Diet and Nutrition Workshop

The Health Promotion Trust (Archdiocese of Bombay) invites you to a workshop titled 'Enjoy Good Health through Diet and Nutrition'. The workshop, conducted by Dietician Kirti Masurkar and her team, will include a practical session on the preparation of home remedies. It will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 (Public Holiday) at St Joseph Church Hall (Ground Floor), Juhu Church Road, Near Juhu Bus Stand, Juhu, Mumbai. The schedule includes Registration with breakfast at 9:00 a.m., a session on Diet and Nutrition from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., lunch at 1:30 p.m., and a practical session on Home Remedies from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The subsidised charges are Rs 200/- only, to be paid on February 19. Kindly register by February 15, by contacting 96190 01142 / 73045 21042 / 97690 21696. 

Hope and Life Annual Day 2026 

The Church of St Bonaventure, Erangal marked a momentous milestone as it celebrated its 450th anniversary on January 11, 2026. In this spirit of jubilation, the Hope and Life Annual Day 2026 was held on January 10, 2026 at Erangal Church, Madh Island. The dynamism and enthusiasm of the Parish Priest, Fr Sandeep Borges, made the occasion truly meaningful and memorable. Nearly 700 widows from parishes across Mumbai participated in the celebration. The excellent infrastructure, warm hospitality, the arrangements, and the tireless efforts of Fr Sandeep and his dedicated team were truly commendable.  

Members were welcomed with a delicious hot breakfast on arrival, and the Core Team ensured that every detail was seamlessly coordinated. The Holy Mass was celebrated by our Spiritual Director, Fr Vernon Aguiar. A vibrant cultural programme had Hope and Life members showcasing their talents through stage performances and choral singing. The cultural programme concluded with a sumptuous meal.

A major highlight of the day was the distribution of scholarship awards to the children of Hope and Life members, encouraging education and nurturing hope for a brighter future. Educational and medical assistance was also extended to members in need.

A special award for the Most Dedicated Member, sponsored by Fr Vernon Aguiar, was presented to Mrs Lorna D'Souza. A true pioneer, she has served the Association with unwavering commitment for 40 years.

The award for the Most Helpful Member, sponsored by Mrs Corinne Rodrigues and Mrs Dora Lobo, was conferred upon Mrs Maryanne D'Mello, who has selflessly served the Association for 25 years.

In addition, the Reaching Out to Others (ROTO) Award, sponsored by Dr Jeanette Pinto, was presented to parish teams in appreciation of their active involvement in various activities and their continued support to the Central Committee. The awardees were Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar; St Joseph Church, Juhu; Our Lady of Egypt Church, Kalina; and St John the Evangelist Church, Marol. 

The event concluded with sincere thanks and appreciation, and a special note of gratitude to President Joyce and the entire Executive Team, whose dedication and teamwork made the Hope and Life Annual Day 2026 a truly memorable and blessed celebration.

Dahlia Lewis

Our Lady of Health Church, Sahar

Celebrating Christian Unity Week in the Archdiocese

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Orlem

The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed from January 18-25. On January 22, 2026, the Inter-religious Dialogue (IRD) Cell of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Orlem, Malad conducted a Christian Unity Prayer Service, bringing together members of various Christian communities in a spirit of prayer and communion. The gathered faithful reflected on the theme drawn from Ephesians 4:4, with special emphasis on "One Faith, One Baptism," highlighting unity in Christ, a shared hope, and the call to live as instruments of peace. 

Alexio Fernandes, Head of the IRD Cell, warmly welcomed and introduced the pastors and priests representing different churches: Pastor Sasi Paul of the Evangelist Lutheran Church; Fr Sanjeev K. Varghese and Fr Jerin John of the St Thomas Syrian Church; Fr Jacob Kocheril Cor-Episcoppa of the St Peter's Jacobite Church; and Pastor Nigel Pereira of the Harvest of Grace Church, and Fr Ronny Vaz, Spiritual Director of the IRD Cell.

