Diocesan News

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Bombay Archdiocese marks 140 Years

SACRED ECHOES: Discovering the Canticle of St Francis through Art and Heritage

APC Office-Bearers

Dadar SCCs celebrate Onam

BIDM meets with its Patron

Visit to Shanti Ghar, Andheri

Parents' Day at Amboli

Supporting the Girl Child

Discovering Self through Art

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Bombay Archdiocese marks 140 Years

The Archdiocese of Bombay marked 140 years as a Metropolitan Archdiocese with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Holy Name Cathedral on September 1, reaffirming its commitment to be a missionary Church at the service of the poor and marginalised. Archbishop John Rodrigues presided over the Eucharist, which was concelebrated by Cardinal Oswald Gracias. Priests, religious and lay faithful joined the celebration, giving thanks for the Church’s journey in Mumbai since its elevation to a Metropolitan see in 1886.

Pope Leo XIII elevated Bombay to a Metropolitan Archdiocese on September 1, 1886, through the papal Bull Humanae Salutis. Bombay was among six Metropolitan sees established in India that day, along with Agra, Calcutta, Madras, Pondicherry and Verapoly.

The reorganisation followed the Concordat of 1886 between the Holy See and Portugal, which settled a long-standing jurisdictional dispute between the Portuguese Padroado system and the Vatican’s Propaganda Fide. The agreement also introduced territorial jurisdiction as a basis for the organisation of the Catholic Church in India.

Bishop George Porter, SJ became the first Archbishop of Bombay, and served from 1886 to 1889. His jurisdiction extended across an enormous territory, stretching nearly 3,000 kilometres from Bombay Island through Gujarat, Kathiawar and Sindh to British Baluchistan.

Over the following decades, the ecclesiastical province developed into the present Archdiocese of Bombay and its three suffragan dioceses — Nashik, Pune and Vasai.

During the anniversary Eucharist, Archbishop Rodrigues invited the faithful to remember the past with gratitude and approach the future with renewed missionary zeal. He thanked God for the priests, religious and lay faithful who have sustained the Church’s mission through successive generations.

Catholic Connect

SACRED ECHOES: Discovering the Canticle of St Francis through Art and Heritage

On Saturday, August 29, the AOE collaborated with the Archdiocesan Heritage Museum (AHM) for a pilot immersive experience, bringing together ecology, spirituality, Scripture, history, and sacred art. This event was the fruit of a discussion between the two organisations, and conceptualised by Ms Joynel Fernandes (Director – AHM). In this special year of St Francis of Assisi, one of the themes for reflection is Oneness with Creation; what better way to do so than through his Canticle of the Creatures? And rather than a conventional guided tour, why not transform the Museum visit into a pilgrimage of prayer and discovery?

Thus, we began with an introduction to the Canticle, masterfully done by Fr John Garodi OFM Cap, the Vice-Provincial of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin's Maharashtra Province. He spoke from the heart, highlighting the various relational and spiritual aspects of the Canticle, and connecting it with moments in the life of St Francis of Assisi. A particularly interesting tidbit was that St Francis used Brother (for Sun, Wind, Fire) and Sister (Moon, Water, Mother Earth, Bodily Death) based on grammatical gender – and not just feminine or masculine attributes. We learnt how everything this saint undertook was directly for God's glory; he was humble enough to refer to himself as idiota, rendering and reserving all praise to God.

We were then led through the Museum by Joynel, who interpreted artefacts that visually expressed the same theological theme by explaining the symbolism, history, artistic elements, and spiritual significance. For instance, we discovered monstrances in connection to Brother Sun, and relics of the saints through those who give pardon, bear infirmity and tribulation, and endure in peace. A poignant moment was prayer offered for those affected in Nepal. The culmination of the tour was at select artefacts on the dead Jesus who endured Sister Bodily Death. We learnt several fascinating nuggets about the Archdiocese of Bombay, even finding out about inculturation aspects. Throughout these three hours, we were encouraged to write our insights and reflections on leaves collected by the Museum staff from the seminary campus.

The experience made clear just how implicit elements of Nature are in Christian art, and how theological truths are expressed in the Museum's collection of paintings, sculptures, liturgical vessels, manuscripts, textiles, architecture, and devotional objects. Thus, we spent an afternoon in which sacred art became a living catechism, and we contemplated Creation not simply as Nature, but as a pathway to God.

The AHM and the AOE plan to offer this curated experience on request during the Season of Creation, and till the end of the Franciscan Jubilee Year on January 10, 2027. Interested groups may contact either organisation to arrange their visit. CONTACT AHM: 9082426650/ AOE: 9076029298

Shawna Nemesia Rebello (with inputs from Joynel Fernandes)

APC Office-Bearers

The first meeting of the new APC term 2026-2029 was held on August 30, 2026 at Salvation Seva Kendra hall, Dadar. The following members were elected as office-bearers:

Vice-President: Delita Olivera; Secretary: Ignatius Alvares

DEANERY COORDINATORS: South Mumbai - Shannon Rodrigues; North Mumbai - Zenia Soares; Bandra - Gillian Miranda; Central Suburbs - Godwin Rodrigues; Andheri - Edward Nunes; Borivli - Richard D'Sa; Bhayandar - Uday D'Souza; Kurla - Rudolph Rebello; Thane - Prashant Menezes; Navi Mumbai - Bernard Pereira.

