The Good Friday service at St. Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, commenced at 6 p.m. Rev. Fr William D’Souza Asst. Parish Priest, was the main celebrant, joined by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza -Parish Priest , Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves Principal, St. Lawrence English Medium School , Rev. Fr Ravi MSIJ, and Rev. Fr Theo Pinto.

The Good Friday Service was conducted in four segments: the reading of Holy Scriptures, including the Passion of Christ from the Gospel of St. John; solemn intercessory prayers for the intentions of the Holy Church; the unveiling and veneration of the Crucifix; and the distribution of Holy Communion.

The service commenced with the reading of Holy Scriptures, including the Passion of Christ from the Gospel of St. John, which was sung with deep devotion by Rev. Fr William D’Souza, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, and Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves. Their heartfelt rendition invited the faithful to enter into the sorrowful journey of Jesus’ suffering and death.

The entire Passion of Christ was sung with deep devotion by Rev. Fr William D’Souza, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, and Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, creating a prayerful and reflective atmosphere throughout the service.

During his preaching, Rev. Fr William D’Souza emphasized the importance of sacrifice, suffering, and bearing a living witness to Jesus. He reminded the faithful that the Cross is a symbol of salvation, and urged everyone to embrace their own sufferings with faith and courage. Just as Jesus forgave from the Cross, we too are called to reflect on His life, surrender our pain and sorrow to Him, and pray, “Lord Jesus, who suffered for me, give me the grace to bear my cross willingly.” Fr. William further reminded that Jesus died on the Cross for each one of us, fulfilling His Father’s will through His ultimate act of love and obedience.

The Solemn Intercessory Prayers were offered by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves for the intentions of the Holy Church, including the Pope, clergy, faithful, and all humanity. These prayers reflected the Church’s compassion, unity, and hope for the world.

The unveiling and veneration of the Crucifix was done by Rev. Fr William D’Souza with deep reverence in three stages, symbolizing Christ’s gradual revelation to the world. The faithful then came forward to venerate the Cross, expressing love, gratitude, and adoration for Jesus’ sacrifice.

The Church choir played a significant role in enhancing the solemnity of the ceremony, making it deeply meaningful and prayerful. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, the Parish Priest, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Liturgical Committee and all the organizers for ensuring that the service was conducted with reverence and devotion.

The ceremony concluded with a touching procession led by the youth of our Parish, bearing the Body of Christ. This heartfelt act of devotion deeply moved the hearts of all present, emphasizing the sacredness of Christ’s sacrifice and the unity of the Church.

Mrs Anitha Concesso narrated the ceremony of the Passion of Christ, guiding the faithful through the profound significance of each moment.

Photography: Anson Rego

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza