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WCCM Meditation Programme
WCCM Meditation Programme
The WCCM Meditation Community invites you to a half-day programme of Silent Meditation, Discourses and Prayerful Reflection on Saturday, August 22, 2026 in the Parish Hall, O.L. of Salvation Church, Dadar from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will explore the Christian roots of our Meditation Practice. The Resource person is Fr Gavin Lopes. There is no charge, but a voluntary contribution to meet the incidental costs incurred will be gratefully accepted. Prior registration is necessary. Kindly confirm your participation by email: wccmindia@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 93232 93331 (Maureen) on or before August 18, 2026.
The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy's on the Big Beautiful Musical Path
The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy's on the Big Beautiful Musical Path
The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy presents its annual concert, ON THE BIG BEAUTIFUL MUSICAL PATH, at St Andrew's Auditorium, Bandra West on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7 p.m. This concert features timeless Broadway hits from CATS, GUYS AND DOLLS, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, OKLAHOMA, SEUSSICAL, CHICAGO, SHOW BOAT and MATILDA performed in their inimitable and dramatic style by the Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble, The Stop-Gaps Junior Choral Ensemble and Mumbai's popular entertainers - Asif Ali Beg, Delna Mody, Marie Paul, Sharon Prabhakar and others, and supported by Furtados. The concert will be compered by Asif Ali Beg. Tickets are priced at Rs 1200/-, 1000/-, and 850/- inclusive of GST and are now available on www.bookmyshow.com.
Amrat Talitha Kum India Maharashtra Regional Assembly 2026
Amrat Talitha Kum India Maharashtra Regional Assembly 2026
Amrat Talitha Kum India (ATKI) Network organised in partnership with SXSSS, the Maharashtra Regional Assembly on August 1-2, 2026 at Atma Darshan, Andheri (East), Mumbai. The two-day gathering brought together 36 women religious from various congregations, united in their shared commitment to combating human trafficking and upholding the dignity of every human person. The Assembly opened with an invocation to the Holy Spirit and the proclamation of Jesus' mission manifesto from Luke 4:16-21, inspiring the participants to renew their call to proclaim freedom to the oppressed and restore hope to survivors of exploitation.
Welcoming the participants, Sr Monica Kujur RGS, Maharashtra Regional Coordinator, described the gathering as a powerful witness to the sisters' collective commitment to justice, compassion, and human dignity. She acknowledged their tireless efforts in prevention, protection, rehabilitation, advocacy, and survivor support, emphasising that the Assembly was an opportunity to renew the Region's commitment to strengthening collaboration, and collectively amplifying the voices of those silenced by exploitation.
The keynote address by Sr Therese Meera Mathew RGS, National President of Amrat Talitha Kum India, challenged the participants to rediscover the prophetic mission of consecrated life. Drawing inspiration from the Good Samaritan, she called religious women to move beyond indifference, and embrace a compassionate, long-term commitment to those affected by human trafficking. She traced the origins of Talitha Kum as a global UISG initiative, and noted that the Talitha Kum international anti-trafficking network is active in 113 countries worldwide.
Stressing that prevention is as important as rescue, she encouraged every congregation to integrate anti-trafficking initiatives into its ministries. Reflecting on Jesus' promise of "life in abundance" (Jn 10:10), she reminded the Assembly that safeguarding human dignity is a sacred mission rooted in the Gospel and reaffirmed by the Church's teaching. Drawing inspiration from redwood trees, whose intertwined roots enable them to withstand strong storms, she urged the sisters to remain rooted in spirituality and united in the mission of Jesus.
The official proceedings included the presentation of the Annual Report, Financial Report, and Regional activity reports. The Maharashtra Region now comprises 78 sisters from 29 congregations. Particularly noteworthy was the Ministry Report, which revealed that while the two-year programme had set a target of reaching 16,650 individuals, an outstanding 28,477 people were reached within a single year. The report also highlighted inspiring stories of survivor rehabilitation, including vocational support provided to 14 survivors, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges that call for continued commitment and collaboration.
