Two-Day Spiritual Retreat Concludes at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel.

Bondel, October 16, 2026.

The second day of the two-day spiritual retreat at St. Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, began at 9 a.m. with praise and worship led by Bro Elias, accompanied by the choir under the leadership of Bro Osmond & team

Rev. Fr Antony Parankimalil VC, the retreat preacher, highlighted Luke 15:7, reminding the faithful of the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Through his spiritual reflections, he prepared the faithful for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing an opportunity for all those gathered to experience God’s mercy, forgiveness and healing through confession.

Following lunch, the afternoon session resumed with praise and worship led by Bro Elias. Bro Rohit then shared his inspiring testimony about his missionary life at Tabor Ashram, Mumbai.

The faithful were guided in meditating on the Word of God and encouraged to remember and pray for the souls of the departed, especially in preparation for the month of November.

The solemn Holy Mass was celebrated with Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, as the main celebrant. The concelebrants included Rev. Fr Antony Parankimalil VC, the retreat preacher; Rev. Fr Basil Vas, Rector of St Lawrence Shrine, and Rev. Fr Alban, Rector of the Minor Basilica , Attur, Karkala.

During the homily, Fr Antony reminded the faithful that God knows every problem, struggle and difficulty they face. Reflecting on John 6:44 and Jeremiah 29:11, he assured the faithful of God’s loving call, guidance and plans for their lives.

He also explained the spiritual significance of PHD — Preaching, Healing and Deliverance — highlighting how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to proclaim God’s Word, become instruments of healing and bring deliverance to those in need.

The retreat culminated in Eucharistic Adoration, with the Blessed Sacrament exposed for veneration. Fr Antony invited children and the sick to receive special prayers and blessings. During the Eucharistic procession, he carried the monstrance around the church, imparting blessings upon the gathered faithful. The faithful experienced a deeply prayerful moment before receiving the final blessing.

A Heartfelt Note of Gratitude

At the conclusion, Rev. Fr Basil Vas expressed his sincere gratitude to Fr Antony for his inspiring preaching, Bro Rohit for his testimony, the choir members, the organising team, all volunteers, the Parish Pastoral Council members and the faithful whose participation made the retreat fruitful and meaningful.

In his concluding words, Fr Antony expressed his joy and gratitude for having conducted the retreat at the Shrine of St Lawrence. He requested the faithful to pray for him and his missionary work.

With a final hymn, the two-day spiritual retreat came to a close, leaving the faithful renewed in faith and encouraged to embrace suffering with love, seek God’s mercy, and live as witnesses of His love.

Report & Photography

Meena Serrao Barboza