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

The Good Friday service was conducted in four segments: the reading of the Holy Scriptures, including the Passion of Christ from the Gospel of St John; the 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 the Holy Scriptures, including the Passion of Christ from the Gospel of St. John, which was sung with deep devotion by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, 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 Lawrence Cutinha, 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 Andrew Leo D’Souza emphasized the importance of sacrifice, suffering, and bearing a living witness to Jesus. His reflection deeply moved the faithful, inviting them to journey with Christ through His Passion.. From the betrayal of Judas and Peter’s denial to the unjust trial before Pilate and the crucifixion at Golgotha, each moment revealed the depth of human weakness and the boundless mercy of God. In His final hours, Jesus spoke not words of anger, but of forgiveness, love, and surrender. Even in the agony of the Cross, He forgave His persecutors, offered hope to the repentant thief, and entrusted Himself completely to the Father. Through His suffering and death, Christ revealed the true meaning of love—a love that forgives, heals, and saves. His Passion calls each one of us to reflect deeply, to turn away from sin, and to live a life rooted in compassion, faith, and selfless love.

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

The unveiling and veneration of the Crucifix were carried out by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo 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 their 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 volunteers of the parish, bearing the Body of Christ. This heartfelt act of devotion deeply moved all present, emphasizing the sacredness of Christ’s sacrifice and the unity of the Church.

Children from the high school narrated the Passion of Christ, guiding the faithful through the profound significance of each moment.

Photography: Anvitha

Report Meena Serrao Barboza