On Wednesday, March 5th, the faithful gathered at St. Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, to reverently observe Ash Wednesday, marking the solemn beginning of the Lenten season. The day’s liturgical services commenced with morning Masses at:

6:30 a.m. – Main Celebrant: Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal, St. Lawrence English Medium School, 8:00 a.m. – Main Celebrant: Rev. Fr William D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest 9:00 a.m. (English Mass) – Main Celebrant: Rev. Fr Ravi kumar MSIJ, Rector, 5:00 p.m. Mass – Celebrant: Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Concelebrant: Rev. Fr Ivan Cordeiro, Assistant Manager, Codialbail Press. Throughout the day, the faithful participated with deep devotion, embracing the call to repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as they embarked on their Lenten journey of spiritual renewal.

The sacred rite of blessing and imposition of ashes upon the devotees stood as a profound symbol of repentance, humility, and spiritual renewal.

Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, the parish priest, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, he emphasized the significance of Lent as a time of repentance, renewal, and spiritual growth. Quoting Joel 2:13, “Tear your hearts, not your garments,” he urged the faithful to return to God with sincerity. He encouraged embracing Lent as an opportunity to fast from negativity, embrace gratitude, and speak with kindness. Highlighting the three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—he reminded everyone that this 40-day journey should be filled with reflection, service, and a deepened relationship with God.

During each Mass, ashes were blessed and imposed on the faithful, signifying humility, repentance, and the acknowledgment that we are sinners in need of God’s mercy. A large number of faithful gathered for all four Masses, participating with deep devotion.

As Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel, “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.” Let us not let this sacred season of repentance and renewal pass by. Instead, embrace it, seek transformation, and make a sincere effort to grow in faith and love.

Wishing you a holy and fruitful Lent. God bless you.