Mangalore Diocese News

Theme of the Day: "The Word of God Enriches Our Faith"

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography: Stanley Bantwal

Mangaluru, Aug 9, 2025 : The morning celebration at Bondel Church & Shrine began with Adoration at 10:30 a.m. on August 8, followed by the Holy Mass at 11:00 a.m. The main celebrant was Rev. Fr Rohith D'Costa, Director of Mangala Jyothi – DBCLC. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza-Parish Priest and Rev. Fr Peter Mascarenhas concelebrated the Mass.

In his homily, Fr Rohith D'Costa reflected on the journey of the disciples to Emmaus—desperate, tired, broken, and without hope—just as we often feel in our daily lives. Even when we drift away or lose faith, Jesus walks beside us, gently restoring us through His Word. The Word of God is alive and powerful, capable of transforming our hearts when we truly listen and live it out. Yet often, during the Eucharistic celebration, we hear the Word but fail to let it take root, as we are distracted by our own weaknesses, lack of faith, and tendency to lose hope. Like St. Lawrence, who was strengthened and transformed by the Word, we too are called to be renewed—allowing God's Word to enrich our faith and give deeper meaning to our lives.

People of all faiths visit the St Lawrence Shrine to seek blessings, and the faithful continue to witness numerous touching testimonies of grace through the miraculous power and intercession of St Lawrence. The liturgy in the morning was led by Parishioners of Jeppu, Cordel, and Bondel, and the choir was led by Cordel Parish.

The evening service began with Adoration at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Holy Mass at 6:00 p.m. The main celebrant was Rev. Fr Stany Pinto from Mukka Parish, with Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha -Assistant Parish Priest and Rev. Fr James Britto, MSIJ as concelebrants.

In his homily, Fr Stany Pinto invited the faithful to nourish their lives with the Word of God, which builds, strengthens, and sustains our faith. Quoting John 1:1 – "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" – he reminded us that Jesus is the living Word. When we look at Jesus on the Cross, we see our hope for salvation—He died for us and is alive, walking with us even today. St Lawrence was a man of hope, who placed his trust in God's Word and followed Him faithfully, even unto death.

The evening liturgy was led by parishioners of Valencia and Bondel, with the choir led by Paldane Parish.

Special prayers were offered for all people working abroad, away from their families. Special prayers were offered for all who are working overseas, asking God's blessings for their good health and acknowledging the sacrifices they make for their loved ones.