Mangalore Diocese News

Report:  Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography: Veron

Bondel, March 29 : “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" - John 13:34.

 St. Lawrence Church Bondel observed Maundy Thursday, a day commemorating Jesus' utmost love and the institution of the Holy Eucharist, on March 28, 2024. The service began at the church premises at 6:30 p.m.

V. Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao –Rector St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu was the main celebrant , Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves Principal St Lawrence English medium school, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza Asst PP, Rev Fr Ravi Kumar MSIJ and  Rev Fr Theo Pinto were the concelebrants.

V. Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao  broke the Word of God for the faithful. Holy Thursday commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood. It is a day of rededicating ourselves to Christ’s mission through a total donation of oneself and the willingness to serve others.
Today, the Church celebrates God’s beautiful gift to her and the entire world – the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist is the food that God has generously made available to nourish us on our spiritual journey. According to Pope Francis, “The Eucharist is not just a weekly way of celebrating our faith, but radically affects our relationship with others. Especially with those most in need.”
The Eucharist gives us Grace ,. We go to Mass, not because we are worthy , it is because we know that we are always in need of God’s mercy, love, and Grace. These come to us through the body and blood of Christ. Eucharist affects the life of our Christian communities. So, the Church receives her mission and identity from the Eucharist. Jesus washed the disciple’s feet as an act of humility and service thereby setting an example that we should love and serve one another in humility, said Fr Ronald.

In accordance with tradition and symbolism, Rev. Fr  Andrew Leo D'Souza washed the feet of the twelve chosen parishioners in remembrance of Jesus' sacrificial act of washing their feet.

 Soon after the mass  there was an adoration  Holy Eucharist was carried in procession to the "Altar of Repose" in the adoration chapel along with Apostles and parishioners. Rev Fr Ronald Serrao  led the adoration service.

During the entire ceremony, the Church choir added solemnity. Rev. Fr. Andrew  Leo D’Souza extended his gratitude to the Altar servers, volunteers, members of the liturgy committee, choir, and PPC members.

Maundy Thursday  significance of the celebration   was  highlighted  by  Mrs Mary Miranda.