On 29th March 2026, the Parishioners of St Lawrence Church & Shrine gathered with deep faith and reverence to celebrate the solemn Eucharistic celebration of Palm Sunday. The service began at 7:30 a.m. near the Crucifix, led by the Main Celebrant, Rev.Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Priest, along with Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza and Rev.Fr Peter Gonsalves. Palms were blessed and distributed to the faithful, and holy water was sprinkled on everyone as a sign of blessing, purification, and God’s grace.

Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, delivered a profound reflection on Jesus—the Prince of Peace—who entered Jerusalem in humility, riding on a donkey, revealing a kingdom not of power but of love and peace. He reminded the faithful that the Cross, once a symbol of suffering, has become a sign of divine love, forgiveness, and reconciliation between heaven and earth. The celebration continued with the blessing of palms, followed by a prayerful procession to the church. Holding palms, the faithful walked in unity, commemorating Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and proclaiming Him as our King who reigns with love and humility.

After the procession, a solemn Holy Mass was celebrated in remembrance of the Passion of Christ. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev.Fr Lawrence Cutinha, with concelebrants Rev.Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, and Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest. During the Gospel, the Passion of Christ was reverently proclaimed, drawing the faithful into a deeper reflection on His sacrifice, boundless love, and the mystery of salvation.

In his homily, Rev.Fr Lawrence reflected on the four dimensions of Jesus’ life: the Man of Justice, the Light of the world, the humble Servant, and the Suffering Savior who redeemed humanity. As the people proclaimed, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” Jesus entered Jerusalem in humility, riding on a donkey—a sign of peace and selfless love. The palm branches symbolized victory, though many did not fully understand His mission. The homily called the faithful to follow Christ as a model of life—living with hope, prayer, and faith. Like the humble donkey, we are invited to serve with love, walk in humility, and grow in Christ-like grace.

A large number of faithful gathered for the Palm Sunday celebration with devotion and reverence. The liturgy was prayerfully celebrated, and the choir led the congregation with beautiful hymns that lifted everyone’s hearts.

At the end of the Mass, Parish Priest Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza thanked everyone for their participation and wished all a blessed and grace-filled Holy Week. The faithful returned home with palms in their hands and a deeper love for Jesus in their hearts, inspired to follow Him with faith and humility.

Photography & Report: Meena Serrao Barboza