July 31, 2026: As part of the spiritual preparation for the Annual Feast of St. Lawrence, a special evening of prayer was held at St. Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, on Friday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m., drawing a large number of faithful who gathered in an atmosphere of deep faith and devotion.

The prayer service began with the Jericho Prayer, followed by Eucharistic Adoration. The Blessed Sacrament was then carried in a solemn procession around the church premises while the faithful prayerfully recited the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Seven Decades Rosary, seeking God’s abundant blessings upon the parish, its families, and the forthcoming Annual Feast. The Blessed Sacrament was then reverently brought back into the church.

The spiritual reflection was delivered by Rev. Fr.Boniface Pinto, Spiritual Director, Divya Dhama, Udupi. In his inspiring message, he emphasized the importance of cultivating a deep thirst for the Holy Spirit and living a life rooted in prayer. He explained the three forms of prayer—vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation—and reflected on how God answers every prayer according to His divine will. He encouraged the faithful to surrender themselves to God’s plan, to pray not only for personal intentions but also for the needs of others, and to intercede selflessly for the whole world.

The prayer gathering then continued with a vibrant session of praise and worship led by Rev. Fr Roshan D’Souza, Director of YCS/YSM. The faithful fervently prayed for the success of the forthcoming Annual Feast, invoking God’s blessings upon all those serving in various ministries, parish volunteers, donors, youth, the sick and suffering, families, and especially those working abroad, particularly in the Gulf countries.

Continuing his reflection, Rev. Fr Boniface Pinto reminded the faithful that the Church has bestowed upon us two priceless gifts—the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit. He urged everyone to become worthy temples of the Holy Spirit by remaining faithful to Christ and living according to the guidance of the Spirit. Reflecting on the Seven Gifts and Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit, he encouraged the faithful to nurture understanding, humility, obedience, and the light of faith within their families and daily lives.

The prayer service concluded with intercessory prayers led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr.Basil Vas, who prayed in a special way for the sick, the suffering, and all those who had submitted their prayer intentions. The celebration concluded with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, leaving the faithful spiritually renewed and strengthened as they continue their journey towards the Annual Feast of St Lawrence.

Among those present for the prayer gathering were Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Priest, and Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, who joined the clergy and faithful in this spiritually enriching preparation for the parish feast.

Report Meena Serrao Barboza