Report : Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, Nov 24: On Sunday, November 23 the faithful gathered in great reverence at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, to celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. The Holy Eucharist began at 4:30 pm, marking a profound moment of worship and thanksgiving.

Fr Cyril Lobo, spiritual director from Moodubelle, presided over the solemn festal mass, concelebrated by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest of Bondel; Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Fr Eugene D'Silva, redemptorist; and Fr James Britto, MSIJ.

During his inspiring homily, Fr Cyril highlighted the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of every Christian. Quoting Blessed Carlo Acutis — “The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven” — he beautifully explained that Jesus gave Himself to people through the Eucharist, offering His own Body as nourishment for the souls. He reminded the faithful that the Eucharist demands sacrifice, generosity, and openness to God’s miracles — for God multiplies whatever faithful offer from their hearts.

Fr Cyril further elaborated on the significance of the feast, explaining why Jesus is called Christ the King — the King who reigns not through power or earthly dominance, but through love, humility, and self-giving. He invited everyone to adore Christ the King with profound reverence, imitating His spirit of compassion like the good samaritan.

Following the eucharistic celebration, the Most Blessed Sacrament was solemnly exposed for public praise and worship. Fr Cyril Lobo led the faithful in heartfelt adoration, lifting prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.

This was followed by a devout and vibrant eucharistic procession, during which the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the streets of Bondel, allowing the faithful to honor Christ the King and receive His blessing. The long procession, accompanied by band, hymns and prayers, eventually returned to its starting point, creating a powerful atmosphere of unity and grace.

After the procession, Fr Cyril delivered a touching exhortation, reminding everyone that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. He emphasized that it has sustained the Catholic Church through centuries of trial, persecution, and challenge—and continues to strengthen families, parishes, and dioceses today.

He reflected that the Church is the spiritual powerhouse, where believers are recharged, renewed, and refilled through the Holy Eucharist. He encouraged the faithful to approach this Sacrament daily, with deep love, devotion, and gratitude.

A moving prayer of consecration was then led by Fr Cyril, followed by the solemn Eucharistic blessing upon all gathered.

At the conclusion, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Fr Cyril for leading the eucharistic celebration and adoration, as well as to all the concelebrants. The parish priest thanked the parishioners, pastoral council members, and generous volunteers for their dedicated service to St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel.

The beautifully led Adult Choir enhanced the liturgy with their melodious voices, elevating the prayerful atmosphere of the celebration. After the Angelus, Fr Andrew imparted the blessing to the faithful gathered.