A significant highlight of the Assembly was the presentation by Sr Grace Rodrigues FDCC on the newly launched 'Sister Lawyers: Voices for Justice' initiative. The programme seeks to empower women religious with legal expertise through formation in Canon Law, safeguarding, and legal advocacy, while providing support to sisters facing abuse, violence, or isolation across several regions of India.
The second day began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Henry D'Souza SVD, who encouraged the participants to become instruments of hope through compassionate action.
The resource session by Fr Stanislaus Francis Pinto SJ, the Director of SXSSS Ahmedabad, on 'Dynamics of Effective Networking and Collaboration' inspired the Assembly to view networking as both a practical strategy and a deeply spiritual vocation. Drawing on the African philosophy of Ubuntu— "I am because we are"—he highlighted the importance of interconnectedness, collaboration, and keeping survivors at the centre of every initiative. He urged the participants to move beyond charity towards transformative action that addresses the root causes of exploitation.
The Assembly concluded with the participants finalising their Regional action plans, inspired by the spirit of Ubuntu, to work collaboratively for the prevention of human trafficking, the protection of the vulnerable, and the restoration of human dignity.
Sr Shweta Simon SRA
Holy Hour of Adoration by Youth for Youth
Holy Hour of Adoration by Youth for Youth
On July 31, 2026, after the 7:00 p.m. Mass, the St Blaise Youth Ministry (SBYM), Amboli, conducted a Holy Hour of Adoration for the youth of the parish based on the theme, 'Life – God's Greatest Gift,' keeping in mind Pope Leo's intention for the month of July. The Adoration commenced with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament by Fr Cajetan Mendes, Spiritual Director for the Youth, followed by the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
The Youth prayed the Marian Rosary Cenacle, uniting everyone in prayer through the loving intercession of our Blessed Mother. This was followed by a reading from 'To the Priests, Our Lady's Beloved Sons' (the Blue Book) and a brief reflection, inviting all present to reflect on the sacredness of human life. The Holy Hour concluded with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, bringing the evening to a reverent and prayerful close.
Maryann D'Mello
Monsoon Dhamaka
Monsoon Dhamaka
Monsoon Dhamaka 2026 at St Anthony Church, Dharavi was much more than a day of games; it was a beautiful celebration of faith, friendship, love, and togetherness. Under the theme 'One Faith, One Family,' our parish youth came together to create memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
We were truly blessed by the gracious presence of our Parish Priest, Fr Gnana Jothi and Youth Coordinator, Fr Godfrey Malu. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our leaders, Council members, animators, volunteers, participants, and every person who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Everyone enthusiastically participated in games like Hands on the Balloon, Rock-Paper-Scissors, Spinny Rolls, Circuit Relay, and the thrilling Tug of War. Every challenge brought excitement, every cheer strengthened friendships, and every moment reminded us that the greatest victory was being united as one family in Christ.
Monsoon Dhamaka 2026 reminded us that the Church is not just a place where we gather; it is a family where we love, support, encourage, and grow together. The rain may have fallen from the skies, but it was the warmth of our hearts, the joy of our fellowship, and the strength of our unity that made this day truly unforgettable.
Punitha Ansikha
Bandra girl selected for MSSA Under-19 Hockey
Bandra girl selected for MSSA Under-19 Hockey
Suzanne Theresa Miranda, a parishioner of St Peter's Church, Bandra, has been selected for the Mumbai School Sports Association's (MSSA) Under-19 Girls Hockey Team. She is the daughter of Sheldon and Maryann Miranda. She is also a member of the St Peter's Youth Social Service (YSS), and is currently studying at St Andrew's Junior College, Bandra.
