This evening, the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC) Cross, on its “Journey to the Cross” pilgrimage, was solemnly welcomed at St. Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel.

The Cross, brought from St Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor, accompanied by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) City Deanery and Rev. Fr Jeevan Lobo, Assistant Priest, arrived at 5:00 p.m.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, received the KRYC Cross with profound devotion from Rev. Fr Jeevan Lobo, bowing in prayerful reverence and adorning it with a floral garland as a sign of love and veneration. Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, and Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest, likewise honoured the sacred Cross with floral tributes. With hearts uplifted in faith, the Cross was then reverently carried in a solemn procession into the church and enthroned in the sanctuary, inviting all the faithful to prayer and reflection..

Fr Andrew reverently incensed the Holy Cross, as a symbol of prayer rising to God, while Alrick D’Silva led the faithful through the sacred rites with his narration. Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha then proclaimed the life-giving Word of God, after which Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza offered a deep and inspiring reflection, inviting the faithful to contemplate the saving power and profound mystery of the Cross.

In his message, Fr Andrew highlighted the importance of the Cross, emphasizing three key aspects—faith, unity, and blessings. He reminded the faithful that at the heart of the “Journey to the Cross” lies the call to experience and reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, His immense love for humanity, and the redemptive mystery that leads to the Resurrection.

Fr Andrew beautifully expressed that the Cross is the ladder to heaven and urged everyone to embrace their own crosses and sufferings, for it is in these very trials that we find true rest in Christ. He further affirmed that the Cross stands as the ultimate sign of victory and forgiveness, a powerful symbol of God’s unfailing mercy and saving love.

The liturgy was prayerfully led by the ICYM Bondel Unit, with the ICYM choir lifting hearts to God through melodious hymns of praise. The Blessed Sacrament was solemnly exposed for adoration and veneration, inviting the faithful to enter into deep, silent prayer before the Holy Cross, and to offer their personal intentions at the feet of the Lord. This sacred time of worship was followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life. A large gathering of parishioners participated with great devotion, filling the church with an atmosphere of grace, reverence, and heartfelt prayer..

The KRYC Cross will remain in the church for prayer and veneration until tomorrow, September 16, when it will be reverently handed over to

St Anne Church, Kelarai Parish at 5:00 p.m.

Photography & Report

Meena Serrao Barboza