Mangalore Diocese News

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography: Veron Pinto

Bondel, March 30, 2024: Good Friday is a significant day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the remembrance of Jesus' crucifixion and death. The world across, people observe Good Friday with deep passion and grief.

The Good Friday service in St. Lawrence Church, Bondel commenced at 6 p.m. on March 29 with Rev Fr Santhosh Rodrigues Director Pastoral Institute as 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, reading of passages from 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 & Mr Joachim Pinto.

During his preaching Rev Fr Santosh Rodrigues emphasized 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 life. He also stressed on Pope Francis's appeal on personal prayer, family prayer and 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 the faithful not to highlight the weakness of the clergy. Instead, to support and stand by the religious and the Priest, pray for more vocations, lest in the near future we will not have enough priests to serve the church.

The Church choir added 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 to adhere to the 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.