The Easter celebration at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel began at 7:00 p.m. with the solemn blessing of the new fire, symbolizing the light of the Risen Christ, officiated by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School. The Eucharistic celebration that followed was prayerfully presided over by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha as the main celebrant, joined by concelebrants Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza-Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Biju Bethraam, and Rev. Fr Ravi Kumar MSIJ—together leading the faithful into the joy, hope, and new life of the Resurrection.

The Easter Vigil unfolded in four sacred parts: the Service of Light with the blessing of the Paschal Candle, the Liturgy of the Word, the blessing of the new Holy Water with the Baptismal Rites, and the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration—leading the faithful from darkness into the radiant joy of the Risen Christ..

Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves carried the lit Easter Candle to the altar, inviting the faithful to walk in the light of the Risen Christ. The faithful lit their candles, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza then proclaimed the Exulted the Easter Proclamation—filling the church with joyful praise. Five readings from Sacred Scripture beautifully unfolded the history of salvation for Israel and all humanity.

As the Gloria joyfully resounded, Rev. Fr Lawrence unveiled the statue of the Risen Jesus, a sacred moment that lifted hearts heavenward and filled the faithful with the grace, hope, and radiant joy of the Resurrection.

In his homily, Rev. Fr Lawrence reflected on the deep mystery of our faith—that death is not the end, but a passage to new life in the Resurrection. He pointed to four powerful signs that proclaim Christ is truly risen: the empty tomb, the burial cloths left behind with the towel set apart, the appearances of Jesus to many including Mary Magdalene, and the remarkable transformation in the lives of the apostles like Peter, Judas, and Paul. He gently challenged the faithful to examine their own lives: Are we true witnesses of the Risen Christ, or merely Sunday or Good Friday Christians?

Calling all to a deeper faith, he invited everyone to become “modern empty tombs”—hearts freed from sin and filled with the living presence of Jesus. With renewed hope, love, and faith, he urged the faithful to go forth and reflect the light and joy of the Resurrection in their daily lives.

The baptismal water was solemnly blessed by Rev. Fr Lawrence , invoking God’s grace and new life. The faithful then joyfully renewed their baptismal promises, reaffirming their commitment to walk in the light of Christ.

At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza extended heartfelt Easter greetings to all parishioners and expressed sincere gratitude to the concelebrant priests, the Liturgy Committee, PPC members, choir, altar servers, and all volunteers for their dedicated service in organizing the Holy Triduum. The parish choir beautifully enriched the celebration with their melodious hymns, lifting hearts in praise.

The significance of Easter was meaningfully highlighted by Anvitha and Jeslin.

A special felicitation was also held for Mrs Jacintha D’Souza, the former church office staff, in grateful recognition of her 22 years of selfless and devoted service. She was honoured with a shawl, memento,flower bouquet, and a token of appreciation in the presence of the Vice President and Secretary Mr John & Mr Alwyn -PPC, All Commission Convener Mrs Avitha, and Shrine Convener Mr Jason.

As the celebration came to a close, the faithful joyfully exchanged Easter greetings and shared cake, returning home filled with the peace, hope, and joy of the Risen Lord.

The celebrations continued in the church compound with joyful fellowship, including a dance performed by the youth, a fun-filled Housie Housie organized by ICYM and YCS, a lucky dip for altar servers, and the lucky cake draw—bringing the entire parish community together in the true spirit of Easter joy and unity.

Photography: Calix

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza