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International Community in Pune celebrates Holy Mass for the Opening of the School Year
International Community in Pune celebrates Holy Mass for the Opening of the School Year
A special service marking the beginning of the new school year brought together families from different countries in Pune on Sunday, September 13. People from Germany, France, Korea, Zimbabwe and other countries gathered for an international service celebrated in English.
After an ecumenical service at the Emmaus Chapel in Delhi on Sept. 12, I flew to Pune on Sunday morning. Tobias Gabriel warmly welcomed me at the airport. Over breakfast on a beautiful balcony in Panchshil Towers, the day began with a joyful sense of fellowship and anticipation.
Families began to arrive in the hall around 11 a.m. The music, led by Tobias Gabriel and his children, as well as Etienne, his wife and their children, gave the service a joyful and festive atmosphere. The readings from the Book of Sirach, the Letter to the Romans and the Sermon on the Mount focused our attention on the source of true wisdom.
A particularly moving moment was the Lord’s Prayer. Although the service was celebrated in English, each person prayed the Lord’s Prayer in his or her own mother tongue. Thus, one prayer was heard in many languages – a beautiful expression of the diversity and unity of the international community.
One of the most touching moments was the blessing of the children; they brought their school bags, books, notebooks, pencils and pens to the altar. Together with the bread and wine, these everyday symbols of school life were brought before God - learning, school, the questions and hopes of children have their place in their life with God. We prayed for God’s blessing for the new school year, for joy in learning, good friendships and people who will accompany and encourage the children on their journey.
The homily reflected on the insight that wisdom does not come only from books and academic knowledge. Education opens many opportunities for children and young people. Yet our experiences in life also shape us – our encounters, joys and disappointments, successes and difficulties. We can learn to understand these experiences and grow through them. Wisdom is more than knowledge. It is expressed in the way we live our lives, take responsibility, distinguish between good and evil, and treat others with respect and love.
At the end of the celebration, there was a strong sense of joy and gratitude among those present. The service gave the beginning of the new school year a meaningful spiritual dimension and reminded the children that God accompanies them on their journey.
The gathering continued with an Agape meal at a restaurant; over good food and engaging conversation, the morning came to a warm and joyful close.
Fr Dr Arul Lourdu serves the German-speaking Catholic community in India, and is involved in initiatives supporting disadvantaged children and communities.
Celebrating the Silent Servants of the Lord
Celebrating the Silent Servants of the Lord
Sacristans from across the Archdiocese of Bombay gathered at Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar on October 15, 2026 for a day of faith, formation and fellowship organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Liturgy.
Every sacred celebration in the Church is made possible not only by those who stand before the congregation, but also by the many dedicated hands that work quietly behind the scenes. From preparing the sacred vessels to ensuring that every liturgical celebration unfolds with dignity and reverence, sacristans render an invaluable service that often goes unnoticed, but is indispensable to the life of the Church.
The programme, organised in gratitude for their faithful and selfless contribution, was a meaningful blend of spiritual enrichment, practical guidance, recreation and fellowship, celebrating those who devote themselves to the sacred ministry of service.
The gathering commenced with a prayer service led by Sr Rosely Cheeramkunnel fsp, invoking God's blessings and placing the day's proceedings in His loving presence. Fr Savio de Sales, the Coordinator of the programme, warmly welcomed the 75 sacristans.
The highlight of the programme was an insightful talk by Fr Robin Fargose, who reminded the sacristans that serving at the altar is not merely a responsibility, but a calling and a ministry. He emphasised the importance of hard work, dedication, sincerity and reverence in carrying out their duties.
The presentation underscored an essential truth: before preparing the altar, a sacristan must prepare his or her own heart. A spirit of prayer, humility and reverence must precede every practical duty. The sacredness of the objects entrusted to their care calls for an attitude of profound respect, mindfulness and devotion. His practical advice offered a simple yet powerful principle for every sacristan to follow: "Take it, use it, clean it, and place it back." This straightforward practice encapsulates the discipline, responsibility and care essential to the ministry.
Inspired by Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord," the sacristans were encouraged to continue their ministry with renewed enthusiasm and devotion.
This spiritual enrichment was followed by an entertaining session conducted by Mr Clifton Chettiar, who engaged the participants in games and recreational activities.
Sacred Heart Church – Culvem
Heart Sensing the Joy of Nature
Heart Sensing the Joy of Nature
Our Season of Creation 2026 at St Anne Church, Bandra culminated on October 4, 2026 with an immersive eco-spiritual experience and Mass at St Pius X Seminary in Goregaon, along with a tour of the Archdiocesan Heritage Museum.
