A Grace-Filled Triple Jubilee at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel
First Anniversary of the Renovated Church • Sacrament of Confirmation • Donors’ Jubilee
Bondel, November 18, 2025: St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, witnessed a deeply spiritual and joy-filled triple celebration on November 18, 2025. The parish marked three significant events: the First Anniversary of the renovated church, the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, and the felicitation of generous donors.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Robert Michael Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. Concelebrating at the altar were Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal, St Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha; Rev. Fr Arul, Betharram; Rev. Fr Peter Mascarenhas; Rev. Fr Ivan Peter Cordeiro, Asst. Manager, Codialbail Press; Rev. Fr Ravi Kumar, MSIJ; and Rev. Fr James Britto, MSIJ. During the solemn Mass, Bishop Robert administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 90 children of the parish at 5:00 p.m.
A Spirit-Filled Homily
In his moving and inspiring homily, Bishop Robert addressed the 90 Confirmation candidates with warmth and affection. He reflected on the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, explaining how the Spirit strengthens, enlightens, sanctifies, and guides every believer.
He reminded the children that they are “uniquely blessed, wonderfully created, and called to be living temples of God.” Encouraging them to remain strong in faith, he prayed that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide and guard them in their Christian journey.
The Bishop also reflected on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the significance of their Basilicas, and the four major Basilicas of Rome. Marking the first anniversary of the renovated church, he offered special prayers for all donors and benefactors. He urged the parishioners to live in unity, pray together, and strengthen the bond of fellowship within the church community.
Felicitation of Donors
After the homily, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Robert for presiding over the Eucharist and administering Confirmation.
On behalf of all donors, Mr Michael D’Souza, a Dubai-based NRI entrepreneur, was honoured by the Bishop with a shawl, bouquet, and a St Lawrence memento. In his message, Mr Michael congratulated the Parish Priest for the successful renovation of the church and emphasized that every offering made to the House of God is returned a hundredfold in blessings.
Procession and Felicitation Programme
Following Mass, the Confirmation children, donors, sponsors, clergy, and the Bishop joined a prayerful procession to the open church grounds for the felicitation ceremony. A prayer song marked the beginning of the programme.
Rev. Fr Andrew welcomed the gathering, thanked the donors for their generosity, and congratulated the newly confirmed children. Among the 90 candidates, three exceptionally gifted students were specially honoured by the Bishop with flower bouquets for their exemplary Christian witness.
Sr Jennifer, the catechism teacher, then called upon all the newly confirmed students. Bishop Robert presented each child with a Confirmation certificate and a rosary. In a touching moment, the boys released white balloons and the girls released yellow balloons, followed by the release of white pigeons—a powerful symbol of peace.
The children sang a heartfelt thanksgiving hymn, joined by the parish clergy and Parish Pastoral Council leaders, Vice President Mr John D’Silva and Secretary Mr Santhosh Misquith.
Students who scored high marks in catechism were honoured with mementoes. Jessica D’Souza shared her joyful testimony on behalf of all 90 children, expressing gratitude to the teachers who guided them.
Honouring Benefactors and Bishop Robert
Main sponsors, donors who contributed materials, and benefactors who donated ₹1 lakh and above were felicitated by Bishop Robert with a St Lawrence memento.
The parish clergy and PPC leaders then honoured Bishop Robert with a shawl, memento, fruits, and a bouquet.
In his message, the Bishop congratulated the Parish Priest, donors, and parishioners for building a beautiful church and for the warm hospitality. Addressing the newly confirmed, he encouraged them to remain open to God’s call and to be witnesses of Christ through exemplary Christian living. He also urged prayers for the Diocese of Gulbarga and missionaries worldwide.
Conclusion
Mr John D’Silva delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating everyone involved in making the event a memorable celebration. Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves blessed the meal, and Bishop Robert imparted his blessings to all gathered. Dinner and ice cream were served to everyone, followed by uplifting musical performances by Mr Ronald Lasrado.
Photography: Stanly Bantwal
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
