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Bandhutva Christmas 2024: A Celebration of Faith and Culture
Featuring The Christmas Tableau & Santa Lawrencenara Mahatme Yakshagana
at St  Lawrence Church and Shrine Bondel .

On the joyous occasion of Christmas, St. Lawrence Church and Shrine hosted a Bandhutva Programme on Sunday, 25th December 2024, at 5:30 PM in the church compound. The event showcased a beautiful Tableau of the Birth of Jesus and an engaging Yakshagana performance depicting the life of our beloved patron, St. Lawrence.

 The cultural program began with a prayer song, followed by a welcome dance, Christmas carols, and Christmas songs performed by students from St. Lawrence School, Presentation Convent, St. Lawrence Kannada Medium School,  Bondel Church Choir. Children from Balagraha School, UMI Convent Novices, Novices from Presentation Convent ,VidyaJyothi School Children, , and Betharram Brothers also showcased their talents through vibrant performances.

During the program, Parish Priest Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza & Rev. Fr William D’Souza Asst Parish Priest,Mr Santhosh Misquith-PPC Secretary  felicitated three academically bright students from underprivileged families of St Lawrence School – Aishatul Sumaiya, Vedana & Ranjini, were extended financial support for their education. Together along with their parents , Superiors from all convents, they symbolically cut the Christmas cake.

The Christmas Tableau, written and directed by James Master and coordinated by Jason Fernandes, were felicitated with a shawl by Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza. All the parishioners took part in the Tableau, showcasing their talents and contributing to the beautiful presentation.

Special recognition was given to Mr. Vincent Menezes from Kokkada Parish, who has portrayed Santa Claus for the past 25 years, spreading joy and proclaiming the good news across Mangalore and Udupi districts. He was honored with a shawl and garland by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza and Rev. Fr William D’Souza in appreciation of his dedicated service and cheerful contributions to the community.

In his heartfelt message, Mr. Vincent Menezes emphasized the true spirit of Christmas, urging everyone to embrace love, happiness, and unity, free from religious discrimination. He called for the promotion of humanity and environmental responsibility and beautifully sang a song celebrating the Birth of Jesus. Additionally, he shared a powerful anti-drug and Go Green message, encouraging the community to come together for a better and healthier future..

For the first time, a two-hour Kannada Yakshagana performance depicted the life of St. Lawrence in a mesmerizing and heartfelt manner was compiled and executed by  Shri G.K. Salian. The play, beautifully enacted by talented performers, left the audience deeply moved and thrilled by their captivating portrayal of our patron saint’s life and legacy At the conclusion of the Yakshagana performance, Mr. G.K. Salian was felicitated by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza for his heartfelt love and message for the Christian community and our beloved Patron Saint, despite being a non-Catholic. Rev.Fr Andrew expressed his sincere gratitude, thanking him wholeheartedly for this wonderful program.

The much-anticipated Lucky Draw results announced during the Bandhutva Programme, which was organised by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), were one of the event’s highlights.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr  Andrew Leo D’Souza, acknowledging the congregation sisters and the large number of parishioners gathered to celebrate the event. The evening was a true reflection of unity, joy, and the spirit of Christmas.

The programme was gracefully compered by Master Denith and Miss Anvilla, who added charm and enthusiasm to the evening event.
Photography & Report: Meena Serrao Barboza