Bishop of Meerut Invites Faithful to Authentic Christian Living at Feast of St. Gonsalo Garcia in Agra

Feb 3, 2026: A day of thanksgiving and community celebration was observed at St. Gonsalo Garcia Church, Agra, on 1 February 2026, as clergy, religious, and parishioners gathered to mark the Feast of St. Gonsalo Garcia. During the solemn celebration, Bishop Bhaskar Jesuraj of Meerut invited the faithful to reflect on living an authentic Christian life rooted in faith and unity.

Presiding over the Holy Mass, Bishop Jesuraj reflected on the identity of St. Gonsalo Garcia Parish, drawing attention to the values it represents—Simplicity, God, Grace, and Providence. He called upon the faithful to live their Christian faith in a genuine and meaningful manner, rooted in humility and trust in God, and expressed through fraternity and shared responsibility within the parish community. His message encouraged the faithful to allow God’s grace and providence to shape their daily witness and relationships.

The Mass also marked the Golden Jubilee of priestly and religious life of Fr. Sebastian Panthaladi and Sr. Marietta, commemorating fifty years of faithful service to God and the Church. As part of the celebrations, the Jubilarians were honoured in recognition of their years of dedicated service. The Holy Eucharist was offered as a thanksgiving Mass, bringing together priests, religious, and parishioners in prayer on this significant milestone.

Reflecting on the life and virtues of St. Gonsalo Garcia, Mr. Ashok Ambros invited the faithful to draw inspiration from the saint’s simplicity, faith, and unwavering trust in God. A Bible procession was also included in the liturgy, adding to the solemn and prayerful nature of the celebration.

The celebrations continued beyond the liturgy with a cultural programme that reflected the shared joy and unity of the parish community. Addressing the gathering, the Parish Priest, Fr. Viniversal D’Souza, acknowledged the active participation and spirit of communion among the faithful. Children from St. Joseph Church, Jhangirabad, also participated in the programme, underscoring the close bond between neighbouring parishes. The occasion further included the felicitation of the First Holy Communicants.

Special recognition was accorded to Mrs. Rosamma for her 39 years of dedicated service to the parish. On the occasion of her retirement, she was honoured by Bishop Bhaskar Jesuraj of Meerut and Fr. Viniversal D’Souza in appreciation of her long-standing commitment to the parish. The celebrations also included the felicitation of participants of the Lenten Family Bible Quiz and the Bishop’s blessing.

An important moment for the parish preceded the feast with the blessing of the new Prayer Hall on 31st January 2026 by Fr. Sebastian Panthaladi, in the presence of Fr. Shaji, Financial Administrator of the Archdiocese of Agra, Fr. Ashish, Fr. Viniversal D’Souza, and the parishioners.

St. Gonsalo Garcia Parish, Bulandshahr