Mangalore Diocese News

Theme of the Day: "By Reaching Out in Love and Service to Others, We Become Pilgrims of Hope."

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography: Stanley Bantwal

Mangaluru, Aug 10, 2025 : The ninth day of the novena in Bondel Church & Shrine began with Adoration at 10:30 a.m. on August 9, followed by the Holy Mass at 11:00 a.m. The main celebrant was Rev. Fr Clifford Fernandes, Parish Priest of Cordel Parish. Concelebrating the Mass were Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest of Bondel, Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Peter Mascarenhas, Rev. Fr Roshan D'Silva, YCS Director, and Rev. Fr Fredrick Pais, Parish Priest of Malandur.

In his homily, Fr Clifford Fernandes encouraged the devotees of St Lawrence to live out their faith in concrete action — by loving their families, helping the needy, and serving selflessly. He reminded the faithful that at the final judgment, God will not ask about the wealth or possessions we held, but about the love we shared, the good we did, and whether we reached out to those in need.

The morning liturgy was performed by the Bejai and Bondel parishioners, with the choir led by Derebail Parish.

Today, the Honourable U. T. Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, together with Mr. Inayat Ali, several association heads, and other distinguished dignitaries from the political and service sectors, visited the St Lawrence Shrine to seek the saint's blessings. On this final day of the novena, devotees from all faiths came in large numbers to seek the blessings of St Lawrence.

The evening celebration commenced with Adoration at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Holy Mass at 6:00 p.m. The main celebrant was Very Rev. Fr Pius James D'Souza, OCD, Definitor General from Rome. Concelebrants included Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest of Bondel, and Rev. Fr Alwyn Richard D'Souza, Director of the Family Life Centre and Guardian of St Zuze Vaz Home, Jeppu.

In his homily, Very Rev. Fr Pius reflected on St Lawrence as a radiant sign of hope. Pointing to the leaf St Lawrence holds in his hand, he explained that it symbolizes the ultimate victory of hope rooted in Christ. Quoting St Paul, he emphasized that the three pillars of Christian life are faith, love, and hope — virtues that strengthened St Lawrence in his faithful witness. He urged all to become rays of hope for the needy, the poor, and the helpless, reminding them that in serving others, we serve Christ Himself, and whatever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for Jesus.

The evening liturgy was led by the Cordel and Bondel parishioners, with the choir beautifully rendered by the Blue Angels Choir. Special prayers were offered for all donors and benefactors, especially those working abroad for the well-being of their families.