United in love, the congregation recited the Nicene Creed—a foundational profession of faith and a profound declaration of shared belief in God's nature and salvation. The lamp was then ceremonially lit by the pastors and priests as the choir prayerfully sang "Bind Us Together," setting a tone of harmony and spiritual closeness.

The Scripture reading from Ephesians 4:4-8 was followed by a brief yet meaningful homily by Fr Jerin John. He reflected that although many in the gathering were strangers to one another, they had come together on a common platform, because "Christ unites them." Acknowledging differences in practices and traditions, he affirmed that Christians remain "One in Christ," a truth beautifully proclaimed through the Nicene Creed. He concluded by invoking God's blessings upon all present.

The choir then led the congregation in the hymn "Yeshu Masih Tere Jaisa," followed by the Prayer of the Faithful, during which intentions were offered for the Holy Father and for the many needs of the Church and society. The service concluded with a closing prayer by Fr Ronny Vaz, followed by the hymn "We Are Happy Christians."

In his reflection, Fr Ronny echoed Fr Jerin's message, describing Christians as pilgrims and strangers journeying together towards Christ. Referring to Jesus' assurance of the many rooms in the Father's house, he reminded the assembly that all are privileged to have a place and a purpose in God's plan. 

After the prayer service, Alexio Fernandes facilitated a group discussion to reflect on two key questions: how to handle disagreements and how to build bridges with people who hold different views. The discussion was engaging and fruitful. The interaction left everyone with a clear take-home message—to come together more often and actively participate in shared programmes with one another's churches, strengthening bonds of unity and building bridges of understanding.

Melville X. D'Souza

5th National Convention of Pauline Cooperators

Inspired by the words of their Patron Saint Paul, Pauline Cooperators from across India gathered for a three-day, faith-filled encounter at Bandra, from January 16-18, 2026. Priests of the Society of St Paul and Sisters from the Daughters of St Paul and the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master also joined the delegates.

The 5th National Convention of the Association of Pauline Cooperators (APC) began at the Thecla Merlo Hall of the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sr Matilda D'Souza, Provincial Superior of the Daughters of St Paul, welcomed the delegates, and expressed joy at the impending merger of the various lay Pauline groups in India. The event coincided with the 75th year of the presence of the Daughters of Saint Paul in India.

Although the Daughters of St Paul have been organising this National Seminar since the early 2000s, Sr Matilda noted that this year was different, as it included the other two Congregations of the Pauline Family as well. She explained that this step followed the invitation from the General Governments of the Pauline Family, asking the Association of Pauline Cooperators to work as one team by combining lay cooperators from the Congregations present in each particular Circumscription. In response, the Provincial Governments decided to move forward with this process. She recalled that the group first came into existence in 2002, through the initiative of Sr Vimala Savarimuthu FSP, and continued with the support of Sr Clare Ukken FSP and others. Sr Matilda voiced confidence that the proposed amalgamation would be effective and aligned with the vision of the Founder. She thanked Fr Joby Mathew SSP, Provincial Superior of the Society of Saint Paul, Sr Joeyanna D'Souza FSP, National Coordinator, and Sr Regina Sebastian PDDM for taking this initiative.

The first session - "Laity & their Mission (especially Pauline) in the Church in Father Alberione's Thought" - was led by Fr Francisco SSP, who reminded participants of their mission in the Church. He explained that after founding the Society of Saint Paul (1914) and the Daughters of Saint Paul (1915), the Founder established the Union of Lay Pauline Cooperators as "Media Apostles" who collaborate with Pauline priests, brothers, and sisters. These lay media apostles, inspired by Saint Paul, were envisioned as people who would live and give to the world Jesus Master, the Way, the Truth and the Life, strengthened by love for the Church and formed through prayer and the Word of God.

Describing the characteristics of a Cooperator, he said one must have a profound theological foundation, be steeped in spirituality, and remain focused, active, and truly cooperative. During the group discussion, participants identified areas where the presence and voice of the Cooperator is needed in the digital space, especially regarding morals and bio-ethics, and stressed the need to help youth understand, appreciate, and value the gift of life.

