On Sunday, May 9th, at 5:00 p.m., Bondel Parish witnessed a joyous and grace-filled Community Wedding Celebration (ಸಾಮೂಹಿಕ್ ಕಾಜಾರಾಂಚೊ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ್), as six couples solemnly entered the Church to begin their sacred journey of married life together.

The Eucharistic Celebration was solemnly presided over by Most Rev. Dr Wilfred Gregory Moras-Bishop of Jhansi Diocese, who invoked God’s abundant blessings upon the newly married couples and their families. The Holy Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev. Fr Ravi Kumar MSIJ, and Rev. Fr Prem Prakash D’Souza.

In his homily, Most Rev. Dr Wilfred Gregory Moras reminded the couples that love should not remain only in words, but must be shown through actions, sacrifice, care, and understanding, just as Jesus loved the Holy Church. He encouraged the couples to forgive, support, and understand one another, and prayed that the Holy Spirit may guide and protect their families. The Bishop highlighted five important values for a blessed married life: Give first place to God in your family. Foster devotion to Mother Mary and welcome her into your home. Live with love, forgiveness, humanity, and mutual respect. Be generous and spend quality time with each other. Remain faithful to your words and promises. He concluded by blessing all the couples and assuring them of his prayers for a happy and successful married life.

At the end of the Holy Mass, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Most Rev. Dr Wilfred Gregory Moras for graciously presiding over the Eucharistic Celebration, blessing the newly married couples, and delivering a meaningful and inspiring homily. He also assured the Bishop of prayers and support for his ministry in the Diocese of Jhansi.

Following the Mass, the newly married couples joyfully walked in procession towards the stage arranged in the church premises along with the Bishop, Parish Clergy , Vice President Mr John D’Silva , Secretary- Mr Alwyn Saldanha , Mr Jason Fernandes Convener Shrine Committee .

The grand procession, accompanied by the lively band music, added beauty and festivity to the joyous Community Wedding Celebration.

During the welcome address, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza warmly welcomed Most Rev. Dr Wilfred Gregory Moras and congratulated the newly married couples and their families. He introduced each couple and invoked God’s blessings upon their married life .

The newly married couples joyfully cut the wedding cake placed before them and lovingly fed each other, symbolizing love, unity, and togetherness in their new journey of married life.

Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves raised the toast for the six newly married couples, introducing them along with their families and extending his heartfelt wishes. He said that the Community Wedding Celebration was a moment of joy for the entire parish family and also a cherished dream of Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza fulfilled. He also assured the couples of his prayers and blessings for a happy and blessed married life.

On behalf of all the newly married couples, Mr. Mervin and Mrs. Sunitha expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Most Rev. Dr. Wilfred Gregory Moras, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, the parish clergy, and the entire Parish community for their love, support, blessings, and prayers, and for organizing this beautiful Community Wedding Celebration programme.

The groom tied the sacred Mangalsutra (Kariamani), symbolizing love and lifelong commitment, and the couples exchanged garlands as a beautiful sign of unity and togetherness.

As part of the tradition, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, along with Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves , the PPC Vice President, Secretary, and Shrine Convener, presented gifts to the newly married couples and wished them a blessed and joyful married life.

Most Rev. Dr Wilfred Gregory Moras, in his message to the newly married couples, shared three simple rules for a successful married life — help each other, give time to each other, and have humanity and understanding towards one another. He also congratulated Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza for his wonderful initiative in organizing the Community Wedding Celebration.

Most Rev. Dr Wilfred Gregory Moras was felicitated with a shawl, garland, and flower bouquet by the parish clergy and PPC members.

All the couples were lovingly blessed by their parents, seeking God’s grace, guidance, and blessings for their married life. As part of the community wedding tradition, Master Denis represented the father’s role, while teacher Mary Miranda lovingly accepted the mother’s role in giving away the bride symbolizing love, care, and family support.

The grace before the meal was blessed by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza. The entire programme was compered by Mr Wilfred Alvares and concluded with a fellowship meal for all.

Photography : Stanly Bantwal

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza