Mangaluru: The nine-day Novena, traditionally held prior to the annual feast of St Lawrence Church, Bondel began on Thursday, August 1 with the unfurling of St Lawrence’s flag at the church premises.
Hoisting the flag, Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld Media Group, said, “The Bondel shrine is one of the main centres which reflect communal harmony in the region. It opens its doors to persons of all religions without discrimination. The annual feast carries a message of peace and brotherhood. Thousands of devotees visit here and pray to St Lawrence. This should continue and the light of humanity should spread from this holy place.”
Fr Leo Veigas inaugurated the novena by lighting the lamp along with the other guests and priests, followed by the invocation of God’s blessings through a prayer.
Earlier, parish priest Andrew Leo D’Souza welcomed the guests with flower bouquets.
Harinath, former mayor of Mangalore City Corporation, renowned Konkani writer Austin D’Souza Prabhu, Rev. Fr Clifford Pinto, principal, St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev. Fr Cyril Lobo, asst parish priest, Henbert Pinto, vice-president, parish pastoral council, Francis Veigas, secretary, Rudy Pinto, shrine committee convener and Stany Alvares, publicity committee convenor were also present.
Wilfred Alvares, secretary of the shrine committee compered the programme.
The first day of the novena began with the Eucharistic celebration. Fr Leo Veigas was the main celebrant.