Easter Celebrations at Bondel Church

By Meena Serrao Barboza
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 31 Mar 2024: The Easter Celebration here at St Lawrence  Church, Bondel commenced at 7:00 pm on March 30 with the blessing of the new fire by Rev Dr Ivan D’Souza, Professor St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu.

 

Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza was the main Celebrant. 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. Fr Ravi Kumar MSIJ, Rev. Fr Vincent Saldanha and Rev. Fr Theo Pinto were concelebrants.

 

The Easter Candle was lit and carried to the Altar calling on people to walk in the light of the Risen Christ. The faithful lit candles signifying the victory of light over darkness and thereby enlightenment. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza sang the Exults – the Easter Hymn. Seven readings from the Sacred Scriptures gave a glimpse of the salvation story of Israel and mankind in general. As Gloria resounded in the air the image of Risen Jesus was unveiled.

 

 

Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza began his homily with a thought that Jesus put on God so we need to put on Jesus.

 

Recalling the Hindi Poem - he said "I tried to embrace myself with my hands but I couldn’t, I tried to lay head on my shoulder to console myself, but I couldn’t. Then I realised we need each other to comfort and console us.

 

The stone that was laid on the tomb of Jesus getting rolled away by itself shows Jesus death has no power over Jesus. He is risen and fulfilled his mission for humanity.

 

Christian life should be always of Hope, Faith and Happiness.

 

Mary Magdalene and Apostles witnessed the resurrection of Jesus we are much more privileged to believe His resurrection and become the strong witness in our Faith, Hope and Happiness.

 

The folded linen signifies that death has no power over Jesus; it is the sign of fulfillment of His Mission, were the highlights of Fr Ivan’s homily.

 

Thereafter the baptismal water was blessed by Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza.

 

Parishioners participated enthusiastically in the solemn ceremony and celebration. Later water was blessed and baptismal vows were renewed.

 

At the end of the Mass, the Parish Priest extended the Easter Greetings to all the parishioners. He thanked the liturgy Committee, Choir Members, PPC Members & Volunteers for organizing the Triduum well. The parish choir embellished the liturgy with excellent musical accompaniment. Faithful who had gathered in great numbers wished each other after the mass and with the peace of Jesus Risen returned home.

 

The significance of the celebration of the Easter Service was highlighted by Mrs Avitha Mascarenhas.