At 6:45 p.m., the farewell programme commenced with a grand and solemn procession led by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, together with the parish clergy, guest priests, religious sister superiors of the convents, the Vice President, Secretary, and other dignitaries. Accompanied by the melodious brass band, the procession prayerfully moved towards the stage amidst loud applause and heartfelt emotions from the parishioners. The grand procession beautifully reflected the immense love, gratitude, and respect the people of Bondel Parish have for their beloved parish priest.

The dignitaries present on the dais included Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev. Fr Ivan Cordeiro, Rev. Fr Vincent Saldanha, Rev. Fr Biju, Sr Stella, Sr Flora, Sr Diana, Sr Mishal, Vice President Mr John D’Silva, Secretary Mr Alwyn Saldanha, Commission Head Mrs Avitja Mascarenhas, and Shrine Convener Mr Jason Fernandes.

The programme commenced with a graceful prayer dance by the youth of the parish, invoking God’s abundant blessings upon the gathering. Mrs Avitha Mascarenhas warmly welcomed all the dignitaries, parishioners, and faithful gathered for the occasion. The guests on the dais were then honoured with floral bouquets as a gesture of love and gratitude.

During his heartfelt sharing of experiences, the Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr John L. D’Silva, fondly reflected on his close association and journey of working with Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza over the past four years in the parish. He expressed that Fr had been not only a Parish Priest but also a loving elder brother, mentor, and spiritual guide to him and to the parish community. He highlighted Fr’s deep prayer life, compassionate concern for the needy, affectionate care towards children and youth, and his loving approach towards all parishioners. He especially admired Fr’s spirit of forgiveness and his sincere efforts in living and preaching the Gospel message, “Love your enemies.” Mr D’Silva also gratefully acknowledged Fr’s tireless sacrifices, selfless dedication, and visionary leadership in strengthening and building the parish community. Concluding his sharing, he invoked God’s abundant blessings, good health, and success upon Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza in his future priestly ministry.

A heartfelt send-off song expressing the love, gratitude, and emotions of the parishioners was beautifully dedicated to Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza by the Bondel Choir under the able leadership of Dr Suraj Noronha.

On behalf of all the priests who served in the parish, Rev. Fr Clifford Pinto shared his heartfelt experiences of knowing and working with Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza. He spoke warmly about Fr Andrew’s paternal love, deep prayer life, humble nature, and compassionate concern for everyone. He also appreciated his dedicated service as Correspondent and the loving bond he shared with the parish community. Rev. Fr Clifford highlighted Fr Andrew’s simplicity, caring attitude, and inspiring spiritual leadership, which touched the lives of many. Expressing gratitude for their friendship and association, he prayerfully wished Rev. Fr Andrew God’s abundant blessings in his future ministry and joyfully mentioned that, if given an opportunity again, he would gladly serve alongside him because of his humble and loving nature.

With a gratitude-filled talk, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, fondly reflected on the five years of living and serving together with Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, who served as the Correspondent of the school. He appreciated Fr Andrew’s prayerful life, loving care, constant guidance, and visionary leadership in the growth of both the school and parish community. Describing him as a joyful companion and compassionate spiritual guide, Rev. Fr Peter thanked God for the gift of their togetherness and wished Rev. Fr Andrew God’s abundant blessings in his future ministry.

The felicitation ceremony commenced with Mr Alwyn Saldanha, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, reading a deeply touching and sentimental citation that beautifully highlighted the life journey and devoted priestly ministry of Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza. His 35 years of faithful service to the Diocese and his remarkable 8 years of dedicated ministry in Bondel Parish were gratefully acknowledged and appreciated by the parish community. The heartfelt words in the citation moved many, reflecting the immense love, gratitude, and admiration the parishioners hold for their beloved parish priest.

Following this, the dignitaries came together to lovingly honour and felicitate Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza with a shawl, garland, peta, saplings, fruits, bouquets, and the citation as tokens of deep love, gratitude, respect, and heartfelt appreciation for his dedicated and selfless service to the parish community. The touching gesture reflected the affection and esteem the parishioners hold for their beloved shepherd and spiritual guide

Later, the various parish associations stepped forward to felicitate Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza with floral tributes, garlands, saplings, and heartfelt prayerful wishes, expressing their deep love, gratitude, and appreciation for his selfless and dedicated service to the Church and parish community. The gesture beautifully reflected the immense affection, respect, and care the parishioners hold for their beloved parish priest.

In his heartfelt thanksgiving message, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza reflected with deep emotion on his 35 years of priestly ministry and 8 grace-filled years of service in Bondel Parish from 2018 to 2026, which he lovingly described as his spiritual home and family. He gratefully recalled the journey of faith, the strong bond he shared with the parishioners, and the overwhelming love, support, and generosity he received throughout his pastoral mission.

He also remembered with gratitude the various milestones of his ministry, including the renovation of the church and the declaration of the shrine, which he considered blessings of God working through the parish community.As he shared his experiences, Father became deeply emotional and moved to tears, which in turn touched the hearts of the faithful, leaving many in the congregation emotional as well. His words of gratitude, love, and farewell beautifully reflected the deep spiritual bond he shared with the parish, making the moment truly unforgettable and grace-filled.

Concluding his message, he sincerely thanked all parishioners, donors, well-wishers, and sponsors for their constant support, generosity, and prayers, praying that God may bless them abundantly for their love and kindness.

The prayer before the meal was led by Rev. Fr Vincent Saldanha. The programme was gracefully and beautifully compered by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, who guided the proceedings with warmth and elegance. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Mary Miranda, who expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed towards the grand success of the farewell programme, acknowledging the efforts of all priests, parishioners, volunteers, and well-wishers who made the occasion truly memorable and meaningful.

The evening continued with heartfelt farewell songs presented by the ward members and the children’s choir, along with meaningful skits performed by the ward members and graceful dance presentations. Each performance beautifully expressed the deep love, gratitude, and affection of the parish community towards Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, making the occasion truly emotional, memorable, and grace-filled.

The programme concluded in a spirit of fellowship and joy, as supper and ice cream were lovingly served to all those gathered for the occasion. The entire parish community remained present, sharing in the moment of gratitude, unity, and heartfelt farewell, which made the celebration even more meaningful and memorable.

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Photography: Stanley Bantwal