Church of St Lawrence, Bondel, Mangalore, INDIA

24/05/2026

24/05/2026

Rev. Fr Basil Vas Assumes Charge as New Parish Priest of St Lawrence Church in a Solemn Installation Ceremony.

St Lawrence Church & Shrine formally welcomed Rev. Fr Basil Vas as its new Parish Priest in a solemn installation ceremony held on Sunday, 24th May 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Upon his arrival at Bondel Parish, Rev. Fr Basil Vas was warmly received by the outgoing Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, along with Rev. Dr Praveen Leo Lasrado, delegate of the Bishop; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium School; Vice President Mr John D’Silva; and Secretary Mr Alwyn Saldanha, who welcomed him with floral greetings and bouquets. Accompanied by a majestic brass band procession, he proceeded prayerfully into the church amidst the gathered faithful.

At the altar, the sacred installation rites began. The outgoing Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, symbolically handed over the stole to the new Parish Priest as a sign of pastoral authority and continuity. Rev. Fr Basil Vas then placed the Bible on the altar, incensed it reverently, and proclaimed the Word of God, followed by the recitation of the Creed and prayers.

The Bible was then presented before the delegate of the Bishop, Rev. Dr Leo Lasrado, marking the formal installation. In a symbolic gesture of responsibility, the outgoing Parish Priest handed over the parish files, while the Vice President, Mr John D’Silva, handed over the accounts and financial records of the parish. The keys of the tabernacle were also entrusted to the new Parish Priest.

Rev. Fr Basil Vas then lit the candles near the tabernacle and reverently opened it, signifying his pastoral responsibility for the Eucharistic presence in the parish. From this light, he invited members of the Parish Council to light their candles, symbolizing unity, shared mission, and their commitment to walk together in faith and service.

The Hymn of St. Lawrence was then sung with devotion, filling the church with prayerful joy and gratitude.
The entire installation ceremony was gracefully narrated by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, who guided the faithful through each sacred moment with reverence and clarity.

After the solemn installation ceremony, a graceful felicitation programme was held on the altar in a spirit of thanksgiving, unity, and joy. The dignitaries present on the altar included the newly installed Parish Priest Rev. Fr Basil Vas, outgoing Parish Priest Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, Rev. Fr Francis Crasta (Parish Priest of Vorkady), Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Mr John D’Silva, Mr Alwyn Saldanha, and Shrine Convener Mr Jason Fernandes.

The Vice President, Mr John D’Silva, extended a warm welcome to everyone and lovingly welcomed the new Parish Priest with a sapling, joined by all the dignitaries present on the altar as a sign of growth, life, and shared mission. Other guest priests were also honoured and greeted with floral bouquets as a gesture of respect and appreciation.

Guest priests Rev. Fr William Dsouza, Rev. Fr Santhosh, and Rev. Fr Edwin were specially felicitated with floral bouquets.
Rev. Fr Francis Crasta then shared a brief introduction about Rev. Fr Basil Vas, highlighting his pastoral ministry and priestly journey.
Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza also spoke, giving a brief introduction to Bondel Parish, its rich history, and its institutions, including the school and parish ministries.

Rev. Dr Leo Lasrado, Delegate of the Bishop, offered his felicitations to both the outgoing and new Parish Priests. He congratulated Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza for his dedicated service and extended prayerful best wishes to Rev. Fr Basil Vas for his new mission. He reminded the faithful that transfers are a part of priestly mission—though emotional and painful, they are steps of obedience and service in God’s plan.

The newly appointed Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Basil Vas, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and assured the parish community of his commitment, prayer, and dedicated service. He also thanked his previous parishioners who came in large numbers to accompany him, expressing their love, support, and prayers.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, who expressed sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the programme. The felicitation ceremony was gracefully compered by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, who guided the proceedings prayerfully and smoothly.

The programme concluded with the thanksgiving hymn of St Lawrence, filling the atmosphere with gratitude and praise. Refreshments were then served to all the faithful gathered for this grace-filled and historic occasion.
Report:Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography:Stanley Bantwal.

24/05/2026

Bondel Parishioners Express Love and Gratitude in Farewell to Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza

At 6:45 p.m., the farewell programme commenced with a grand and solemn procession led by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, together with the parish clergy, guest priests, religious sister superiors of the convents, the Vice President, Secretary, and other dignitaries. Accompanied by the melodious brass band, the procession prayerfully moved towards the stage amidst loud applause and heartfelt emotions from the parishioners. The grand procession beautifully reflected the immense love, gratitude, and respect the people of Bondel Parish have for their beloved parish priest.

The dignitaries present on the dais included Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev. Fr Ivan Cordeiro, Rev. Fr Vincent Saldanha, Rev. Fr Biju, Sr Stella, Sr Flora, Sr Diana, Sr Mishal, Vice President Mr John D’Silva, Secretary Mr Alwyn Saldanha, Commission Head Mrs Avitja Mascarenhas, and Shrine Convener Mr Jason Fernandes.

The programme commenced with a graceful prayer dance by the youth of the parish, invoking God’s abundant blessings upon the gathering. Mrs Avitha Mascarenhas warmly welcomed all the dignitaries, parishioners, and faithful gathered for the occasion. The guests on the dais were then honoured with floral bouquets as a gesture of love and gratitude.
During his heartfelt sharing of experiences, the Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr John L. D’Silva, fondly reflected on his close association and journey of working with Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza over the past four years in the parish. He expressed that Fr had been not only a Parish Priest but also a loving elder brother, mentor, and spiritual guide to him and to the parish community. He highlighted Fr’s deep prayer life, compassionate concern for the needy, affectionate care towards children and youth, and his loving approach towards all parishioners. He especially admired Fr’s spirit of forgiveness and his sincere efforts in living and preaching the Gospel message, “Love your enemies.” Mr D’Silva also gratefully acknowledged Fr’s tireless sacrifices, selfless dedication, and visionary leadership in strengthening and building the parish community. Concluding his sharing, he invoked God’s abundant blessings, good health, and success upon Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza in his future priestly ministry.
A heartfelt send-off song expressing the love, gratitude, and emotions of the parishioners was beautifully dedicated to Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza by the Bondel Choir under the able leadership of Dr Suraj Noronha.
On behalf of all the priests who served in the parish, Rev. Fr Clifford Pinto shared his heartfelt experiences of knowing and working with Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza. He spoke warmly about Fr Andrew’s paternal love, deep prayer life, humble nature, and compassionate concern for everyone. He also appreciated his dedicated service as Correspondent and the loving bond he shared with the parish community. Rev. Fr Clifford highlighted Fr Andrew’s simplicity, caring attitude, and inspiring spiritual leadership, which touched the lives of many. Expressing gratitude for their friendship and association, he prayerfully wished Rev. Fr Andrew God’s abundant blessings in his future ministry and joyfully mentioned that, if given an opportunity again, he would gladly serve alongside him because of his humble and loving nature.
With a gratitude-filled talk, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, fondly reflected on the five years of living and serving together with Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, who served as the Correspondent of the school. He appreciated Fr Andrew’s prayerful life, loving care, constant guidance, and visionary leadership in the growth of both the school and parish community. Describing him as a joyful companion and compassionate spiritual guide, Rev. Fr Peter thanked God for the gift of their togetherness and wished Rev. Fr Andrew God’s abundant blessings in his future ministry.

The felicitation ceremony commenced with Mr Alwyn Saldanha, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, reading a deeply touching and sentimental citation that beautifully highlighted the life journey and devoted priestly ministry of Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza. His 35 years of faithful service to the Diocese and his remarkable 8 years of dedicated ministry in Bondel Parish were gratefully acknowledged and appreciated by the parish community. The heartfelt words in the citation moved many, reflecting the immense love, gratitude, and admiration the parishioners hold for their beloved parish priest.

