Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 12: A four-day spiritual retreat at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, concluded on a powerful and grace-filled note on April 11, leaving the faithful spiritually renewed, healed, and deeply enriched in their faith journey.
The retreat, which began on April 7, was prayerfully led by renowned Goan preachers Br Joel Lasrado and Fr Rovel D’Souza, OCD, and culminated with inner healing sessions, Eucharistic adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the anointing of the sick. The final day witnessed a moving encounter with god's mercy as scores of faithful sought healing and restoration through the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Br Joel Lasrado, known for his dynamic preaching and deep scriptural insights, spoke on topics such as the call to holiness, the transformative power of the holy spirit, and the healing grace present in the Eucharist. His sessions inspired many to renew their personal prayer lives and embrace the path of spiritual growth.
Fr Rovel D’Souza, OCD, led the faithful in deep spiritual reflection throughout the retreat. He called upon the participants to reject sin, choose divine love, and reflect Christ’s purity in their lives. His messages on the sacredness of the Holy Mass and true discipleship left a lasting impact on many hearts.
The praise and worship ministry, led by Br Ronald Ammembal and Br Joe, along with vocalists Shanti Fernandes Pinto, Angela Pinto, and Renisha, brought a deep sense of reverence and connection with god. The anointed music sessions created an atmosphere of praise and adoration that uplifted all those present.
Large crowds of parishioners participated with fervent devotion. Special prayers were offered for children, the sick, the youth, parish council members, association members, and religious sisters seeking god’s healing and protection upon all who serve the parish and wider community.
In his vote of thanks, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest of Bondel, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the retreat team and all volunteers. Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, honoured the preachers with mementoes as a token of appreciation.
Fr Andrew thanked Br Joel, Fr Rovel, and the praise and worship team for being instruments of god’s grace. “This retreat has brought tremendous spiritual strength to our parish community,” he noted, adding that the experience had drawn many hearts closer to god.
The retreat, described by many as soul-refreshing, concluded with hearts uplifted, faith deepened, and spirits rekindled in divine love.