Dadar SCCs celebrate Onam

A burst of colour, the fragrance of tradition and the warmth of community filled the Salvation Seva Kendra Hall as the Small Christian Communities of Our Lady of Salvation Parish, Dadar, celebrated Onam on August 29, 2026 under the theme 'SCCs – Building Community, Celebrating Culture.'

The celebration was graced by the presence of Bishop Stephen Fernandes, priests, religious, invited guests, SCC Coordinators and Animators. Adding a special dimension to the evening were guests from other faiths who have their roots in Kerala and live in our neighbourhood, making the occasion a beautiful expression of cultural appreciation, friendship and togetherness beyond religious boundaries.

A beautiful Pookkalam near the stage, traditional banana-leaf décor, and a Happy Onam selfie point added colour and Kerala charm to the celebrations, giving everyone an opportunity to capture joyful memories.

The evening began with a traditional Kerala welcome, followed by a prayer service and Scripture reading, placing the celebration in God's hands, and seeking His blessings upon our families, communities and parish. A significant moment was the lighting of the traditional lamp by Bishop Stephen, the invited guests, religious and SCC Coordinators.

The celebration came alive with a graceful prayer dance, followed by a traditional walk competition. The judging of traditional attire and accessories added a colourful element to the festivities. Laughter and friendly competition filled the hall as participants enjoyed a game. The traditional Kerala Sadya served on banana leaves brought everyone around the table in the true spirit of Onam.

For the SCCs, the celebration carried a deeper message. Onam is much more than a cultural festival; it is a celebration of community, harmony, gratitude and belonging. Cultural celebrations within our SCCs help strengthen relationships, nurture a sense of belonging and enable us to pass our traditions on to the next generation.

The participation of friends from other faiths was particularly significant; culture became a bridge of friendship and mutual respect. It was a beautiful reminder that diversity need not divide us; it can enrich us when celebrated with openness and joy.

Just as the flowers of different shapes, colours and varieties come together to create one beautiful Pookkalam, each person and every community has a unique and precious place in God's creation. The SCC Onam celebration was a joyful reminder that when we celebrate our cultures, welcome one another and share what we have, we do more than build community; we build bridges.

Pascoela Fernandes

BIDM meets with its Patron

President Neil Creado, accompanied by members of the Board of Management of the Bombay Institution for Deaf & Mutes (BIDM), Mazagaon, met with Archbishop John Rodrigues at Archbishop's House to formally welcome him as the Institution's new Patron.

The meeting followed an earlier visit to Clergy Home, during which Tony D'Silva, a member of the Board, and the Institution's representative, presented the Archbishop with a collection of past Annual Reports of the BIDM, and briefed him on the responsibilities and significance of his role as Patron.

Archbishop John warmly welcomed the members of the Board, and expressed his willingness to accept the honour of serving as Patron of the historic institution.

Established in 1885 by Vicar Apostolic Dr Leo Meurin, the Bombay Institution for Deaf & Mutes has served the deaf and hard-of-hearing community continuously for more than 140 years. Having functioned uninterruptedly since its foundation, the institution remains an important part of the Church's long-standing commitment to education, inclusion and service.

The BIDM is presently looking towards further redevelopment and renewal as it seeks to respond to the changing needs of the community it serves. Archbishop John's patronage comes at a significant moment in the Institution's history, and is expected to provide encouragement and support as the BIDM embarks on this new chapter of its journey.

Jude H. Gomes

Visit to Shanti Ghar, Andheri

The Women's Cell of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Orlem, visited Shanti Ghar, a home for destitute women and their children in Andheri East, on August 29, with the support of our Spiritual Director, Fr Clinton Rayar. The Sisters at Shanti Ghar perform a wonderful and selfless service by caring for children whose mothers go out to earn their daily livelihood. Run by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, the primary mission of the organisation is to rehabilitate, protect, and empower women in distress.

Our visit was an opportunity to understand the challenges faced by these women and children, and to offer our support in whatever ways we could. The staff graciously shared with us the mission and work of the shelter. We were deeply touched by the serene and peaceful atmosphere of Shanti Ghar. The children brought immense joy to our visit by presenting a beautifully performed group dance. We presented them with essential supplies, materials, and hygiene kits.

Our moments of interaction and communication with the residents left us feeling deeply connected to them. We came away with a renewed appreciation for the selfless service of the sisters and a strong desire to visit Shanti Ghar again.

Andreena Putman

Parents' Day at Amboli

On Sunday, July 26, 2026, on the occasion of Parents' Day, the Confirmation candidates and their parents at St Blaise Church, Amboli, came together for a special joint session on the theme 'Walking the Faith with the Family'. The session, conducted by Joe and Jacqueline D'Costa, focused on practical ways of nurturing and strengthening the Catholic faith within the family.

