Bondel Parish Joyfully Welcomes Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha as New Assistant Parish Priest

May 20, 2025

Bondel, Mangaluru: A warm welcome was accorded to the new Assistant Parish Priest of Bondel Parish, Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. A large number of parishioners gathered at the entrance of the church to receive him with great joy and affection.

The official welcome was led by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, who honored the new Assistant Parish Priest with a garland. He was joined by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr William D’Souza, outgoing Assistant Parish Priest; Mr John D’Silva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Mr Santhosh Misquith, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council. Floral bouquets were presented as a gesture of warm welcome.

Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha was accompanied by Rev. Fr Walter D’Souza, Parish Priest of Bendur; Rev. Fr Vivek Deepak Pinto, Assistant Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Arun Wilson Lobo, Principal of Padua College; Rev. Fr Denzil Lobo, Resident Priest; Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP; and Mrs Patsy, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Bendur Parish.

As the choir sang a welcoming hymn, Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha walked down the aisle to the altar. He then proclaimed the Word of God, marking a solemn and heartfelt beginning to his ministry at Bondel Parish.

Rev. Fr Walter D’Souza gave a brief introduction of Rev. Fr Lawrence, highlighting his qualities and pastoral contributions. He extended his best wishes on behalf of the clergy and parishioners of Bendur.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza gave an insightful introduction to the parish and offered a heartfelt welcome, saying:
“Fr. Lawrence, welcome to the loving embrace of our Bondel Parish community. Your presence among us is a divine gift—a guiding light. As you step into this sacred role of shepherd and guide, know that you are surrounded by a parish family eager to support and collaborate with you in spreading the Gospel message.”
He concluded by quoting John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” encouraging all to love, serve, and live by this message.

Rev. Fr Lawrence then led the gathering in prayer and imparted his blessings. As a gesture of affection on behalf of the parishioners, Parish Priest Rev. Fr Andrew D’Souza presented him with a shawl and a floral bouquet.

Seated on the dais were:

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest of Bondel
Rev. Fr William D’Souza, outgoing Assistant Parish Priest
Rev. Fr Walter D’Souza, Parish Priest of Bendur
Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, new Assistant Parish Priest
Mr John D’Silva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council
Mr Santhosh Misquith, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council
Rev. Fr Arun Wilson Lobo, Principal of Padua College
Rev. Fr Denzil Lobo, Resident Priest
Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP
Rev. Fr Vincent Vinod Saldanha, Manager
Rev. Fr Ivan Peter Cordeiro, Assistant Manager, Codialbail Press
Mrs Patsy, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Bendur Parish

Rev. Fr Lawrence addressed the parishioners, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop, the clergy of Bendur Parish, PPC Secretary Mrs Patsy, and all who accompanied him to Bondel. He acknowledged with warmth the love and support extended by the parishioners of Bendur.

The clergy and parishioners of Bondel Parish extended their sincere wishes and prayers for Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha as he embarks on his new ministry.

Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves expressed gratitude to the Bendur Parish clergy, PPC Secretary Mrs Patsy, the Vice President and Secretary of the Bondel Parish Pastoral Council, the parishioners, and the Choir Group led by Mrs Jasmine and the children for their support and participation. He prayerfully led the welcome ceremony, setting a reverent and heartfelt tone for the occasion.

The ceremony concluded with a thanksgiving hymn.

Photography & Report:
Meena Serrao Barboza