It was a Joyous event for the entire parish of St Lawrence Church, Bondel –Mangalore to receive Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha for the Pastoral visit from 23rd July to 25th July 2022.

Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza the Parish  Priest, Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves-Principal St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza Asst Parish Priest, Mr Reginald D’Souza -Vice President, Mr Steevan Noronha –Secretary  Parish Pastoral Council, Rev Fr Melwin Pinto MSIJ, Rev Fr Vipin-Betharam along with Newly First Holy Communicants, Altar Server’s , ICYM/YCS , Parish Pastoral council Members representatives from various Associations of the Parish and a large number of Parishioners accorded a cordial Welcome to the Bishop  with a flower bouquet and later through a grand procession accompanied him to the serene ambience of the well decorated St Lawrence Church, Bondel at 4.00 p.m. on 23rd July 2022. 

The Parishioners assembled in large numbers to witness this three days “historical event. After the formal welcome,A meaningful prayer service was held in the church Bishop addressed the entire Parish Community, conducted catechism for the parishioners on church teachings.Bishop celebrated the Holy Mass at 5.30 p.m with all the priests of the Parish along with  Rev Fr Thrishan D’Souza., Bishop’s Secretary;. Later Bishop visited the cemetery, blessed and offered prayers, interacted few Parishioners.

At 6.30 p.m. Bishop along with the parish priests’ team had  a Parish Pastoral Council  Meeting and later  finance committee meeting ,Bishop interacted with all the Parish Pastoral Councilmembers & Convener of  each Commissions  and gave his inputs and suggestions on various issues, and the day concluded with a dinner with them.

On 24th  July 2022, Sunday at 7.30 a.m. Bishop addressed the entire parish community, conducted catechism for the Parishioners on Eucharist ,The Bible and its importance in daily life importance to proclaiming and meditating on — the Word of God. Later Bishop celebrated the Holy Mass. Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves& Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza, Rev Trishan D’Souza, Rev Fr Melwin Pinto concelebrated the mass.

here was a short stage programme at 10.00 a.m for which the dignitaries were escorted to the dais. The Programme commenced imploring God to pour out his blessings in abundance upon the Parishioners, Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza welcomed the Bishop as well as the entire parishioners, All the associations &Commissions  presented their reports for the past five years and the Bishop appreciated everyone for their active involvement in the association activities. The Bishop was then felicitated for completing four years as the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese. On the occasion of Grandparents day To express the unconditional love of grandparents Mrs,Gretta Menezes a senior citizen of Carmel Ward Felicitated by our Bishop with a shawl & flower bouquet. St Lawrence English Medium Students achievers of board exams & distinction students felicitated by the Bishop. The 21 Commission Heads, Heads of All association presented   sapling’s to the Bishop as a token of love which were planted in the church premises in the memory of  our dear Bishop’s Pastoral visit . All the 36  WardGurkar’s were given a kit  by the Bishop which contains prayer books for all the  occasions , The Annual Parish Report was presented by theParish Pastoral Secretary Mr Steevan Noronha, later Bishop addressed the gathering & blessed the faithful..Br Steevan (Betharam ) compered the programme .Mr Reginald D’Souza, Vice President proposed the formal vote of thanks.

At 4.00 p.mBishop planted the Sapling at PWD ground, Bondelground  as part of environmental protectionrun Catholic Sabha Mass Cleanliness Drive. Later Bishop visited  the Sisters convent’s & religious houses and interacted with them and the second day concluded with dinner at Mary Hill convent.

On Monday the 25th of July At 7.00 am the Bishop visited the sick of the parish, offered prayers and gave them communion., 

At 8.15 a.m.Bishop offered mass for the St Lawrence  English Medium school children . 9.00 a.m  he visited St Lawrence Kannada Medium School interacted with  Principal, Teachers & Students.

10.00 a.m. Visited St Lawrence English Medium School & had a Teachers Meeting.

At 11.00 a.m. Bishop visited some parishioners at 12.30 p.m. lunch. Therefore Pastoral visit was concluded with a prayer service later  Bishop returned to the Bishop’s house.

The Pastoral visit was a unique experience for the entire parish, which enabled the people to express their faith and belongingness to the Church. We hope and pray that this visit will enable us to live a committed Christian life in the years to come.