Our resource person, Fr Tony D’Souza SJ (the author of Discovering Awareness) began by stressing how our onslaught on Nature through innumerable thoughtless acts has created a ripple effect in the natural world, and its disastrous consequences on the poor and innocent, in places far removed from the perpetrators of climate change as evidenced in the partial collapse of a glacier in Nepal. The group of 76 parishioners of diverse ages vocalised their heightened awareness of consumerism, capitalism, and greed as a flashpoint for the world-wide natural disasters.
The Meditation
Fr Tony dwelt on the eternal questions of Happiness (that is fleeting and dependent on extraneous factors) and Joy that springs from within when we tap into our inner senses, an innate God-given gift that should be cultivated to battle Pain and Suffering.
The focal point of the meditation was HEART SENSING - a contemplative practice where we perceive the natural world through an eco-spiritual lens, treating Nature as a living, sacred and interconnected web of life, thereby fostering empathy and ‘oneness with Nature’. As we were led deeper into meditation, the melancholic strains of ‘As One’ by Denean drifted through our consciousness, and we slowly transitioned into a reflective mood. The aim of the Heart Sensing was to experience Nature on a purely sensory spiritual level, to feel her heartbeat beating as one within us.
The Forest Experience
The group moved out in a pensive mood into the forest on the campus. The sights, sounds and fragrances of the forest hit the senses like a gentle cascade – the lilting birdsong, a colony of ants scurrying about their business in the bark of a tree, wildflowers swaying in a riot of pink, emerald ferns waving their delicate feathery fronds, shafts of sunlight piercing through the canopy of a banyan - its aerial roots anchoring this ancient giant to the ground, a gentle breeze rippling through the wild grasses home to a myriad somnolent insects, then a tiny, blue jewel flitted across my vision on gossamer wings – a delicate whisper of creativity fashioned by the Almighty.
As a result of this immersive meditation, the Mass that followed became a deeply spiritual experience. At Mass, the reflective community gathered around the Lord’s table, participating wholeheartedly, praying and singing in unison to our Creator, Our Heavenly Father, truly befitting on Agera Sunday.
Christabell Miranda
Fr Gilbert DeLima appointed to International Theological Commission
Fr Gilbert DeLima appointed to International Theological Commission
A press statement from the Vatican announced October 19, 2026 that the Holy Father has appointed Rev. Fr Gilbert de Lima as a member of the International Theological Commission at the Vatican. Fr Gilbert is currently the Rector of St Pius X Seminary, Goregaon, and Executive Secretary of the Commission for Theology and Doctrine of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).
Apologetics Course instills Confidence
Apologetics Course instills Confidence
The Apologetics Course held at Atma Darshan on October 12-14, 2026 brought together 25 participants—one priest, four religious sisters and 20 lay faithful, ranging from young adults to older Catholics. They were united in a desire to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and to explain it with clarity and conviction. It was for them a journey from Uncertainty to Confidence in the Catholic Faith. They can now respond to a question central to Catholic apologetics: "What I believe as a Catholic, and why do I believe?"
Fr Vincent Barboza
Scripture Comes Alive for School Children
Scripture Comes Alive for School Children
11 schools, 24 costumed participants and a morning devoted to the letters of St Paul: the Bible Commission's Bible Quiz cum Biblical Fashion Show brought the Word of God to life for the young people of the Archdiocese of Bombay.
On the morning of October 1, 2026, St Pius X Seminary came alive with eager students, colourful costumes and well-thumbed Bibles. The Bible Commission of the Archdiocese of Bombay had organised a Bible Quiz cum Biblical Fashion Show, inviting schools from across the city to celebrate the Word of God in two very different ways: through knowledge and through creativity. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Seminary became a place of learning, laughter and faith.
This year's quiz took on a demanding portion of the New Testament: the Letter to the Romans and the First and Second Letters to the Corinthians. These letters of St Paul are among the richest writings in the Bible. Eleven school teams accepted the challenge. The quiz was hosted by two seminarians, Bro. Praveen and Bro. Jobin, whose lively hosting kept everyone alive and active from the first question to the last. What set the morning apart was the way the quiz was interspersed with the Biblical Fashion Show. Between rounds, 24 participants took to the stage dressed as characters from the Bible, each presentation the result of careful thought about the figure being portrayed.
Fr John Barretto, Vice Rector of St Pius X Seminary, gave away the prizes and addressed the gathering with a short message. Every winner received a gift, and every participant was presented with a certificate and a gift in recognition of their effort and enthusiasm.
In the Bible Quiz, St Joseph High School, Kandivli took first place, followed by Our Lady of Good Counsel, Sion and St Xavier's Boys School, Churchgate. In the Biblical Fashion Show, Ms Angel Patrick of Mount Mary's Convent, Bandra won first place, with Ms Aaliya Surve and Ms Avelin Fernando, both of St Joseph High School, Vikhroli, placing second and third.
