All Souls’ Day was devoutly observed on Sunday, November 2, at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, to remember and pray for the faithful departed members of families.

As the day coincided with Sunday, all the Masses were offered for the repose of the souls of departed family members, loved ones, and the entire Parish community.

A special evening Mass was celebrated at 5:00 p.m. by Parish Priest Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha -Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Ravi kumar MSIJ, and Rev. Fr James Britto MSIJ, in memory of all the departed souls of the Parish and their families.

In his homily, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza beautifully reflected on the meaning and significance of All Souls’ Day, reminding the faithful of the eternal hope that awaits beyond death. “Our heavenly home is a place of everlasting peace, free from worry and distress,” he said. “Today, as we commemorate all the faithful departed, we renew our hope in the resurrection. Heaven is the ultimate destination of our earthly journey. We are called to live uprightly, placing our trust and obedience in God, so that we may one day dwell with Him forever.”

He further shared, “Death is not the end, but the dawn of a new beginning. God, in His infinite love, desires that each of us be united with Him for all eternity. Let us, therefore, live each day with eternity in our hearts, so that we may be counted among the faithful who now rejoice in the glory of heaven.”

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza prayed earnestly for the merciful redemption and eternal peace of the souls in purgatory.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, a prayer service was held at the cemetery, during which the graves were blessed. The faithful gathered in large numbers to pray for their departed family members, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere of remembrance and hope. The cemetery was beautifully adorned with flowers and candles, lovingly arranged by families in memory of their loved ones.

The church choir, led by the parish choir members, enhanced the solemnity of the occasion with their melodious singing—both during the Mass and at the cemetery prayer service, creating a serene and prayerful atmosphere. The Ladies Association members took the lead in organizing the process, guiding Parishioners with candles in hand. The entire graveyard radiated a serene glow of faith and love, symbolizing the light of hope that shines beyond death and the enduring bond between the living and the departed.

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza