News: Meena Serrao Barboza
Pics: Stany Bantwal
Mangaluru, May 5: On Sunday, May 4, during the evening solemn Mass, 37 angels of St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel parish joyfully celebrated their Community First Holy Communion, coinciding with the Parish Establishment Day.
In a deeply spiritual atmosphere, and in the blessed presence of the bishop of Shimoga, parish clergy, parents, and well-wishers, the children lovingly welcomed Jesus into their hearts for the very first time.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by most rev Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shimoga, along with Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest, Fr William D’Souza assistant parish priest, and Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School. The relatives of the first communicants, including monsignor Fr Simon Tellis (Karwar), Fr George D'Souza, Fr Alwyn Pinto SVD, Fr Anil Prakash Tauro OCD, and Fr Steven D'Souza, concelebrated the Eucharist.
Bishop Dr Francis Serrao presided over the homily, reflecting on the true meaning of the Eucharist and the breaking of the bread. He contrasted man's fleeting dreams with God’s eternal dream—that we live in communion with Him. Bishop Serrao explained God's divine plan: He created us and breathed His life into us; He became Emmanuel, God with us; He gave us His Body and Blood in the Eucharist; and He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us. To the First Communicants, he offered this message: "As you receive Jesus, let Him overflow from your heart. Be a reflection of Christ in everything you do."
The children's choir was led by Jasmine, through their magnificent singing, touched the hearts of the faithful and inspired them to participate more deeply and actively in the liturgy. The catechism teachers diligently prepared the liturgy, ensuring that each child actively participated in the Mass introduction, proclamation of the Word, Psalm singing, penitential rite, prayers of the faithful, and thanksgiving prayers with the highest clarity and perfection. The children were filled with happiness as they received Jesus for the first time, and their joy was clearly visible on each child's face.
At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, the parish priest, Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Bishop most rev Dr Francis Serrao for his presence. He also commended teachers Meena Barboza and Lilia Pinto for their unwavering dedication in preparing the children for their first holy communion. Fr Andrew thanked everyone present for making the occasion truly memorable. As a token of this sacred milestone, each First Communicant was presented with a certificate, a rosary, and a scapular.
Following the festive eucharistic celebration, a felicitation program was held on the church premises to honor the first communicants. Accompanied by their parents, the Bishop, priests, and guest priest, the children joyfully walked in a procession to the stage. Fr Peter Gonsalves warmly welcomed all those present. Radiating happiness, the communicants sang a heartfelt Thanksgiving hymn, followed by a lively action song. A special highlight of the celebration was a vibrant flash mob performed by the parish youth and first communicants, infusing the event with joy and energy. The performance was choreographed by Shanti Priya Lasrado.
A joyful cake-cutting ceremony by the indiual Communicant further enriched the occasion, with the Bishop also joining in to mark the anniversary of his episcopal ordination, cutting the cake alongside the communicants—a symbolic gesture of shared joy and spiritual significance.As a token of love, each child was presented with a Bible.
Bishop Francis Serrao, in his message, thanked the parish priest for inviting him to celebrate the First Holy Communion Mass and congratulated him for organizing such a meaningful celebration. He also expressed his gratitude to the PPC members, finance committee, and all parishioners for their dedication and support. Addressing the First Communicants, The bishop shared an inspiring thought by poet H S Shivaprakash, telling the first communicants that one day, each of them is called to become like Christ—living a life rooted in love, service, and holiness.
The centenary souvenir was officially unveiled in the presence of Bishop Francis Serrao, along with editor Mary Miranda, Fr William D’Souza, parish priest Fr Andrew, vice president John D'Silva, PPC secretary Santhosh Misquith, and commission head Manoj Lewis. Following the release, the souvenir was distributed to all attendees as a token of remembrance and celebration of this significant milestone. Mary Miranda and Fr William were felicitated with a token of appreciation by the bishop in recognition of their valuable contributions. A donation coupon draw was also held during the event.
A toast was raised by the parish priest, Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, who congratulated the first communicants on receiving Jesus for the first time. He also thanked the parents for their support in organizing this community celebration of the Holy Communion. In his message, he encouraged parents to teach their children to pray, attend Mass regularly, and nurture a deep love for the Eucharist.
The catechism teachers Meena Barboza & Lillia Pinto were also felicitated by the parish priest during the event, in recognition of their dedicated service in preparing the children for their First Holy Communion. The ICYM youth led by Alrick D’Silva & team did a wonderful job in creating short videos of the first communicants. The parish priest appreciated them for their hard work and creativity in capturing these special moments.
The felicitation program was gracefully compered by Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School. The event was beautifully organized by the parish cultural committee, ladies association and dedicated volunteers. The first communicants, joined by a large number of parishioners, came together to celebrate this joyful occasion. The grace before the meal was led by Fr William D'Souza. As per tradition, John D'Silva offered water to the gathering, symbolically inviting everyone to partake in the community meal. A festive meal was then served to all in attendance, fostering a spirit of fellowship and unity. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Santhosh Misquith, secretary of the parish pastoral council.