St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel Organises Swachhta Abhiyana Ahead of Annual Feast

As part of the preparations for the Annual Feast of St. Lawrence, the Environment Commission, Labour Commission, and Social Development Commission of St. Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, jointly organised a Swachhta Abhiyana (Cleanliness Campaign) on Saturday, 25th July 2026, at 7:30 a.m.The programme commenced with a prayer hymn led by Mrs. Jasmine D’Souza and team, followed by the inaugural prayer led by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest.

The gathering was welcomed by Mr. Felix Monteiro, Convener of the Labour Commission. As a gesture of appreciation, all the dignitaries on the dais were welcomed with flower saplings presented by the members of the Catholic Sabha, Bondel Unit.

The dignitaries present included Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest; Shri Prashant Pai, Temple Administrator, Shri Venkataramana Temple, Padavinangady; Shri Sandeep, President, Padavinangady Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Committee , Padavinangady; Smt Sujatha Marl, President, Ward Citizens’ Forum, Padavinangady; Mr Jeeth Roche, Secretary, Vana Charitable Trust; Mr John D’Silva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Alwyn Saldanha, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Jason Fernandes, Convener of the St Lawrence Shrine Committee; Mrs Avitha Mascarenhas, Commission Coordinator; Mr Anil Menezes, Congress President, Pachhanady Ward; Mrs Lucy Pinto, Mr Steven D’Silva Convener Environment Commission Convener of the Social Development Commission; Mrs Pooja Pai, District Vice President, Mahila Morcha; and Mrs Relina Saldanha, Coordinator, MV Shetty Nursing College.

Speaking on behalf of the guests, Mr Jeeth Roche emphasised the importance of protecting the environment through proper waste segregation. He explained that effective segregation of dry waste, wet waste, hazardous waste, and e-waste is essential for solving Mangaluru’s waste management challenges. He encouraged everyone to work together to make Mangaluru a cleaner, greener, and healthier city.

In his presidential address, Rev. Fr.Basil Vas expressed his gratitude to all the dignitaries, commission conveners, volunteers, and parishioners for organising and participating in the cleanliness campaign. He described the initiative as a meritorious deed that not only promotes good health and a clean environment but also brings joy and peace to the mind and soul. He remarked that when people come together in a spirit of selfless service to care for God’s creation, they experience true happiness and become instruments of God’s blessings. He appreciated the dedication of everyone who contributed to the success of the campaign.

Students from MV Shetty Nursing College actively participated in the campaign, lending their enthusiastic support. Prior to the commencement of the cleaning drive, Mrs Avitha Mascarenhas briefed the volunteers on safety measures. Gloves and other necessary safety equipment were distributed to all participants.

The cleanliness campaign was formally flagged off by Shri Prashant Pai, who, along with the other dignitaries, joined the volunteers in cleaning the church premises. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mrs. Lucy Pinto, while the programme was compered by Mrs Jasmine D’Souza.

The campaign witnessed the enthusiastic participation of parishioners of all ages, reflecting their unity, commitment, and dedication towards maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for the thousands of devotees expected during the Annual Feast of St Lawrence. Refreshments were served to all the participants through the generous sponsorship of Mr Steven D’Silva, Convener of the Environment Commission, together with the Catholic Sabha, Bondel Unit.

The organising committee expressed its sincere gratitude to all the volunteers, dignitaries, students, organisations, and parishioners whose wholehearted participation made the Swachhta Abhiyan a meaningful and successful initiative.

Photography &Report

Meena Serrao Barboza