Mangalore Diocese News

Photography & Report : Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, April 12, 2025 : The four-day spiritual retreat at St Lawrence Church & Shrine , Bondel came to a grace-filled and transformative close, leaving the faithful uplifted, renewed, and deeply rooted in the love of Christ. Commencing on April 7th, the retreat culminated on April 11th with soul-stirring sessions of inner healing, Eucharistic adoration, and special blessings through the Most Blessed Sacrament. The final day was especially anointed, as hearts were opened through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the sacred rite of the Anointing of the Sick—offering the faithful a profound encounter with God's mercy, healing, and restorative grace.

The retreat was prayerfully led by Br Joel Lasrado and Rev.Fr Rovel D'Souza, OCD — both renowned preachers from Goa, anointed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and known for their deep insights into the Word of God and healing ministry.

Br Joel Lasrado's sessions explored deeply the soul's journey toward salvation, nurturing a vibrant personal prayer life, and surrendering to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. With profound reflections on the Eucharist, the call to holiness, and the healing grace of God, his words resonated deeply within the hearts of the faithful, urging many to renew their commitment to a life of holiness and spiritual growth.

In preparation for the retreat, Rev.Fr Rovel D'Souza, OCD, led the faithful through four days of profound spiritual reflection. His teachings invited them to open their hearts to the transformative grace of God, embrace the call to holiness, and deepen their understanding of the sacredness of the Mass. He emphasized choosing divine love over sin, and living a life that reflects the purity and example of Christ, drawing all closer to a life of true discipleship and devotion.

The musical worship during the retreat was deeply moving and anointed, led by Br Ronald Ammembal and Br Joe, with the beautiful voices of Shanti Fernandes Pinto, Angela Pinto, and Renisha. Their harmonious melodies and sacred songs lifted the hearts of the faithful, ushering them into a deeper place of praise, adoration, and communion with the Lord, creating an atmosphere of spiritual fervor and divine connection.

A large number of parishioners gathered for the retreat, engaging fully in every session with open hearts and minds. During the retreat, heartfelt prayers were offered for children, the sick, the youth, parish council members, and association members,religious nuns all of whom dedicate themselves in service to the parish community. These prayers invoked God's abundant grace, healing, and strength upon them, entrusting them to His loving care and guidance.

In his vote of thanks, Rev.Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Parish Priest of Bondel, expressed profound gratitude to the entire retreat team for their selfless service and unwavering dedication to the Lord's work. As a token of appreciation, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium School , presented a memento to Rev.Fr Rovel and Br Joel. Rev.Fr Andrew also fervently invoked God's abundant blessings upon Br Joel Lasrado, Rev. Fr Rovel D'Souza, and the entire praise and worship team, thanking them for their ministry and for being faithful instruments of God's grace, leading others closer to His divine presence. Additionally, the Parish Priest extended heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, contributing to the success of the retreat through their selfless dedication and service.

This retreat has truly been a soul-refreshing journey, drawing many closer to the heart of God and filling their hearts with His peace, healing, and transformative spiritual strength.