Two-Day Retreat Begins at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel.
Bondel, October 15, 2026 : A two-day spiritual retreat commenced at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, under the inspiring theme, “Embrace Suffering with Love and Pray for the Grace to Overcome It.” The retreat brought together the faithful for prayer, praise and worship, the Word of God, personal testimony, the Holy Eucharist, and Eucharistic adoration.
The day began at 9:00 a.m. with praise and worship led by Bro Elias accompanied by the choir under the leadership of Brother Osmand. Rev. Fr Basil Vas, Rector of St Lawrence Shrine, introduced Rev. Fr Anthony Parankimalil VC, who had travelled from Kigali, Rwanda, to lead the retreat. Fr Anthony was warmly welcomed with a flower bouquet presented by Fr Basil and the Mr Alwyn Saldanha Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council. Bro Rohit was also welcomed with a bouquet.
In his greeting, Fr Anthony expressed his happiness at being in Bondel, remarking that the church resembled a retreat centre. He shared how deeply he felt God’s presence in the shrine and expressed his joy at seeing the faithful gathered in prayer.
Fr.Anthony emphasised the power of the Word of God, encouraging the faithful to proclaim it, meditate on it, and live by it daily. He also reflected on the different vocations in the Church and reminded everyone to respond to God’s call with love and commitment.
The central message of his preaching was to embrace suffering with love, without expecting anything in return, and pray for the grace to overcome life’s challenges. Drawing inspiration from saints such as St John Paul II, St Padre Pio, and St Francis of Assisi, he explained that suffering, when accepted with faith and united with Christ, can become an eternal treasure and a path to holiness. Reflecting on Ephesians 5:1, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children,” he urged the faithful to imitate God’s love and goodness in their daily lives.
The afternoon session began with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, led by Bro Elias, followed by praise and worship. A heartfelt testimony by Bro Rohit of Tabor Ashram- Mumbai inspired the faithful to trust in God, persevere through difficulties, and recognise His presence in every circumstance.
The Holy Mass was presided over by V.Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza, Rector of the Minor Basilica of Karkal Attur, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr Anthony Parankimalil VC and Rev. Fr Basil Vas. The celebration further strengthened the faithful in their faith and devotion.
The day concluded with the exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The faithful prayed for healing, peace, strength, and spiritual renewal. Fr Anthony imparted the final blessing and moved among the faithful with the monstrance, offering a special Eucharistic blessing.
The retreat sessions were translated by Fr Basil Vas, and Fr Alban D’Souza Their translation helped the faithful understand and reflect more deeply on the spiritual messages.
The first day of the retreat was a grace-filled experience of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. The message of accepting suffering with love and uniting it with Christ invited the faithful to deepen their relationship with God, trust in His providence, and live as beloved children of God.
Report & Photography
0 Comments