Following this, the dignitaries came together to lovingly honour and felicitate Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza with a shawl, garland, peta, saplings, fruits, bouquets, and the citation as tokens of deep love, gratitude, respect, and heartfelt appreciation for his dedicated and selfless service to the parish community. The touching gesture reflected the affection and esteem the parishioners hold for their beloved shepherd and spiritual guide

Later, the various parish associations stepped forward to felicitate Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza with floral tributes, garlands, saplings, and heartfelt prayerful wishes, expressing their deep love, gratitude, and appreciation for his selfless and dedicated service to the Church and parish community. The gesture beautifully reflected the immense affection, respect, and care the parishioners hold for their beloved parish priest.
In his heartfelt thanksgiving message, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza reflected with deep emotion on his 35 years of priestly ministry and 8 grace-filled years of service in Bondel Parish from 2018 to 2026, which he lovingly described as his spiritual home and family. He gratefully recalled the journey of faith, the strong bond he shared with the parishioners, and the overwhelming love, support, and generosity he received throughout his pastoral mission.
He also remembered with gratitude the various milestones of his ministry, including the renovation of the church and the declaration of the shrine, which he considered blessings of God working through the parish community.As he shared his experiences, Father became deeply emotional and moved to tears, which in turn touched the hearts of the faithful, leaving many in the congregation emotional as well. His words of gratitude, love, and farewell beautifully reflected the deep spiritual bond he shared with the parish, making the moment truly unforgettable and grace-filled.
Concluding his message, he sincerely thanked all parishioners, donors, well-wishers, and sponsors for their constant support, generosity, and prayers, praying that God may bless them abundantly for their love and kindness.
The prayer before the meal was led by Rev. Fr Vincent Saldanha. The programme was gracefully and beautifully compered by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, who guided the proceedings with warmth and elegance. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Mary Miranda, who expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed towards the grand success of the farewell programme, acknowledging the efforts of all priests, parishioners, volunteers, and well-wishers who made the occasion truly memorable and meaningful.
The evening continued with heartfelt farewell songs presented by the ward members and the children’s choir, along with meaningful skits performed by the ward members and graceful dance presentations. Each performance beautifully expressed the deep love, gratitude, and affection of the parish community towards Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, making the occasion truly emotional, memorable, and grace-filled.
The programme concluded in a spirit of fellowship and joy, as supper and ice cream were lovingly served to all those gathered for the occasion. The entire parish community remained present, sharing in the moment of gratitude, unity, and heartfelt farewell, which made the celebration even more meaningful and memorable.
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography: Stanley Bantwal

24/05/2026

With Gratitude and Prayers – Thanksgiving Mass During the Farewell of Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, Parish Priest of Bondel Parish

On Saturday, 23rd May 2026, at 5:00 p.m., the Feast of Pentecost and the Thanksgiving Mass were solemnly celebrated by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, together with the concelebrants: Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr Vincent Saldanha of Mangalore; Rev. Fr Ivan Cordeiro-Assistant Manager of Codialbail Press; Rev. Fr Vincent Dsouza Director CODP; Rev. Fr Clifford Pinto, Principal of Holy Redeemer School, Belthangady; Rev. Fr William Dsouza, Assistant Administrator of FMCI; Rev. Fr Biju Superior Bethraam; and Rev. Fr Rupesh Tauro of St. Anthony PU College, Naravi. The Eucharistic celebration was prayerful, grace-filled, and witnessed by a large gathering of parishioners and well-wishers.

During his homily on the Feast of Pentecost, Rev. Fr Andrew prayerfully reflected on the presence, power, and divine gifts of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the faithful. Referring to John 20:22, he recalled the words of Jesus, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” and beautifully explained the precious gifts of peace, mercy, and forgiveness bestowed upon humanity through the Holy Spirit. Echoing Christ’s comforting words, “Peace be with you,” Father encouraged everyone to become true instruments of peace, love, reconciliation, and compassion in their families and communities. Reflecting deeply on the grace of forgiveness, he shared inspiring examples from the life of Saint John Paul II, the family of Sister Rani Maria, and his own personal experience of forgiveness, reminding the faithful that true Christian living calls us to let go of anger, forgive wholeheartedly, and humbly seek forgiveness from one another.
He emphasized that the Holy Spirit strengthens hearts wounded by pain and division, leading believers towards healing, unity, and holiness through the path of love and forgiveness.
After the Holy Mass, the Ward Gurkars’ Oath-Taking Ceremony was held and was solemnly administered by Rev. Fr Andrew. The newly appointed Gurkar’s prayerfully took their oath of responsibility and service, seeking God’s guidance and blessings as they begin their mission of serving the parish community with faith, unity, and dedication.
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography:Stanley Bantwal

24/05/2026