Archbishop John: the Cross - a Beacon of Hope and Sacrifice

At the solemn Good Friday service held on the grounds of Saint Pius X Church and School, Mulund, Archbishop John Rodrigues offered a moving reflection on the transformative power of the Cross—once a symbol of Roman execution, now the heart of Christian faith and salvation.

In his homily, Archbishop John emphasised that the true power of the Cross lies in the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest who offered Himself for the redemption of humanity. Citing Christ's final words from the Cross, "It is finished," he highlighted the moment as a declaration of victory—of love conquering sin, suffering and death through obedience to the Father's will.

To illustrate Christ's unwavering love, the Archbishop shared a parable of a holy man who, despite being repeatedly stung, continued to rescue a scorpion from drowning. When questioned, the man responded, "It is the scorpion's nature to sting, but it is my nature to love; why should I let its nature change mine?" Archbishop John explained that this mirrors Jesus' enduring compassion in the face of humanity's brokenness.

Calling the faithful to reflect deeply, he urged all present to embrace the Cross not only as a symbol of suffering, but also as a sign of hope, resilience, and the promise of resurrection. He reminded the congregation that through the Cross, believers are invited into a deeper understanding of God's mercy and a call to live with compassion.

The liturgy featured the public veneration of the Cross, a powerful moment that connected the faithful with Christians around the world in remembering Christ's supreme act of love. The service concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion, bringing to a close a day of solemn prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

As the Church journeys towards Easter, Archbishop John invited all to carry the light of the Cross in their hearts, trusting in God's purpose, and preparing to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection.

Source: archdioceseofbombay.org

Meditating in Silent Adoration

In January 2004, the parish of Our Lady of Salvation, Dadar was privileged to be the first parish in the diocese to hear Fr Laurence Freeman, a Benedictine monk, teach the essentials of the practice of Christian Meditation to the lay faithful. Continuing to share this gift 21 years on, the WCCM Meditation group gave the parishioners an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the practice in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament on the eve of Palm Sunday. Instructions for this simple discipline were given at the beginning. It is geared towards learning to pay attention to this much forgotten presence, allowing it to become the source of, and give meaning to, everything we are, everything we do.

Beginning with the chanting of 'Ma-ra-na-tha' as a response to various titles attributed to the Lord Jesus, we then meditated for ten minutes, allowing the rhythm of the chant to slowly give way to its repetition as a sacred word-phrase, in a silent interiorisation of the word. The Taizé Chant of the Lord inviting the disciples to 'Watch and Pray' with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane was aptly sung as a prelude to the short teaching that followed. Fr Gavin Lopes, Spiritual Director of the WCCM Meditation Community in Mumbai, invited us to move from rituals associated with Holy Week to the Spiritual Interiorisation of what they commemorate. This is effectively done through coming into inner silence. God is best understood and experienced in Silence.

Another Taizé chant imploring the Lord not to allow our doubts and darkness speak to us, but to let our hearts welcome His love allowed us to resonate with the sentiments of Jesus as He prayed in the Garden before His Passion. The period of silence that followed prepared us to receive the Benediction, the blessing that the Lord gives to all who call on His name. The prayer session ended with another Taizé chant inviting the Lord Jesus to remember us when He comes into His Kingdom. It was an experience appreciated by one and all.

                         Christopher Mendonca

Walk with Mary - A Sacred Lenten Journey

The Daughters of St Paul, also known as Pauline Sisters, are a religious congregation founded by Blessed James Alberione and Venerable Thecla Merlo. Their mission is to spread the good news of the Gospel using Social communications and media. They have, of late, initiated a special mission of proclaiming God's Word during the seasons of Advent and Lent. This Lenten season, the Pauline sisters, novices and aspirants reflected on the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by spreading the Lenten message through Mary's eyes, by enacting the Way of the Cross in various parishes in Bombay Archdiocese.

It was a heartfelt and moving reflection on the Passion of Christ that filled the congregation with deep emotions. The melodious singing and acting with grace and harmony made the parishioners pray with deep faith, recalling their own way of the Cross in life. By their enactment of the sacred Lenten Journey, we were motivated to repent for our sins and receive Jesus' unconditional love in our lives.

                         Marie Susan Rebello

Catholic Lawyers' Guild Lenten Recollection

The Catholic Lawyers' Guild of Mumbai hosted its Annual Lenten Recollection on April 12, 2025 at Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar. The event was attended by lawyers and advocates from various parishes of the Archdiocese of Bombay.

Fr Glasten Gonsalves, the Spiritual Director of the Guild, welcomed the members. Adv. Sr Sagyamary M., Adv. Jacinta D'Silva, Adv. Agnel Fernandes and Adv. John Pereira read the Minutes of the previous meeting, and briefly discussed the purpose and objectives of the Guild for the benefit of the new members.

Currently, members of the Guild offer pro bono legal advice through Legal Cells established in selected parishes across the Archdiocese. The Guild is keen on expanding this initiative, and has invited members to volunteer in setting up Legal Cells in more parishes.

Members were also encouraged to offer their services to the Archdiocese's Prison Ministry Mumbai programme, which provides legal aid to undertrial persons.

The members engaged in a feedback session; many valuable suggestions were put forward — including ways to expand the Guild's outreach, encourage the youth to pursue law as a profession, and provide mentorship to law students and junior lawyers by the Guild's senior members.

The Recollection, conducted by Fr Henry Sequeira, invited participants to reflect on the harmony of justice and mercy, and the transformative power of humility, compassion, and forgiveness. Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr Henry, followed by a fellowship lunch.

         Advocate Desiree Allams

Prayerathon: A Way to Get Closer to God

The Parish Youth Council (PYC) of Our Lady of the Sea Church, Uttan, organised a spiritually uplifting Night Vigil for the youth of the Bhayander Deanery (W), on April 9 at Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine, Bhate Bundar, Uttan, drawing over 220 participants. The event, aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with God, began with a symbolic "Prayerathon"—a candlelight walking pilgrimage from Uttan parish to the Bhate Shrine. The procession reflected the youth's desire to walk in the light of Christ, culminating at the Jubilee Cross, where they were warmly welcomed by the Uttan PYC. Fr Baritan Nigrel, Youth Coordinator, opened the vigil by emphasising the need for spiritual renewal and attentiveness to God's voice.

The night featured a series of spiritually enriching activities. Fr John Pereira delivered a compelling talk on discerning one's vocation, while Sr Vandana Malya's moving testimony inspired many to reflect on a life dedicated to God. The Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Fr Baritan, offered a moment of silent introspection, followed by the Sacrament of Confession made available by four priests. The Way of the Cross, Taizé prayer, and a candlelight pilgrimage allowed the youth to meditate on Christ's love in a deeply personal yet community setting.

The vigil concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 5:00 a.m., marking the spiritual summit of the night. The experience offered participants a powerful journey of faith—through prayer, worship, reflection, and fellowship. The event not only deepened their spiritual connection, but also stirred many hearts to listen anew to God's call in their lives.

Nisha Malcolm Marvi, Uttan

Evershine NYGs – Journey Renewed!

The Parish Youth Animating Team (PYAT) of the Evershine community at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Orlem, has long envisioned a revival of youth engagement. Under the guidance of Ms Willrine, with strong support from co-animators Ms Anju, Ms Suzan and Renita, along with Youth Coordinators Gavrel and Christine, this vision finally came to life on October 6, 2024. The team embraced the three pillars of Youth Ministry — Fellowship, Formation, and Service — to spark a renewed journey for the Neighbourhood Youth Groups (NYGs).

Fellowship: Coming Together, Growing Together

The journey began with an early morning bonding session at Infinity Gardens, Malad — a space nestled in the heart of the city, yet a refreshing escape. The outing featured engaging team-building games that not only brought joy, but also instilled the values of cooperation, communication, and trust.

Despite initial hesitation, even the older youth were pleasantly surprised. Ryan remarked, "We should do this more often and with many more." The response from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. This gathering laid a strong foundation of unity and camaraderie among the youth — the first step in re-energising the community.

Formation: Learning through Experience

On March 8, 2025, the second pillar — Formation — came alive with a visit to the Pranam Maria Exhibition Centre in Bandra. Thanks to the efforts of the Evershine animators and Deacon Ivan, the Youth Director at DYC, the group witnessed a pre-launch of the Light and Sound show depicting the journey of Jesus through Mary.

What made the visit special was the honour of providing youth feedback on this spiritual exhibition. The experience was followed by a Lenten session on The Prodigal Son, thoughtfully tied to the HEart Programme. Deacon Ivan's profound insights, shared through visuals and art, left the youth inspired:

"It was a novel and deeply meaningful way of learning," many echoed.

Despite renovations at the Basilica, the group visited there to offer the Jubilee Prayer, reinforcing their spiritual connection.

Service: Love in Action

The final and most heartfelt pillar — Service — was lived out on Friday, March 21, 2025, during the DYC's Mercy Fridays initiative. Supported by DYC and joined by Tamil youth from the community, Evershine youth served meals to over 100 needy and homeless individuals across Kandivli West and near DMart.

More than distributing food, the youth engaged in meaningful conversations, listened to stories, and offered compassion — embodying the true spirit of Lent through almsgiving and empathy.

Moving Forward

The feedback received has sparked hope and motivation for more such events. The Animators, true to their calling as mentors, continue to guide and support the youth, enriching the ministry and strengthening the NYG movement.

Wayne Fernandes, with inputs from Willrine Vaz (PYAT)

A Youth Pasch Experience

Attending the Youth Pasch 2025 from April 16 to April 20 at Don Bosco, Lonavla was one of the most transformative and enriching experiences I’ve had in a long time. It wasn’t just an ordinary Retreat experience; it was a spiritual journey that invited me to encounter Christ in a deeply personal and meaningful way. Every session, activity, and reflection was so intentionally and thoughtfully crafted that it felt like each step was preparing my heart for something greater.

What stood out the most was the clarity and depth with which the parts of the Holy Mass were explained. It’s something I’ve grown up attending regularly, but during this Youth Pasch, I realised how little I knew about the symbolism and purpose behind each part of the liturgy. Understanding the ‘why’ behind each practice brought a new dimension to my faith - one that filled me with awe and gratitude.

The Exodus Experience was a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness, even in times of wilderness. It helped me connect the Old Testament journey of the Israelites to my own spiritual walk, and understand how merciful the Lord has been in my life. Similarly, the Washing of the Feet was not just a symbolic act, but a moment that called me to true humility and service. It broke down the walls of pride, and reminded me that love is expressed best through small acts of kindness and sacrifice.

The Seder Meal was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was such a rich cultural and spiritual encounter that allowed me to step into the tradition Jesus and the Jews celebrated themselves. Preparing the Altar of Repose and the adoration (Taizé Prayer) was equally special; it gave me a chance to slow down, to reflect on the solemnity of Maundy Thursday, and to sit in quiet adoration with a full heart.

The Labyrinth Garden Experience offered me a peaceful and introspective time of deep self-reflection. It was a journey inward, filled with silence and stillness, where I could truly listen to God’s voice without distraction. The Nailing of the Sins to the Cross was raw and real. It was a powerful expression of repentance that left me feeling lighter, freer, and embraced by mercy. I had finally made a true and honest confession, and did not hold back.

Encountering the Empty Tomb was a deeply unique experience; it felt like a moment of deep introspection into my life, a reminder of the endless mercies of Jesus, and that I have a meaningful purpose in life that I need to fulfil. The preparation for the Easter Vigil was truly special, right from preparing the altar to understanding the readings and everything. It was an incredible day filled with so many memories. The Via Lucis (the Way of Light) was the perfect way to end this journey, reminding me that Easter is not just about Christ’s victory, but about living out that light in our own lives, every day.

Despite the tight schedule and the intensity of each day, not once did I feel tired or disengaged. That in itself was a testament to how alive and connected I felt throughout the entire Retreat. There was a grace in every moment, and I found myself fully immersed, spiritually nourished, and emotionally present. I wasn’t just participating in activities and sessions - I was encountering God in each one.

Youth Pasch 2025 will always remain etched in my heart. It gave me a renewed understanding of my faith, a deeper appreciation for the liturgy, and a stronger connection to Christ and His Church.

Chriselle Couto