Angelo Mascarenhas, St Peter's YSS
Snehalaya Family Service Centre celebrates Golden Jubilee
Snehalaya Family Service Centre celebrates Golden Jubilee
"If I am alive today, it is only because of you."
Those words, recalled by Fr Cajetan Menezes, former Director of Snehalaya Family Service Centre of the Archdiocese of Bombay, captured the human impact of the Centre's 50-year ministry as it celebrated its Golden Jubilee on August 8.
Fr Menezes recalled a young pregnant woman who discovered that her husband was having an affair, and overwhelmed by despair, left home intending to end her life. On her way, someone told her about Snehalaya and encouraged her to seek help. She eventually met Fr Menezes, who accompanied her through the crisis.
Years later, when they met again, she told him: "If I am alive today, it is only because of you."
Her testimony highlighted the mission behind five decades of Snehalaya's work: offering families, couples and individuals a place where they can be heard, accompanied and helped to rediscover hope.
Established on August 8, 1976, Snehalaya emerged in response to growing concerns affecting families in Mumbai, including the need for professional counseling and pastoral accompaniment. Inspired by the Second Vatican Council and Pope Paul VI's Humanae Vitae, the Centre gradually developed ministries in Marriage Preparation, Family Counselling, Natural Family Planning, psychological support and formation.
During the Jubilee celebration, Fr Ashwin Castellino, the current Director, recalled the contributions of successive Directors who helped shape the Centre's ministry. Over the years, Snehalaya expanded its services and strengthened its presence through parish-based family initiatives.
A video message from founding Director, Fr Dawson Ambosta, recalled the discernment of the Archdiocese of Bombay to respond to couples and individuals facing family crises and needing professional and holistic pastoral support.
The Jubilee celebration also looked towards the future. Under the theme 'Listening with Heart, Accompanying with Love, Walking Together in Faith,' Snehalaya presented new initiatives focused on longer-term accompaniment of married couples.
Its plans include training 100 mentor couples, accompanying 500 newly married couples, and providing dedicated support to 100 inter-faith couples. The Centre also plans to develop mentor-couple networks across the archdiocese, and publish an Inter-faith Marriage Companion Handbook to assist couples and those accompanying them.
Addressing the gathering, Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay described the 50th anniversary as a celebration of something "pure" and "precious" - the love between husband and wife.
"Gold is a symbol of something that's pure... something that's very precious," he said. "And I think it's appropriate that we're celebrating this Golden Jubilee of something that is so precious: the love between husband and wife, something that's pure and invites us to experience the divine—God's pure love for us."
The Archbishop acknowledged the changing challenges facing families and the Church, including new social realities, technology, Artificial Intelligence and urban loneliness. He urged the Church to listen especially to younger generations and remain open to learning from them.
Reflecting on Snehalaya's origins during a period of national crisis, Archbishop Rodrigues expressed hope that the present challenges could likewise lead to new pastoral possibilities.
"At that moment, something beautiful came forward," he said. "We trust in the Lord that something beautiful will come out as we go through this."
As Snehalaya begins its next chapter, Fr Ashwin's vision shifts the emphasis from Marriage Preparation as a one-time programme to marriage accompaniment as a continuing journey, supporting couples through the joys and challenges of family life.
Concluding his message, Archbishop Rodrigues encouraged Snehalaya to continue its mission: "Blow the horn, sound the trumpet, sing and shout, and thank the Lord for all that He has done, and may this light continue to shine."
(Photographs on Pg 28 Print Edition)
Nirmala Carvalho, Radio Veritas Asia
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Christian Advanced Lay Leadership (CALL) is an ONLINE offering from the Laity Training Centre of the Archdiocese of Bombay. A six-session programme to develop your capacity to head, and meet the demands of Pastoral and Corporate Leadership. The online sessions will be from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m every Friday, from August 21 to September 25, 2026. Course Fee – Rs 3000/-. Contact Vanessa Essaki – 98673 88065 on WhatsApp for registration
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