The prize distribution was followed by a sumptuous lunch, shared in the same spirit of fellowship. The event was the fruit of much dedication by Fr Walter D'Souza, the main organiser, whose vision and tireless effort brought it all together. Heartfelt thanks to all the seminarians and lay coordinators who helped in organising the event.
Archdiocesan Bible Commission
Bible Quiz at St Joseph the Worker, Bandra East
Bible Quiz at St Joseph the Worker, Bandra East
The Church of St Joseph the Worker, Bandra East, came alive with the Word of God as the Josephite Bible Cell organised an engaging Bible Quiz on Sunday, October 11, in preparation for the Deanery Bible Quiz scheduled next month.
The event was the culmination of a month of intensive preparation by the Josephite Bible Cell, with the strong support of the Clergy Team. Four teams of four participants each, representing different age groups and communities, competed enthusiastically under the biblical names of Adam, Abraham, Noah and Moses.
The eight exciting rounds — Unscramble the Word and Verse, Identify the Character and Event, Guess the Hymn, Identify the Scripture Verse, Multiple Choice Questions, Rapid Fire and Buzzer Round — kept participants and spectators on the edge of their seats. The closely contested competition concluded with Team Noah emerging as winners, followed by Team Moses in second place and Team Abraham in third.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Bro. Dashiel Fonseca from the Seminary and Guests of Honour Melinda Frank and Megan Fernandes from St Andrew's parish.
The programme commenced with a prayer service, setting a reverent and prayerful tone for the occasion. An action song added a lively dimension to the celebrations.
The three Quizmasters kept the event pulsating with energy, while the Tech Team ensured seamless support throughout. The compere skillfully stitched the programme together, and the scorekeepers, updating scores online, added to the excitement and competitive spirit.
Trophies, medals, certificates and Rosaries were awarded to the winners and participants in recognition of their efforts and enthusiasm. Refreshments rounded off the gathering on a warm and convivial note.
The Josephite Bible Cell is available on 84335 37703 to facilitate Bible-based events for parishes, Cells, Associations and communities, encouraging a deeper engagement with Sacred Scripture.
BCS Elocution Contest 2026
BCS Elocution Contest 2026
On October 2, 2026, a bunch of enthusiastic youngsters (along with their parents) made their way to the BCS Elocution contest 2026. Revived after a gap of over 27 years, the Contest had five age groups. The three judges - Ms Aziel Marques, Dr Sibert Collaco and Mr Denver D'Silva - had a difficult time selecting the winners.
The final winners in each age group were:
Under 9 years: First: Gareth Gerard Misquitta; Runner-up: Stacia Pendurkar
9-12 years: First: Kyra Brindley; Runner-up: Samara Raul
12-15 years: First: Aiden Pires; Runner-up: Kaelyn Creado
Above 19 years: Romula Philip Pinto
Mr Norbert Mendonca, the President of the Bombay Catholic Sabha, appreciated the participants and their parents for the efforts and preparation. He also thanked the organising team from the BCS Youth Affairs and Training Forum.
Jessica Fernandes did a splendid job as the compere.
Photos of the event are available on the website bcsabha.org
Kevin D'Souza, Vice President, BCS Youth Affairs & Training Forum.
Promoting Mental Health – A Catholic Initiative
Promoting Mental Health – A Catholic Initiative
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as "a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to the community." Extending this definition, it would not be wrong to say that the health of the whole person encompasses the healing of the body, mind, brain, emotions, spirit and will, enabling human beings to attain optimal well-being and lead resilient lives.
With this understanding, the staff of the Retreat House in Bandra conducted five weekend seminars on Faith Healing. The sessions focused on healing ailments of the body, mind and emotions, interpersonal relationships, and the spirit. Fr George Cordeiro SJ, the main resource person, guided a group of 45 participants, comprising medical doctors, social science professionals, lawyers, an architect, nurses, counsellors, senior managers from the corporate world, other experienced professionals from diverse fields, and a few young people.
This entire process equipped participants to look at themselves, others and the world through the eyes of God (Faith); to act towards themselves and others as God would (Hope); and to relate to others as God would (Love), as manifested concretely in the life of Jesus. The process integrated scientific and medical knowledge of the five human faculties—the body, mind, brain, heart (emotions) and spirit—viewed through the lenses of affective neuroscience and Scripture.
The outcomes ranged from greater personal awareness and enhanced knowledge to the development of practical skills, as well as physiological and psychological healing across the personal, interpersonal, social and spiritual dimensions of life.
The sessions offer an opportunity to learn, reflect and grow. Participants may join an individual session according to their needs or interests, or journey through the entire five-part series.
For details on the session schedule, call or WhatsApp 91369 53730, The Retreat House, Bandra West.
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