On Friday, November 15, the parishioners of St. Lawrence Church, Bondel, gathered in the church hall for a special prayer service in preparation for the upcoming centenary celebration. The service was led by Rev. Fr. Jose Poovathingal, Rev. Fr. Thomas Parekattil, and Br. Melwin from the Mother Home Retreat Centre in Pariyaram, Kannur.

The prayer service began with the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, followed by the Sorrowful Mysteries. At 4:30 p.m., the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Eugine D’Silva, Redemptorist, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium School.

After Mass, Fr. Jose Poovathingal led the parishioners in a meaningful prayer session, emphasizing three key aspects of faith:

1. The importance of Holy Communion 2. The role of the Holy Spirit 3. Devotion to Mother Mary

Fr. Jose elaborated on the significance of the Eucharist, the value of attending Mass, and the importance of family prayers.

Fr. Thomas Parekattil encouraged the parishioners to build prayerful families, emphasizing that nurturing faith and teaching children about the lives of saints can inspire holiness within families.

The retreat concluded with adoration, led by Rev. Fr. Thomas, during which special prayers were offered for the gathered families and their individual intentions. Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, the parish priest, expressed his gratitude to the Mother Home Retreat Centre team for facilitating this spiritually enriching prayer service and sharing God’s word with the devotees.

The prayer service ended with a thanksgiving hymn, and refreshments were served to all the parishioners present. This retreat marked a significant step in preparing the faithful for the joyous centenary celebrations ahead.

Photography: Stany Bantwal

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza .