37 Angels Embrace Jesus in the Holy Eucharist at Bondel Church
Bondel, Mangaluru May 4, 2025: In a momentous and spiritually uplifting celebration, 37 children of St. Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, received their First Holy Communion during the 4:00 p.m. Solemn Mass on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The celebration coincided with the Parish Establishment Day, marking a double blessing for the Bondel parish community.
In a deeply sacred atmosphere, in the blessed presence of Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga, the parish clergy, parents, and well-wishers, the First Communicants lovingly welcomed Jesus into their hearts for the very first time.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Francis Serrao, along with Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza (Parish Priest), Rev. Fr William D’Souza (Assistant Parish Priest), and Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves (Principal, St. Lawrence English Medium School). Several guest priests and relatives of the communicants concelebrated the Mass, including Monsignor Fr Simon Tellis (Karwar), Rev. Fr George D’Souza, Rev. Fr Alwyn Pinto SVD, Rev. Fr Anil Prakash Tauro OCD, and Rev. Fr Steven D’Souza.
In his homily, Bishop Serrao reflected on the profound meaning of the Holy Eucharist and the breaking of the bread. He spoke of God’s eternal dream for humanity—to live in communion with Him. He emphasized God’s divine plan: to be with us, give us His Body and Blood, and send the Holy Spirit as our guide. Speaking directly to the First Communicants, he said, “As you receive Jesus, let Him overflow from your heart. Be a reflection of Christ in everything you do.”
The children’s choir, guided by Mrs Jasmine, filled the church with melodious hymns that deeply moved the congregation. Catechism teachers ensured that the liturgy was well-organized, with children actively participating in the readings, psalms, prayers, and thanksgiving with clarity and reverence.
After the Mass, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Serrao for his presence and spiritual guidance. He also thanked teachers Mrs Meena Barboza and Mrs Lilia Pinto for their dedicated efforts in preparing the children. Each communicant received a certificate, a rosary, and a scapular as mementos of this sacred milestone.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation program was held on the church premises. Accompanied by their parents, the Bishop, and clergy, the First Communicants joyfully walked in procession to the stage. Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves warmly welcomed all attendees. The children sang a heartfelt Thanksgiving hymn and performed an energetic action song. A highlight of the celebration was a vibrant flash mob choreographed by Mrs Shanti Priya Lasrado, performed by the First Communicants and parish youth.
A joyful cake-cutting ceremony added to the celebration. Each child had a turn, and Bishop Serrao also cut the cake, commemorating the anniversary of his episcopal ordination. Each child was also presented with a Bible as a symbol of spiritual nourishment.
In his address, Bishop Serrao congratulated the parish priest and parishioners for organizing such a meaningful celebration. He shared a thought from poet H.S. Shivaprakash, encouraging the communicants to grow into lives of love, service, and holiness—becoming like Christ.
A special moment during the event was the release of the Centenary Souvenir, unveiled by Bishop Serrao alongside Editor Mrs Mary Miranda, Rev. Fr William D’Souza, Parish Priest Fr Andrew, Vice President Mr John D’Silva, PPC Secretary Mr Santhosh Misquith, and Commission Head Mr Manoj Lewis. The souvenir was distributed to all attendees. Mrs Mary Miranda and Fr William D’Souza were felicitated for their valuable contributions.
The program included a donation coupon draw and a toast raised by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, congratulating the children and urging parents to continue nurturing their children’s faith life. Catechism teachers Mrs Meena Barboza and Mrs Lilia Pinto were also felicitated for their tireless efforts. The ICYM youth, led by Alrick D’Silva, were applauded for creating touching short videos capturing the communicants’ special moments.
The felicitation program was compered gracefully by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves. The entire celebration was beautifully organized by the parish cultural committee, Ladies Association, and dedicated volunteers. A community meal followed, preceded by grace led by Fr William D’Souza. In keeping with tradition, Mr John D’Silva symbolically offered water to the gathering.
The day concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mr Santhosh Misquith, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, marking the end of a joyous and spiritually enriching celebration.
Photography: Stanly Bantwal
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
