, Katipalla, Sumanth, Trustee, Mahalingeshwara Temple were present on the occasion.
Minister U T Khader who was the chief guest said, “The St Lawrence shrine of Bondel has all possibilities to become a major religious centre in the state. I know the importance of this shrine. People, who visit from various parts of the state, experience miracles in their life. I have heard that St Lawrence accepts every prayer and pours blessings on devotees. I hope that in these nine days, lot of miracles will happen here. I wish you all a happy and blissful feast.”
Fr Andrew Leo D Souza, parish priest who hoisted the flag said, “Since the very first day of weekly novena after coming to this parish, I experienced the miracle of St Lawrence. I have noticed that large numbers of non-Catholics are visiting this shrine for prayer. I welcome everyone to the annual feast of this shrine. On this festive occasion, I pray that St Lawrence blesses you all with prosperity,”
The feast of the church will be celebrated on August 10.
