Bondel Gears Up for a Grace-Filled Celebration of the Annual Feast of St Lawrence

The Annual Feast of St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, was celebrated with heartfelt devotion, spiritual fervour and joyful grandeur on Monday, 10 August 2026. The solemn celebration brought together a large gathering of parishioners, devotees, clergy and religious from Mangalore Diocese and beyond.

Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided as the main celebrant of the Festive Eucharistic Celebration. Concelebrating with him were Rev. Fr Basil Vas, Parish Priest and Shrine Rector; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Very Rev. Fr Richard Coelho, Vicar Forane of the City Deanery; along with several diocesan and religious priests from various congregations, both from Mangalore Diocese and other dioceses..

In his heartfelt homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha described St Lawrence as a priceless treasure of the Holy Catholic Church, whose life continues to inspire the faithful through his unwavering faith, courageous witness and selfless love for God and the poor. Reflecting on St Lawrence’s loyalty to Pope Sixtus II, Bishop Saldanha recalled his words: “Father, is there anything worth leaving your son for? Bishop, is there anything worth leaving your deacon for?” When asked to hand over the treasures of the Church, St Lawrence presented the poor, the sick and the suffering, showing that the poor are the true treasure of the Church. Loving God above all, he dedicated his life to serving those in need.

The Bishop reminded the faithful that poverty is not only material but can also mean being poor in peace, hope and opportunities. He spoke of young people with shattered dreams, struggling families, and those silently carrying pain and fear. Referring to the Pope’s intention for August, praying for people experiencing anonymity and loneliness, he urged the faithful to recognize Christ in those who feel forgotten or alone. Reflecting on the feast theme, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12), he called everyone to make this love visible through compassion, presence and service.

Concluding his reflection, Bishop Saldanha called the faithful to stand for truth without fear, placing God first and trusting in His providence. He prayed especially for the sick, the lonely, the forgotten and all who are struggling, urging the faithful to overcome fear, live the truth with love, serve the poor generously and follow the courageous example of St Lawrence.

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha extended his warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to the parish clergy, concelebrants, parishioners and all who contributed to the Novena and Feast celebrations. Appreciating their selfless service and dedication, he assured them of his prayers and encouraged the faithful to seek the intercession of St Lawrence every day, assuring them that he would present their prayers before God. He wished all a blessed and joyous Feast of St Lawrence..

The liturgy was gracefully led by the Parish Council members, while the Bondel Church Choir uplifted the spiritual ambiance with their soulful and melodious singing.

Rev. Fr Basil Vas Rector / Parish Priest, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop, concelebrants, Shrine Committee members, volunteers from various fields, and parishioners for their dedicated service and support in making the celebration meaningful and grace-filled. The generous donors were also felicitated with candles as a token of appreciation for their valuable contribution. In a profound display of unity, devotees from all religions thronged the shrine, offering homage and reflecting the beauty of mutual respect. Special prayers were lifted for all donors and devotees of St. Lawrence.

The festivities will conclude with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at 6:00 p.m., celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Francis serrao Bishop of Mysore, bringing the feast to a prayerful and reverent close.

Report Meena Serrao Barboza

Photography Stanley Bantwal