St Lawrence Church observes All Souls Day with devotion

By Meena Serrao Barboza
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 03 Nov 2023: All Souls’ Day was observed on Thursday, November 2 at St Lawrence Church, Bondel, here to remember and pray for the faithful and departed members of families. Three Eucharistic masses were celebrated - at 6.30 am, 8 am and 5 pm.

 

In the evening, a solemn mass was celebrated by parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza. Parish priest Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal, St Lawrence English Medium School concelebrated the mass.

 

In his homily, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza narrated the importance and significance of All Souls Day. "Our heavenly home, a permanent place to go where there is no worry and distress. Today we commemorate all the faithful who have passed on from this earth, and we recognize the great hope we have of resurrection. On All Soul’s day, we remember this reality and have hope for our loved ones who have passed away in faith. We are also reminded that heaven is the goal of all our lives. We are called to live a righteous life through trusting and obeying God. If we remain in friendship with God, we can abide with Him forever in heaven," he said.

 

 

"Death is not the end, but truly a beginning. God desires all of us to be in union with Him for all of eternity. It is up to us to say yes to this call or not. Let us all remember that there is more to life than the here and now. Let us live with eternity in mind, so that we may be among the faithful who will spend eternity with God in heaven," he added.

 

At the end of the mass, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza offered prayers for the redemption of the departed souls from purgatory.

 

After the mass, a small prayer service was conducted in the graveyard followed by the blessing of the graves. People gathered in large numbers to pray for the departed members of their families.

 

ICYM members showed up at the cemetery quite early to adorn the graves of parishioners and light candles. The entire cemetery was looking bright and lively with flowers and candles.