HPT Health Rally 2025

Proclaiming the Power of Preventive Healthcare

November 27, 2025 was a memorable day for the Health Promotion Trust (HPT) as it celebrated its 12th Annual Health Rally during its 25th year of service to urban and rural communities. HPT has determinedly pursued its vision of "Healthcare for All" during these 25 years. 

The HPT Team was delighted to have Archbishop John Rodrigues gracing the occasion and lighting the inaugural lamp. While thanking the Archbishop for his immense support, HPT Director, Fr Rocky Banz emphasised HPT's paradigm shift over the past 25 years from curative to preventive health. In all HPT programmes, the people themselves are the chief protagonists in maintaining their personal health, which is critical to sustaining preventive health in the long term. Using this approach has been instrumental to HPT's success in educating diverse target groups across the socio-economic spectrum from the most impoverished communities to middle class parish groups. 

The audience enjoyed a riveting documentary film showcasing HPT's innovative interventions in the most remote villages of the archdiocese. The film spotlighted HPT's proactive role during the pandemic, and its dynamic response to the increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases. 

Prominent stakeholders enthusiastically shared their positive collaboration experiences with HPT:

• Prof. Sonia Rodrigues, College of Social Work Nirmala Niketan, shared examples of joint projects with HPT, namely, Pravas (working with senior citizens) and Spandhan (working with tribal children in the Dahanu belt).

• Mrs Rosy Noronha, a participant in HPT's Barefoot Counsellor programme, expressed her increased confidence after the training, enabling her to help the inmates at Vimala House, Versova, a house for lepers.

• HPT health worker, Mrs Damini Patel, described how her journey with HPT inspired her to serve as an arogya sevika in promoting traditional and sustainable practices of healthcare in various communities. 

• Members from the Uttan-Pali community praised HPT's preventive health interventions during the 2024-25 one-year preventive health module training programme.

A Programme that Entertained and Educated

• 27 HPT health workers performed a street play demonstrating key interventions in Raigad district.

• Barefoot health workers from Premdarshan Community Centre staged a musical representation of the need for holistic exercise to promote a sound body, mind and soul.

• Sr Vinaylata, Coordinator of the Suryoday Samaj Kendra, along with her group of HPT-trained workers, sang a melody that resonated with the essence of HPT's vision and mission. The lyrics portrayed the potential of preventive health training to combat the negative impact of rapid lifestyle changes.

Archbishop John Rodrigues released the second edition of Measures of Healthy Living – a much awaited follow up to the first edition. Archbishop John awarded 300 health workers their Barefoot Health worker certificates. Recipients included members of Suryodaya Samaj Kendra, Gorai; Ashakiran, Vakola; Senior Citizen groups from St Joseph Church, Juhu, Our Lady of Nazareth Church and Suraksha Mahila Vikas Kendra Community Centre of Infant Jesus Church.

An Invitation for Naturopathy Wellness

Please join HPT's Naturopathy Wellness Camps in Khandala in 2026: January 30–February 2, February 20–23, March 27–31, April 17–20, June 12–15, July 3–6, August 7–10, November 27–30.

PMM facilitates release of 52 prisoners for Jubilee Year        

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim liberty to the captives…"

A truly historic moment unfolded in the Catholic Church on December 26, 2024, when Pope Francis opened a Holy Door at Rome's Rebibbia Prison as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope—the first time in history that a Holy Door was opened within a prison. This powerful sign declared that hope, dignity, and the possibility of redemption can reach even those behind bars.

Inspired by this call of the Jubilee, Prison Ministry Mumbai (PMM) embraced the mission to be bearers of hope. Guided by compassion and the Gospel mandate, PMM undertook a significant initiative: to facilitate the release of at least 50 undertrial prisoners in Mumbai—an act that echoes Pope Francis' words, "There is no humane punishment without a horizon. No one can change their life if they don't see a horizon."

With deep gratitude, PMM is humbled to announce a milestone achievement ahead of the Jubilee of Prisoners on December 14, 2025—a day dedicated to all those in prison and all affected by the criminal justice system, as observed by the Pope in Rome. From March 2025 to the present, as part of this Jubilee initiative, 52 inmates from Mumbai prison have been released.

This grace-filled accomplishment was made possible, thanks to the collaboration of prison authorities, advocates, legal teams, PMM volunteers, and generous donors whose support opened new paths to freedom.

Yet, this is only the beginning. PMM remains steadfast in its mission to bring hope, dignity, and a fresh start to many more who still wait for their horizon. We warmly invite you to support this ongoing initiative.

