All Souls’ Day was devoutly observed on Monday, November 2, 2026, at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, with prayers and heartfelt remembrance of the faithful departed. The day provided an opportunity for parishioners to remember their deceased family members, loved ones and all those who have gone before us in faith, entrusting them to the infinite mercy and love of God.

Holy Masses were offered at 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with special intentions for the repose of the souls of departed family members and the entire parish community.

The solemn evening Eucharistic celebration at 5:00 p.m. was presided over by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Basil Vas Rector & Parish Priest , and concelebrated by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Ravi Kumar MSIJ, and Rev. Fr James Britto MSIJ Rev. Fr Biju Bethraam & Guest Priests . The Mass was offered in memory of all the departed souls of the parish and their families.

In his homily, Rev. Fr Lawrence beautifully reflected on the meaning and significance of All Souls’ Day, reminding the faithful that death is not the end of life but the beginning of a new journey towards eternal life with God. He spoke of heaven as our ultimate home, a place of everlasting peace, where there is no sorrow, worry or suffering. “Our heavenly home is a place of everlasting peace, free from worry and distress,” he said, encouraging the faithful to renew their hope in the resurrection. He reminded everyone that heaven is the ultimate destination of our earthly journey and that we are called to live upright lives, rooted in faith, trust and obedience to God.

At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, Rev. Fr Basil Vas offered special prayers, earnestly seeking God’s merciful love and eternal peace for the souls of the departed, particularly those awaiting the fullness of heavenly glory.

Following the Mass, a solemn prayer service was held at the parish cemetery, where the graves were blessed. Parishioners gathered in large numbers, carrying candles and offering prayers for their departed loved ones. The cemetery was beautifully adorned with flowers and candles, lovingly placed by families as a mark of remembrance, gratitude and enduring affection.

The church choir added to the solemnity of the occasion through their melodious hymns during the Eucharistic celebration and the cemetery prayer service, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion and reflection.

The observance of All Souls’ Day was a poignant reminder that, while death separates us physically from those we love, our bond with them remains alive through faith, prayer and hope in Christ’s resurrection. It renewed the parish community’s belief in eternal life and the comforting promise that, in God’s time, all His faithful children are called to share in the glory of His heavenly kingdom.

Photography & Report Meena Serrao Barboza