Meena Serrao Barboza
Anson Rego
Mangaluru, Jun 1: Bondel parish symbolically inaugurated the Sunday Catechism Year 2025–26 under the theme “Faith Formed – Hope Filled” on Sunday, June 1, during the 8:30 am Mass.
The ceremony began with a grand procession led by representatives from each Catechism class, accompanied by parents, Catechism teachers, parish priests, and altar servers.
Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest and director of Sunday Catechism, was the main celebrant. He was joined by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest, and Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, who concelebrated the Mass.
A highlight of the inauguration was a symbolic gesture in which children stood on the altar facing the congregation, joined by their parents and teachers. The year 2025 has been designated as the Year of Pilgrims of Hope, in observance of the Church’s Ordinary Jubilee of the Birth of Jesus. The catechetical year, themed “Faith Formed – Hope Filled,” aims to help deepen the knowledge of God the Father, to experience His boundless love, and to remain rooted in that love as His beloved children.
In this Year of Prayer, the parish priest presented each of the twelve children with a Bible, symbolizing the gift of God’s Word. This was followed by a touching moment as the parents blessed their children. Teachers were entrusted with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Holy Bible, while children received their Catechism textbooks, marking the formal beginning of their spiritual journey.
As a symbol of hope, the main celebrant, Fr Lawrence, together with concelebrants Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza and Fr Peter, joined PPC vice president John D’Silva, secretary Santhosh Misquith, and two parents in watering a plant during the ceremony. This act symbolized growth in faith and hope. The parish priest then imparted a special blessing upon the Catechism children, praying that their faith may grow strong and deep—like the roots of the plant—firmly grounded in hope.
In his homily, Fr Peter reflected on the Feast of the Ascension (Luke 24:46–53), reminding the faithful that this earth is not their permanent home and that all are called to eternal life in heaven. He emphasized the importance of turning away from sin to be worthy of entering heaven. He stated that Jesus, the King of heaven and earth, desires the salvation of all. Quoting Jesus’ words, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” he encouraged the faithful to create a small heaven in daily life through love, truth, and holiness. Fr Peter also extended his best wishes and blessings to all the Catechism teachers, affirming that their mission in the parish is a noble one and an important part of God’s work.
After the homily, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza administered the oath to all the Catechism teachers, inviting them to renew their commitment to the sacred ministry of teaching the faith. During the Holy Mass, the teachers solemnly renewed their vows and rededicated themselves to the mission of guiding children in their spiritual formation.
Following the Mass, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza extended his wishes for a fruitful and faith-filled year ahead. The liturgy was prayerfully conducted by the teachers, reflecting their devotion and sincerity.
The children’s choir enhanced the spiritual atmosphere with their melodious singing of meaningful hymns, lifting hearts in praise and worship.