St Lawrence Church & Shrine formally welcomed Rev. Fr Basil Vas as its new Parish Priest in a solemn installation ceremony held on Sunday, 24th May 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Upon his arrival at Bondel Parish, Rev. Fr Basil Vas was warmly received by the outgoing Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, along with Rev. Dr Praveen Leo Lasrado, delegate of the Bishop; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium School; Vice President Mr John D’Silva; and Secretary Mr Alwyn Saldanha, who welcomed him with floral greetings and bouquets. Accompanied by a majestic brass band procession, he proceeded prayerfully into the church amidst the gathered faithful.

At the altar, the sacred installation rites began. The outgoing Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, symbolically handed over the stole to the new Parish Priest as a sign of pastoral authority and continuity. Rev. Fr Basil Vas then placed the Bible on the altar, incensed it reverently, and proclaimed the Word of God, followed by the recitation of the Creed and prayers.

The Bible was then presented before the delegate of the Bishop, Rev. Dr Leo Lasrado, marking the formal installation. In a symbolic gesture of responsibility, the outgoing Parish Priest handed over the parish files, while the Vice President, Mr John D’Silva, handed over the accounts and financial records of the parish. The keys of the tabernacle were also entrusted to the new Parish Priest.

Rev. Fr Basil Vas then lit the candles near the tabernacle and reverently opened it, signifying his pastoral responsibility for the Eucharistic presence in the parish. From this light, he invited members of the Parish Council to light their candles, symbolizing unity, shared mission, and their commitment to walk together in faith and service.

The Hymn of St. Lawrence was then sung with devotion, filling the church with prayerful joy and gratitude.

The entire installation ceremony was gracefully narrated by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, who guided the faithful through each sacred moment with reverence and clarity.

After the solemn installation ceremony, a graceful felicitation programme was held on the altar in a spirit of thanksgiving, unity, and joy. The dignitaries present on the altar included the newly installed Parish Priest Rev. Fr Basil Vas, outgoing Parish Priest Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, Rev. Fr Francis Crasta (Parish Priest of Vorkady), Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Mr John D’Silva, Mr Alwyn Saldanha, and Shrine Convener Mr Jason Fernandes.

The Vice President, Mr John D’Silva, extended a warm welcome to everyone and lovingly welcomed the new Parish Priest with a sapling, joined by all the dignitaries present on the altar as a sign of growth, life, and shared mission. Other guest priests were also honoured and greeted with floral bouquets as a gesture of respect and appreciation.

Guest priests Rev. Fr William Dsouza, Rev. Fr Santhosh, and Rev. Fr Edwin were specially felicitated with floral bouquets.

Rev. Fr Francis Crasta then shared a brief introduction about Rev. Fr Basil Vas, highlighting his pastoral ministry and priestly journey.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza also spoke, giving a brief introduction to Bondel Parish, its rich history, and its institutions, including the school and parish ministries.

Rev. Dr Leo Lasrado, Delegate of the Bishop, offered his felicitations to both the outgoing and new Parish Priests. He congratulated Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza for his dedicated service and extended prayerful best wishes to Rev. Fr Basil Vas for his new mission. He reminded the faithful that transfers are a part of priestly mission—though emotional and painful, they are steps of obedience and service in God’s plan.

The newly appointed Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Basil Vas, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and assured the parish community of his commitment, prayer, and dedicated service. He also thanked his previous parishioners who came in large numbers to accompany him, expressing their love, support, and prayers.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, who expressed sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the programme. The felicitation ceremony was gracefully compered by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, who guided the proceedings prayerfully and smoothly.

The programme concluded with the thanksgiving hymn of St Lawrence, filling the atmosphere with gratitude and praise. Refreshments were then served to all the faithful gathered for this grace-filled and historic occasion.

Report:Meena Serrao Barboza

Photography:Stanley Bantwal.