Through their engaging and insightful presentation, Joe and Jacqueline offered the participants several practical suggestions for cultivating a vibrant family faith. They encouraged families to pray the Rosary together, prepare spiritually for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and make punctuality for Sunday Mass a priority. They reminded the participants that the family home is a "domestic Church"—a sacred space where family members are called to grow together in love, prayer, communion and relationship with God.

The speakers also highlighted the importance of mutual understanding among family members, describing it as one of the most beautiful and grace-filled qualities that can be nurtured within a home. Families were encouraged to express gratitude, appreciation and respect for one another, while consciously striving to build homes marked by love, humility and the values of Christ.

A significant part of the session was devoted to the importance of reconciliation within the family. The speakers emphasised that learning to forgive, understand and make peace with one another is essential for strengthening family relationships. Such an attitude of reconciliation, they noted, enables families to experience more deeply the healing and unconditional love of God within the home.

The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mikhail D'Mello.

Supporting the Girl Child

On August 23, Our Lady of Assumption Unit of the Bombay Catholic Sabha at Kandivli, in coordination with the Udyan Shalini Fellowship (USF), hosted a meaningful and inspiring programme dedicated to empowering the girl child.

The Udyan Shalini Fellowship is built on five important pillars: Financial Assistance, Capacity Building and Empowerment, Industry Exposure, Internship and Placement Support, Mentoring, and Giving Back to Society. The initiative seeks to provide deserving young girls with opportunities to pursue education, develop confidence and leadership skills, and become empowered and responsible women.

The programme was thoughtfully organised by the Young Shalinis under the guidance of their mentor, Ms Anita Amarnath. The event was attended by nearly 200 participants, along with their parents, and was graced by our Parish Priest, Fr James, along with dignitaries, representatives from the NGO, doctors, mentors, well-wishers, parents, and most importantly, aspiring and young Shalinis.

The evening was filled with enthusiasm, warmth and inspiration. It featured insightful talks by members and mentors, along with presentations showcasing the excellent and remarkable achievements of senior Shalinis. Particularly touching were the young girls who confidently shared their dreams, aspirations and hopes for the future. Their stories reflected the transformative impact of education, mentoring and encouragement.

Overall, it was a wonderful evening of sharing, encouragement, exchange of ideas and empowerment. The programme reaffirmed the importance of investing in education, building confidence and creating opportunities for girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby helping them shape a brighter and more dignified future.

Melwyn Fernandes & Maxie Rodrigues

Discovering Self through Art

The Social Development Cell of St Anne Church, Pali Hill, Bandra, organised 'Discovering Oneself Through Art' on August 29, 2026. The session brought together 22 participants, aged 16 to 84, creating a wonderful opportunity for different generations to come together, reflect, create and discover something new about themselves.

The session opened with quiet reflection, inviting participants to think about the people, places and experiences that bring them peace and joy. A reading from 1 Peter 4:10 set the tone: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

Participants reflected on what makes them happiest, who brings out the best in them, what qualities come alive when they are happy, and what they enjoy doing for others. This led to the "My Happy Place" art activity. Guided by art facilitators Helen and Swagata, participants expressed their happy memories and places through colours, drawings and shapes. There was no right or wrong artwork; each picture was simply a personal story told through the eyes and heart of its creator. Participants then identified the gifts and qualities reflected in their artwork, such as caring, creativity, kindness and cheerfulness. The session also explored how we can recognise and respond positively when stress, sadness, conflict or other challenges disturb our inner peace.

The final activity invited everyone to reflect on "Lord, the gift I want to offer You is…" Each participant wrote their chosen gift on a ray of light and placed it around a candle, symbolising how our individual gifts can come together as one light in God's service.

The session closed joyfully with the action song 'Give Me Joy in My Heart, Keep Me Praising'. After more than an hour of reflection and art, it was wonderful to see everyone singing, moving and sharing in the joy of being together.

The feedback captured the spirit of the afternoon. Participants described the session as "relaxed, refreshed and happy," and a "bonding session." One participant expressed gratitude for the opportunity to look at themselves positively and discover the "hidden gems" gifted by God.

'Discovering Oneself Through Art' was much more than an art workshop. It was a reminder that self-discovery can happen at any age, that every person has unique gifts, and that those gifts become most meaningful when shared with others.

Bernadette Lobo & Lynette D'Mello

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Divine Retreat Centre Invites You

1. International Bishops, Priests & Religious Retreat – Sunday, October 18 (6:00 p.m.) to Friday, October 23 (1:00 p.m.). Email: divineretreatcentre@gmail.com. Prior registration by email is required; admission is free.

2. Spiritual Growth Retreat for Inner Healing - Sunday, October 18 (10:00 a.m.) to Friday, October 23 (1:00 p.m.). Led by Fr Augustine Vallooran, VC; Fr Mathew Naikomparambil, VC; Fr Joseph Edattu, VC; Fr Jacob Arimpur, VC; Fr Michael Payyapilly, VC; Fr Antony Parankimalil, VC. This Retreat is open to all laypersons. Prior registration can be done by email: divineretreatcentre@gmail.com

Divine Retreat Centre (English Campus), Muringoor, Chalakudy, Kerala. Tel: +91 94465 69966