Mangaluru: The Annual Feast of St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, was celebrated with heartfelt devotion and vibrant grandeur on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The joyous occasion began with the Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, inaugurating the newly opened stall at the shrine, offering a variety of spiritual articles to the faithful. To further enrich the atmosphere of prayer and reflection, a special candle-lighting provision was also introduced, creating a serene and sacred space for devotees to deepen their spiritual connection.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha presided as the main celebrant of the feast. Concelebrating with him were Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Priest; Rev. Fr. Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Very Rev. Fr James D’Souza, Vicar Forane of the City Varado; along with several diocesan and religious priests from various congregations.
In his heartfelt homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha called St Lawrence a priceless treasure of the Holy Catholic Church and a shining example of unwavering faith and divine love. He spoke of St Lawrence’s sacred mission and courage in martyrdom—a love so strong that even the fiercest flames could not silence him. Though consumed by fire, St. Lawrence remained silent, sustained by the fire of Christ’s love burning within him—a flame no earthly suffering could extinguish. This inner fire is his enduring witness to us all.
Drawing from the Gospel where Jesus says the wheat must fall to the soil to bear fruit and calls us to “Come, follow me,” the Bishop urged the faithful to embrace their Christian calling with hope and courage. Following Christ means accepting the cross, trusting that suffering leads to new life. In a world often filled with hardship, Bishop Saldanha encouraged all to keep their hope rooted in Christ, who transforms suffering into glory. May St Lawrence’s example inspire us to live with faith, sacrificial love, and courage in Christ’s footsteps.
Bishop Peter Paul extended his warm wishes to all the Parish clergy, concelebrants, and devoted Parishioners, greeting them with a joyous feast celebration. 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 Andrew Leo D’Souza, the Parish Priest, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop, all concelebrants, Shrine Committee Members, volunteers from all fields — including those at the food counters, stalls, parking, liturgy, and cleanliness teams — PPC members, sound system and media teams, and Parishioners for making the celebration meaningful and filled with grace. Donors were felicitated with flower bouquets and candles as tokens of appreciation.
NRI entrepreneur Michael D’Souza was specially honored as the generous donor of the adoration chapel. Speaking on the occasion, Michael shared his deep affection for St Lawrence Shrine and his profound devotion to the saint, assuring everyone of his prayers through the chapel’s enduring presence.
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 Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bringing the feast to a prayerful and reverent close.