Parishioners of St Lawrence Church Bondel observe Good Friday with deep passion and grief
March 29, 2024: Good Friday is a significant day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Around the world, people observe Good Friday with deep passion and grief.
The Good Friday service in St. Lawrence Church, Bondel, commenced at 6 p.m. Rev. Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, Director Pastoral Institute, was the main celebrant, along with Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest; Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr Lancy D’Souza; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal, St Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr Ravi MSIJ; and Rev. Fr Theo Pinto.
The Good Friday Service was divided into four segments: first, the reading of passages from the Holy Scriptures, including the Passion of Christ from the Gospel of St. John the Evangelist; solemn prayers for the intentions of the Holy Church; unveiling and veneration of the Crucifix; and Holy Communion.
The whole Passion of Christ was sung with devotion by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev. Fr. Santhosh Rodrigues, and Mr. Joachim Pinto.
During his preaching, Rev. Fr Santosh Rodrigues emphazised the importance of sacrifice, suffering, and bearing a living witness to Jesus. As Jesus suffered physically, mentally, and spiritually, we too are called to imitate Him in our daily lives. He also stressed Pope Francis’s appeal for personal prayer, family prayer, and the renewal of our faith. We are called to show mercy and forgiveness to all by living a life of social justice, avoiding evil, and living in unity. As Jesus has fulfilled His mission on earth, we are called to be His hands and feet to proclaim His word to the world.
Considering the present situation of our Diocese he specially requested that the faithful not highlight the weakness of the clergy. Instead of supporting and standing by the religious and the priest, pray for more vocations, lest in the near future we will have enough priests to serve the church.
The church choir played a significant role in making the ceremony meaningful and prayerful.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, the Parish priest, extended his gratitude and thanked the liturgical committee and the organisers for making this ceremony adhere to holiness.
At the end of the ceremony, there was a procession carrying the dead Body of Christ which touched the hearts of all.
Alrick D’Silva narrated the ceremony of the Passion of Christ.
Photography: Veron Pinto
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