Email: drtcjpc@gmail.com WhatsApp: 98200 93121

Fr Glasten Gonsalves

Director – Prison Ministry Mumbai

AVSAR Skill Development and Placement Support 

Don Bosco-AVSAR is a programme to provide job placement support and skill development training via a series of weekly seminars/workshops for the youth at the Matunga campus. Please call/message/share your CV for further details. 

Don Bosco-AVSAR: Ground Floor, Provincial House, Matunga East, Mumbai 400 019. Contact: 80056 64827/99207 10902 

Email: coordinator.dbavsar@sdbinb.in

High Court orders TMC to protect Thane burial ground 

The Bombay High Court has ordered a municipal authority to clear encroachments and restore a nine-acre plot reserved for a multi-faith burial and cremation ground, criticising officials for failing to enforce its earlier directions. The court, in a Nov. 28 ruling, directed the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to submit a compliance report within three weeks, after finding that the civic body had not acted on a Jan. 8 order to safeguard the land. The case will be heard again on Jan. 9, 2026.

The land was earmarked in 2016 as a shared cemetery space for Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Lingayats, and Jews in Bhayandarpada in Thane, on the outskirts of Mumbai, one of India's most densely populated and land-scarce regions. Although the land was earmarked, the authorities have not prepared it for burial or cremation, leaving it unusable, said Melwyn Fernandes, General Secretary of the Mumbai-based Association of Concerned Christians and petitioner in the case.

He said the order offers "much-needed relief" to Christians who currently travel up to 30 km to bury their dead. Fernandes alleged in court that the reserved plot had been misused by a land developer company for storing construction materials and parking vehicles — claims that raised concerns over political and commercial interference in public land.

Representing Fernandes, Catholic lawyer Sunita Banis told the court that TMC had failed to fence or secure the site, and had allowed unauthorised activities to continue despite court instructions. The court ordered TMC to remove all encroachments, halt unauthorised use, and install protective fencing around the entire plot. It also directed the civic body to file a fresh affidavit including accurate data, scientific projections for burial needs, and development timelines for all reserved burial grounds in the district.

Fernandes filed the PIL in 2021, arguing that Christians in the Thane district face an acute shortage of burial grounds, despite a Government notification formally allocating the Bhayandarpada land for that purpose.

Cyril Samuel Dara, President of the Thane Christian Cemetery Association, welcomed the latest ruling, calling it "a major relief" for all Christian denominations in the district.

UCA News 

Acutis Tournament of Mumbai (ATOM)

The Sports Tournament (Football and Throwball) organised by the DYC, Bandra, during the Jubilee Year, concluded on November 29 at St Andrew's Turf Park and School grounds, Bandra. The initial knockout rounds were held on November 9 at St Pius X Seminary grounds, Goregaon. On Nov. 29, two exhibition matches were also held; one between the religious sisters and the youth (throwball) and the other between the priests and the youth (football). The religious sisters and priests won their respective matches! 

St Joseph, Juhu won the ATOM football event, and St Francis of Assisi, Bandra won the runners-up trophy. St Vincent Pallotti, Marol won the ATOM throwball event, and Our Lady of Lourdes, Malad won the runners-up trophy.

(pictures on page 26 print issue) 

Fr Omar Fernandes

The Catholic Biblical Counselling Course 

Over the past two months, a diverse group of pilgrims gathered at the Retreat House on Saturdays with a shared hunger—to understand life through the compassionate gaze of Christ and to grow in the art of accompanying others on their spiritual and emotional journeys. Under the gentle yet profound guidance of Fr George Cordeiro, SJ, the Catholic Biblical Counselling course, first of its kind in the archdiocese, became far more than an academic programme. It unfolded as an experience of encounter: with the Word, with one another, and with God Himself.

From the very first session, Fr George invited participants to explore not only concepts, but the deeper movements of the human heart. His approach beautifully integrated Scripture with the practical realities of counselling, revealing how God's Word continues to speak powerfully into the struggles, wounds, and hopes of people today. Through his pastoral wisdom and global experience, he helped the group grasp one essential truth—that counselling, when rooted in Christ, is not merely a technique, but a ministry of love.

One of the most striking insights of the course was the exploration of the six certitudes—physical, intellectual, moral, psychological, spiritual, and biblical.

Participants discovered how these lenses shape the way individuals interpret the world, often narrowing one's vision and unintentionally becoming personal "idols" that limit one's openness to God's broader and richer perspective. When we allow God to reinterpret our experiences, the will is freed, and the path to conversion becomes clearer and more natural.

A central theme woven throughout the sessions was our true identity; we are made in the image and likeness of God, with His love dwelling within us. Many testified that this realisation ignited a new confidence and hope within them. They felt invited to see as God sees, to relate as God relates, and to act as Christ acted—a transformation that gradually reshapes the daily rhythms of life.

Fr George emphasised the profound freedom God has bestowed upon humanity—the freedom to choose love. Reflecting on Salvation History, the group revisited Eden, the Fall, and ultimately the redemptive love of Jesus, who rose above every trial and temptation. His victory, made manifest in the courage of His disciples, becomes the model and invitation for every Christian today: to live as Jesus lived.

This call, Fr George explained, stands on a pillar of Faith, Hope, and Love. Or put as dimensions to live in Love, as Love, to Love, and for Love"—its environment, identity, intention, and purpose—a simple yet profound summary of the Christian vocation. In a world that often appears faithless, hopeless, and loveless, the course rekindled the desire to be instruments of Christ's compassion and presence.

Participants also reflected on the practical ways to embody this mission. Connection with God—through awareness, silence, and prayer—was highlighted as foundational. So too was the call to genuine conversation, not merely communication; to witness through thought and deed; and, when necessary, to use words. As St John of the Cross reminds us, "In the twilight of our life, we will be judged on love alone."

As the programme concluded, gratitude naturally overflowed. Participants expressed heartfelt thanks to Fr George for his dedication, clarity, and compassionate accompaniment. Many shared how their perspectives had shifted, how new hope had been kindled, and how they felt empowered to serve as "wounded healers" in a world longing for tenderness and understanding.

Descending figuratively from the mountain, the group felt renewed—enlightened, strengthened, and inspired to be bearers of Faith, Hope, and Love in their homes, parishes, workplaces, and beyond. Their journey continues, but now with deeper roots in the Word and greater trust in the God who walks with them.

May the seeds planted during this transformative time continue to flourish, drawing many more towards the healing heart of Christ.

Students of CBC Batch 1 Level 1, 2025

Journey to Christmas

All roads in the St Thomas Community of Our Lady of Dolours Parish, Sonapur, led to Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work on November 30, for an evening that gently opened the doors of Advent. "Journey to Christmas – A Heartfelt Preparation" was organised by the community's young and dynamic Coordinator and animators, who crafted a programme meant to stir reflection and renew spiritual focus.

The gathering began with Deacon Inacin, who guided participants through the inner journeys of the figures who stood at the threshold of the first Christmas over 2000 years ago. Through his evocative narration, the community was invited into the minds and hearts of Mary, Joseph, and others who wrestled with doubt, fear, and finally, humble acceptance of God's will. His reflections transported listeners back in time, allowing them to feel part of the sacred unfolding of Salvation History. 

Next, Sr Rena offered an engaging exploration of beloved Christmas symbols—the Advent candles, the wreath, the first crib, and even Santa Claus—unpacking their origins and spiritual meaning. Her insights encouraged the community to rediscover these symbols as guides that can deepen one's spiritual preparation throughout Advent.

The evening concluded with fellowship over snacks and a round of enthusiastic feedback. A clear consensus emerged: events like this enrich the community and should be held more often. Gratitude flowed generously towards the organisers whose efforts made the evening both meaningful and memorable.

Though the programme drew to a close, the spiritual journey it inspired had only just begun. For the St Thomas Community, Advent has been set in motion—heartfelt, reflective, and filled with renewed anticipation for the coming of Christ.

Charles Vaz

RBI accords 'Schedule' status to Model Co-op. Bank Ltd. 

Model Co-op. Bank Ltd. has been included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 vide Notification CO.DOR.RAUG.No.S5697/08-02-498/2025-26 dated October 20, 2025 and published in the Gazette of India (Part III - Section 4) dated November 11, 2025 and has been announced by RBI  vide press release 2025-26/1611 dated December 2, 2025.

Getting 'Schedule status' is a significant achievement for the Bank. which has its roots as a credit society since 1916, and as a bank since 1998. The Bank has a business mix of over Rs 1900 crores and is a FSWM Bank (Financially Sound & Well Managed) as per RBI criteria, and has been regularly receiving awards for its strong financial performance. Currently with a network of 25 strategically located branches and a robust digital platform, the Bank is providing efficient and customer-friendly banking services to the Community.

The Bank has been growing at a steady pace, and by being accorded 'Schedule status,' the growth is expected to increase, as Trusts, Societies and Institutions can also exclusively bank with Model Co-op. Bank. The Board of Directors, Management and Staff thank the Community and the people they serve for their continued support which has made the growth possible.

Vakola Confirmation students lead Care for Creation drive 

The 2025 Confirmation students of St Anthony's Church, Vakola, launched a Care for Creation initiative, demonstrating how faith can inspire meaningful action for the environment.

