Mangalore Diocese News

News & Photos : Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, Nov 13 : St Lawrence Church Bondel celebrated the feast of St. Charles Borromeo, the Patron of Catechism teachers on 12th November 2023.

The day commenced with an Eucharistic celebration at 8.30 a.m. led by Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal St Lawrence English Medium School Bondel. Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza Concelebrated the mass.

Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves in his homily said, "Our daily routine can be shattered by the unexpected and sudden demands life puts on us and our loved ones. Will we be ready to respond? It depends on how well we have tended to our "oil" supply. Let us ask ourselves: What helps me "stay awake" and alert to God’s entrance into my daily life? Is there a practice of prayer, or reflection, I can adopt to help me better respond to Christ each day? Going to church is good; coming to Christ is better. Being baptized is good; being born again is better. Giving money is good; giving your heart to Jesus is better. Being religious is good; knowing Christ as the Savior and the Lord is better".

Furthermore, he said as we celebrate the Feast of St. Charles Borromeo, may God fan into a flame the gift of the Spirit so that, like Charles, we may grow closer to God and one another, having a burning desire to preach the love of Christ and teach the Gospel. He captured the attention of the children by asking them a series of questions and interacted with them over the liturgical theme of the day.

The entire liturgy was conducted by the Catechism teachers. The choir was led by the children's choir members. The Parish Priest Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, expressed deep appreciation for their noble service, showering blessings upon the catechists and their families. Rev Fr Andrew honoured the Catechism teachers with a rose.

After the mass, Catechism teachers had a small get together. They celebrated Rev Fr Lancy D'Souza's birthday. Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza cut the birthday cake along with all the teachers. In his message, Rev. Fr Lancy D'Souza extended warm greetings on the occasion of his birthday to all the teachers for celebrating his birthday with love and affection.