The second session - "Leadership of Laity involved in Religious Institutions" - was conducted by Mr Adrian Rosario, who used innovative methods to deepen participants' understanding of the Laity's mission in the Church. He urged everyone to strengthen their desire to serve the Church, bringing Christ closer to the world, and advancing evangelisation. He emphasised honesty, truthfulness, wholeheartedness in work, fidelity to promises, and consistent efforts to reach out to fellow faithful. 

Mrs Natasha Swayze Mani spoke on how to participate effectively in the Pauline mission while balancing family responsibilities. The day concluded with Mass celebrated by newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop Stephen Fernandes. He expressed happiness at the laity's involvement in the Church's mission. He thanked the Pauline priests, brothers, and sisters for their contribution to the spiritual life of the archdiocese, and wished the Lay Paulines success in their work. 

On the second day, Fr (Dr) Patrick D'Mello, the Chief Guest, led a session on prayer through meditation, guiding participants through a breathing exercise that helped them experience the benefits of silent breathing. He reflected on anger, empathy, humiliation, and especially forgiveness, offering examples to show that forgiveness is possible even in the most difficult circumstances.

Srs Joeyanna FSP and Regina D'Silva PDDM then explained the New Statutes ad experimentum (2022–2027), which emphasise the call to holiness, deeper awareness of Pauline identity, and the fruits of faithfully living the Way-Truth-Life charism. Fr Joby Mathew presented the chapter on Organization from the New Statutes, and presided over the balloting process. Five Regional Heads were elected: Ezekiel (Karnataka), Joseph (Kerala), George (Gujarat), Joseph (Andhra-Telangana), and Ladislaus (Maharashtra). The Convention formally concluded with a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.

Ladislaus Louis D'Souza

Would you take dating advice from a Priest?

Well, if you had asked me this before Vocation Sunday, my answer would be a definite NO! 

But on the evening of Jan. 18, as I sat in the Conference Hall of Holy Cross Church, Lower Parel, listening to Fr Ashwin speak on 'Love and Relationships', I began to realise that there is no better person to speak to about my dating life than a Priest! 

As every Vocation Sunday goes, we are all familiar with the drill - Go to church, Pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life, and then come home and go about your usual routine. But this Vocation Sunday, the youth of Holy Cross Church, Lower Parel invited Fr Ashwin Castellino (Assistant Director, Snehalaya Family Service Centre) to enlighten about 40 youth about a different Vocation - Marriage. Yes, Marriage! We often forget that Marriage is a Sacred Covenant, a Sacrament.

I assumed Father would reflect on "Go forth and multiply," "What God has joined together, let no man separate," "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." But how wrong I was! Instead, Fr Ashwin educated us on the various kinds of healthy attachments couples should strive for – such as a Healthy Emotional attachment (without fear of abandonment), Purpose-driven, Spiritual, and based on values such as Honesty and Respect.

Doubting your partner? Asking your friends to keep an eye on him/her? Checking their phone? Tracking their location maybe? Needing constant assurance from your partner? A feeling of jealousy or anxiety when they are alone with people of the opposite gender? Do these habits sound familiar? These form a part of the Unhealthy group of attachments such as Anxious, Avoidant, and Controlling attachment. Did you know that being attached to your partner due to their professional qualifications or expected future outcomes are also signs of Unhealthy Attachments?

Well, after such an informative and fun-filled session, we then put the Love Guru to the test with our tough questions! What if you don't find the partner of your dreams? Do you keep searching or just settle for anyone? Is it okay to not want children after marriage? Is it okay to want your partner to be of a certain socio-economic background? Is it okay to marry a non-Catholic? Should I enquire about my partner's past sexual history? Fr Ashwin handled every part of the Q&A with grace and wisdom, and offered one-on-one time for anyone who needed a private chat. 

Megan Fernandes and Ricky Chetty