Photography & Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, May 21: Bondel Parish extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to its new assistant parish priest, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, on Tuesday, May 20. The welcoming ceremony began at 4:30 p.m. as a large number of parishioners gathered at the church entrance to receive him with joy and affection.

The official welcome was led by parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, who honoured Fr Lawrence with a garland. He was joined by Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Fr William D’Souza, outgoing assistant parish priest; John D’Silva, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Santhosh Misquith, council secretary, who presented floral bouquets to Fr Lawrence as a gesture of hospitality.

Fr Lawrence was accompanied by members of the Bendur parish clergy, including Fr Walter D’Souza, parish priest of Bendur; Fr Vivek Deepak Pinto, assistant parish priest; Fr Arun Wilson Lobo, principal of Padua College; Fr Denzil Lobo, resident priest; Fr Vincent D’Souza, director of CODP; and Mrs Patsy, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Bendur Parish.

As the choir sang a welcoming hymn, Fr Lawrence walked down the aisle to the altar and proclaimed the Word of God, marking a solemn and prayerful beginning to his ministry at Bondel Parish.

Fr Walter D’Souza introduced Fr Lawrence, highlighting his character and contributions in previous assignments. He extended best wishes on behalf of the Bendur clergy and parishioners.

In his address, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza offered an introduction to the parish and extended a heartfelt welcome saying, “Fr Lawrence, welcome to the loving embrace of our Bondel Parish community. Your presence among us is a divine gift—a guiding light. As you step into this sacred role of shepherd and guide, know that you are surrounded by a parish family eager to support and collaborate with you in spreading the Gospel message.”

He concluded with a quote from the Gospel of John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” encouraging all to love and serve one another in faith.

Fr Lawrence then led the congregation in prayer and imparted his blessings. As a symbol of affection on behalf of the parishioners, Fr Andrew presented him with a shawl and bouquet.

Seated on the dais were Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Fr William D’Souza, Fr Walter D’Souza, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, John D’Silva, Santhosh Misquith, Fr Arun Wilson Lobo, Fr Denzil Lobo, Fr Vincent D’Souza, Fr Vincent Vinod Saldanha (manager), Fr Ivan Peter Cordeiro (assistant manager, Codialbail Press), and Mrs Patsy.

Addressing the gathering, Fr Lawrence expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop, the Bendur clergy, PPC secretary Mrs Patsy, and all who accompanied him to Bondel. He also acknowledged the love and support he had received from the Bendur parishioners.

The parishioners and clergy of Bondel extended their prayers and best wishes to Fr Lawrence as he begins his new mission.

Fr Peter Gonsalves expressed thanks to the Bendur clergy, the PPC members of both parishes, the parishioners, and the choir group led by Mrs Jasmine and the children for their support and participation. He also led the ceremony with prayer, setting a reverent and joyful tone for the occasion, which concluded with a heartfelt thanksgiving hymn.