Feast Theme: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12)

Message: “Like St Lawrence, let us love and serve the poor.”

1st Aug 2026 The annual feast celebrations of St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, began with the ceremonial flag hoisting by V. Rev. Fr Richard Coelho, Vicar Forane of Mangalore City Deanery and Parish Priest of Paldane. He was warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr Basil Vas, Parish Priest and Shrine Rector, with a bouquet and a shawl.

In his message, Fr Richard Coelho extended feast greetings and reflected on the feast message, “Like St Lawrence, let us love and serve the poor.” He reminded the faithful that loving and serving the poor is the mission of every Christian and an essential expression of Catholic faith.

Welcoming the gathering, Fr Basil Vas invited everyone to participate in the nine-day Novena and seek the blessings of St Lawrence. Referring to the feast theme, he highlighted the Shrine’s unique initiative this year—the Medical Fund for the sick and suffering—and encouraged the faithful to support this charitable mission. He urged everyone to follow the example of St Lawrence by serving the needy and living their faith through acts of love and compassion.

Among those present were V. Rev. Fr Richard Coelho , Fr Basil Vas ,Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr Biju Bethraam; Rev. Fr James Britto, MSIJ; Mr John D’Silva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Alwyn Saldanha, Secretary; Mrs Avitha Mascarenhas, Coordinator of Commissions; Mr Jason Fernandes, Shrine Convener; and Mrs Meena Barboza, Media Convener. The programme was compered by Miss Ria Veigas.