A warm welcome was accorded to the New Assistant Parish Priest of Bondel Parish, Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., a good number of Parishioners assembled at the entrance of the church to receive him with great joy and affection.
The official welcome was led by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, who honored the new Assistant Parish Priest with a garland. He was joined by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr William D’Souza, outgoing Assistant Parish Priest; Mr John D’Silva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Mr Santhosh Misquith, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, who presented floral bouquets as a gesture of warm welcome.
Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha was accompanied by Rev. Fr Walter D’Souza, Parish Priest of Bendur; Rev. Fr Vivek Deepak Pinto, Assistant Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Arun Wilson Lobo, Principal of Padua College; Rev. Fr Denzil Lobo, Resident Priest; Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP; and Mrs Patsy, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Bendur Parish.
Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha walked down the aisle to the Altar as the choir sang a welcoming hymn. He proceeded to proclaim the Word of God, marking a solemn and heartfelt beginning to his ministry at Bondel Parish.
Rev. Fr Walter D’Souza, Parish Priest of Bendur, gave a brief introduction about Rev. Fr Lawrence, highlighting his nature and the work he has done. He extended his best wishes to Fr Lawrence on behalf of the Parish clergy and Parishioners of Bendur.
Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza offered detailed introduction t about Parish and extended a heartfelt welcome, saying: “Fr. Lawrence, welcome to the loving embrace of our Bondel Parish community. Your presence among us is a divine gift— a Guiding light As you step into this sacred role of shepherd and guide, know that you are surrounded by a Parish family eager to support and collaborate with you in spreading the Gospel message.” He concluded by quoting the Gospel of John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” encouraging everyone to love, serve, and truly live by this message.
Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha led the gathering in prayer and imparted his blessings to all present. As a gesture of affection on behalf of the Bondel Parishioners, , Parish Priest Rev. Fr Andrew extended a warm welcome to the new Assistant Parish Priest by presenting him with a shawl and a floral bouquet.
Seated on the dais were Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest of Bondel; Rev. Fr William D’Souza, outgoing Assistant Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Walter D’Souza, Parish Priest of Bendur; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, the new Assistant Parish Priest; Mr John D’Silva, Vice President , Secretary Mr Santhosh Misquith of the Bondel Parish Pastoral Council; Rev. Fr Arun Wilson Lobo, Principal of Padua College; Rev. Fr Denzil Lobo, Resident Priest; Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP; Rev. Fr Vincent Vinod Saldanha Manager , Rev Fr Ivan Peter Cordeiro Asst. Manager – Codialbail Press and Mrs. Patsy, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Bendur Parish.
Rev. Fr Lawrence then addressed the Parishioners, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop, the Parish Priest and clergy of Bendur, PPC Secretary Mrs Patsy, and all who had accompanied him to Bondel. He warmly acknowledged the love and support shown to him by the Parishioners of Bendur.
The parishioners, along with the Parish clergy, extended their sincere wishes for success and blessings to Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha as he begins his new ministry.
Rev. Fr Peter thanked the Bendur Parish clergy, PPC Secretary of Bendur, the Vice President and Secretary of the PPC members of Bondel Parish, the parishioners, and the Choir Group led by Mrs Jasmine and the children for their support and participation.
Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves prayerfully led the welcome ceremony, setting a reverent and heartfelt tone for the occasion. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt thanksgiving hymn.
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