The parishioners of  St Lawrence Church , Bondel , held a farewell programme in honour of Asst. Parish Priest Rev Fr Lancy  D’Souza  on Sunday, May 5 2024.

The 7.00 a.m. mass was celebrated by Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza  Asst  parish priest , Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Rev Fr Leo Veigas and  Rev Fr Robert Pinto were concelebrants.

Following the 7 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 5, the parishioners and Parish Pastoral Council members gathered for a formal farewell ceremony. On May 14, Rev. Fr. Lancy D’Souza will take over as the Assistant Parish Priest at Bantwal.

Rev, Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal St Lawrence English Medium School welcomed the gathering. On behalf of the parishioners, Rev. Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, read the citation “maan patr” in acknowledging the services rendered by Rev. Lancy D’Souza for a duration of two years.

Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza  was bid farewell by honouring him with a shawl by  Rev Fr Andrew,  “maan patr”  by Rev Fr Peter, Flowers by the Vice President, Memento by the Secretory along with good wishes by  Sr Leticia PDDM. 

 Rev Fr  Peter Gonsalves, Sr Laetitia  PDDM Superior , Mr John D’Silva vice president, Mr Santhosh Misquith , secretary Parish Pastoral Council  were present on dais.

In bidding farewell, Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza  expressed heartfelt gratitude for the cherished moments shared  with Rev Fr Lancy and the bonds formed. He imparted blessings for a journey filled with growth, wisdom, and divine guidance. Rev Fr Lancy ‘s  influence has been profound, touching the hearts of all, particularly the youth and the less fortunate. He has exemplified the virtues of compassion, guidance, and mentorship, nurturing individuals to flourish and thrive under his care.

The principal, Rev. Fr. Peter Gonsalves, acknowledged his heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Lancy for his devoted service to Bondel Parish in a message. He expressed appreciation for Fr. Lancy’s contributions and wished him luck and prosperity in all of his future endeavors

During the occasion, Rev. Fr. Lancy  expressed his gratitude to Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo  D’Souza, the parish priest, and Rev. Fr. Peter Gonsalves , the principal, for their companionship during his time at Bondel. He then addressed the parishioners, speaking from his heart about the meaningful moments and connections he had experienced at Bondel Parish. As he concluded , he thanked everyone sincerely, promising to remember each parishioner in his prayers. Despite his emotions, Fr. Lancy appeared calm and composed, urging the parishioners to keep him in their prayers as well..

Coordinator’s  from all the Associations , Conveners of the commissions of the parish came forward to bid farewell to Fr Lancy each offering a flower as a symbol of their gratitude and appreciation for his service and leadership. 

It was a touching sight as all the parishioners gathered together to offer their heartfelt wishes to Rev Fr Lancy . Their collective presence and well-wishes spoke volumes about the impact he had made on their lives and the deep sense of community within the parish.

Photography & Report: Meena Serrao Barboza