Guided by their Confirmation animator, Candida Carvalho, the students distributed 1,000 saplings and 800 seed balls to parishioners and neighbourhood residents, encouraging families to participate in long-term environmental care. In collaboration with Bisleri's Bottles for Change programme, they collected 202 kg of plastic, ensuring responsible recycling, and gathered 2,200 milk tetrapacks, preventing them from entering landfills, while raising awareness about effective waste management.

Ms Carvalho expressed her admiration for the students' dedication: "It's a truly inspiring initiative. When our youth step forward, they put their heart and soul into every activity, ensuring they reach out with dedication and warmth to every parishioner in our community."

The parish community actively supported these initiatives, and social media campaigns helped spread awareness further. Parish Priest Dr Fr Francis Carvalho highlighted the meticulous planning behind the drive, noting, "I am glad our confirmands have stepped up their efforts and realised the need to go green with this drive."

The initiative also drew heartfelt appreciation from parishioners. One parishioner said, "The entire parish community was involved in the initiative, and everyone's coordination was truly noteworthy. Through this, we could reconnect with Nature, and become partners in saving it. These efforts not only beautified our surroundings, but also strengthened community bonds as we all worked together towards a greener future."

Reflecting on the experience, one Confirmation student shared, "This experience helped us reconnect with Nature and reminded us of our responsibility to care for God's creation. Our plastic and sapling drive showed how small actions, collecting bottles and growing saplings, can make a real difference. This journey strengthened our unity and encouraged us to value Creation and grow as responsible, faith-filled young people."

As the Church marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', the Confirmation students of St Anthony's Parish have demonstrated how its message can be translated into concrete actions, proving that even small steps can make a lasting difference in caring for our common home.

RVA News 

AI Awareness session engages Community at Sion

The Bombay Catholic Sabha Unit of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in collaboration with Dimensions Global, hosted an AI Awareness & Practical Demonstration session on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Sion. The session was conducted by Dr Reuben Buthello, who led participants through an engaging exploration of how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, decision-making, and daily life.

The highly interactive programme created an atmosphere of curiosity and active learning. Dr Buthello highlighted everyday applications of AI across Education, Healthcare, Finance, Security, and Entertainment, while also emphasising critical ethical considerations such as privacy, bias, and responsible AI use.

Participants were particularly enthusiastic about the live demonstrations, which encouraged students to ask questions, experiment with AI tools, and witness real-world use cases firsthand. The lively engagement reflected a growing interest in understanding and adopting AI technologies.

The event concluded with participants expressing increased confidence in using AI tools and a deeper appreciation of AI's practical relevance in modern life.

Agnelo Rodrigues

Conrad Saldanha's first Art  Exhibition at 74

The Bombay Art Society in Bandra (West) hosted the opening reception of "Embracing Life: From Sketch to Canvas," on December 5, the first-ever art exhibition by 74-year-old Conrad Saldanha—an inspiring late bloomer who picked up the paintbrush for the first time just two years ago. 

What began as a personal exploration at the age of 72 has now blossomed into a full-fledged exhibition featuring works in graphite, colour pencil, watercolour, charcoal, and acrylic.

Saldanha, who describes himself as a "wandering learner," spent more than four decades as a marketing professional, senior industry leader, educator, advisor, blogger, and author, before turning to art. His eclectic journey—ranging from early years in a religious order, an MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, leadership roles with Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive and India Today, to serving as Vice President at The Times of India Group—was driven by a constant search for purpose. A decade in the Education sector and years of reflective writing deepened his quest for meaningful expression. He published his first book 'Seeking to Live' in December 2021. 

In 2023, under the guidance of artist Sanjay Vaidya, Saldanha embraced drawing and painting with what he calls "the playfulness of a child and the seriousness of an intent learner." His exhibition showcases this spirit—an invitation to see life through shifting perspectives, to challenge assumptions, and to discover the extraordinary within the ordinary.

The artworks on display reflect an impressive range for someone so new to the craft: landscapes, still life, impressionism, cubism, abstract explorations, and more. Visitors at the preview described the collection as "fresh," "intuitive," and "deeply reflective"—mirroring the artist's own journey of personal reinvention.

Curated by Studio Ragini, "Embracing Life: From Sketch to Canvas" stands not only as a testament to Saldanha's artistic growth, but also as a reminder that it is never too late to begin anew. For Saldanha, art has become a way of understanding life more meaningfully—embracing its beauty, its imperfections, and its infinite possibilities.

The exhibition marks a remarkable milestone in the continuing journey of a man who has never stopped learning, wandering, and expanding what's possible.