As the old year 2022 was about to end and the New Year 2023 was waiting to see the dawn, the parishioners of Bondel assembled in the Church at 6.30 p.m. on 31st December 2022 to bid good bye to the old year and welcome the New Year 2023 with prayer and hope .The parishioners of St Lawrence Church, Bondel here gathered in large numbers for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
To give thanks to God for all the good things that he had showered on the people of the parish, the Holy Hour was led by Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza & Rev Dr Fr Ivan D’Souza- professor in philosophy at the inter-diocesan seminary, Jeppu, . with reflection and devotion. While thanking the Lord for the blessings that He had showered on the faithful, Rev Fr. Andrew helped the people to reflect upon their own shortcomings and iniquities.
The Solemnity of the Mary, Mother of God feast began with the Eucharistic Banquet. Rev Fr Prakash Cutinha , was the main celebrant.
Rev Dr Fr Ivan D’Souza his homily, he highlighted the importance of Mary Mother of God . ಮರಿ ಆಮ್ಕಾ೦ ಎಕ್ ಬೆಸಾ೦ವ್ ಆಮ್ಚ್ಯಾ ಜಿಣಿಯೆ೦ತ್ ಎಕ್ ಲಿಸಾ೦ವ್ Today’s Feast of Mary, the Mother of God is a very appropriate way to begin a new year. This celebration reminds us that the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is also our Heavenly Mother. “Through Mary to Jesus!” This is an occasion to renew our devotion to Mary, who is also Mother of the Church because she is our spiritual mother — and we are the Church. The solemnity shows the relationship of Jesus to Mary. It’s a perfect example of how we should venerate Mary under all of her titles and is a good foundation for our understanding of Mary’s place in Christology. The Church puts the feast of this solemnity on the first day of the New Year to emphasize the importance of Mary’s role in the life of Christ and of the Church.
Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza Parish Priest , Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves Principal St Lawrence English Medium school , Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza Asst. Parish Priest , Rev Ravi-MSIJ, , Rev Fr Arul , Rev Fr Vipin Betharram Rev Fr Theo, Rev Fr Kiran SJ con-celebrated the mass. The Children choir enriched the spiritual atmosphere by singing melodiously the meaningful hymns.
Before the final blessings , prizes were distributed to the winners of Individual Crib Making Competition and Ward wise Star Making Competition.
The oath taking ceremony of the Newly Elected Vice President & Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council & Financial Committee ,Office Bearers, Gurkars , Representatives & Nominated members was held. This ceremony was initiated by Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza . The parishioners who participated in the Holy Eucharist witnessed the Oath Taking Ceremony.
At the end Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo greeted one and all and wished a very prosperous new year 2023. He Thanked the concelebrants priests, the Children choir , Liturgy Committee, Volunteers, PPC Members and all those helped in the celebration of the New Year. After the mass there was short programme conducted by SVP association.