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January - February 2011
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Let me start again
Take the pieces of my brokenness
Fill the spaces in my emptiness
Let me start again
Let me start with you Lord
Everything begins with you
All my winnings and all my losings
All begin in you
What inspiring words! On 1st January 2011,
we heralded the start of the new year. It is the time to
start anew. New beginnings, new promises, new efforts
and renewed hope. Perhaps the last year was not one
of our best years. Perhaps we encountered failures,
faced numerous challenges, had many anxious
moments. Maybe our hope lies diminished, our mind is weary
and body tired. But let us remember that each new
dawn brings with it new hope. Hope for a better tomorrow,
a happier and healthier tomorrow. For nothing is impossible for the Lord. He can take all our
yesterdays, our sorrows, our failures, our disappointments and
make something beautiful out of it.
The Lord's disciples were not successful,
clever or educated men. And yet the Lord chose them for his |
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good work. So this new year let us turn ourselves
over to the Lord in a spirit of trust and surrender. Let us
take courage and trust that we are secure in his hands.
That nothing will befall us that is not his will or beyond
our bearing capacity. And that he will lead us every step
of the way this new year. Let me end with another
beautiful stanza of the song.
Come take my living into your life
Let my breath echo your side
All my fortune needs you Lord
Take complete control
May my life end to see me
Trusting for your power to heal me
Fill my fragmentation, Jesus
You can make me whole
Come let me rise to greet the morning
Let me catch the dew a falling
Let the tidings of the new day
Keep my courage strong.
(This song is taken from a CD by Fr. Peter Gonsalves)
Fr. Leo Soares S.J. and Maria Jain |
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SAINT OF THE MONTH - ST. JOHN BOSCO |
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Saint John Bosco accomplished what
many people considered an impossibility; he walked
through the streets of Turin, Italy, looking for the dirtiest,
roughest urchins he could find, then made good men of
them. His extraordinary success can be summed up in
the words of his patron Saint, Francis de Sales:
"The measure of his love was that he loved without
measure". He was born in 1815 in the village of Becchi in
the Piedmont district of northern Italy and reared on
his parents' small farm.
Although his life was hard, he was a
happy, imaginative child. Even as a boy, John found
innocent fun compatible with religion. To amuse his friends
he learned how to juggle and walk a tightrope; but he
would entertain them only on condition that each
performance begin and end with a prayer. As a seminarian
he devoted his spare time to looking after the
ragamuffins who roamed the slums of the city. Every Sunday
he taught them catechism, supervised their games
and entertained them with stories and tricks; before
long his kindness had won their confidence, and his
"Sunday School" became a ritual with them. After his
ordination in 1841, he became assistant to the chaplain of
an orphanage at Valocco, on the outskirts of Turin. |
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The first oratory was established and named
for Saint Francis de Sales. Enrollment increased so
rapidly that by 1849 there were three oratories in various
places in the city.
Don Bosco went to Rome in 1858 and, at
the suggestion of Pope Pius IX, drew up a rule for
his community, the Society of Saint Francis de
Sales (Salesians). Four years later he founded an order
for women, the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians,
to care for abandoned girls. Finally, to supplement the
work of both congregations, he organized an association
of lay people interested in aiding their work.
Don Bosco died on January 31, 1888.
The Salesians grew so rapidly in number and fervour
that at the founder's death, there were already 200
houses and these had fostered 2500 vocations.
He was canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI.
The work of John Bosco continues today in over a
thousand Salesian oratories throughout the world. No
modern saint has captured the heart of the world more
rapidly than this smiling peasant-priest from Turin, who
believed that to give complete trust and love is the most
effective way to nourish virtue in others.
Dr. Nicolas Antao
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THE MYSTICAL & MAGICAL "THREE" |
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit we begin our short writing with the
Trinity. The subject of my writing is the number "3".
Animate and inanimate beings have many illustrations of
the number `3'. We started this piece with the Trinity.
Only when beings have a philosophical or theological
relation we shall make mention of them. The three angles in
a geometrical figure are used to throw light on the
Trinity. St. Patrick used the "Shamrock" to convert Ireland ie.
a plant with one stem and three leaves.
In Scripture we come across several
examples of the number `3'. In the beginning God created
Adam, Eve and the serpent (Gen 2). Later on in Genesis,
3 persons came to visit Abraham (Gen 18). In the
New Testament, three wise men came to greet and
worship the new born king (Mt. 2:1-12)
On Mount Tabor Jesus strengthens his
three apostles: Peter, James and John for his passion
and death (Lk. 9:28-36). In the temple Jesus spoke
about his rising from the dad after three days. But the Jews
at that time thought that he was referring to the
temple that took forty years to build. |
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At the Last Supper, Jesus foretold Peter's
three-fold denial (Mt. 26:34). In the Garden of
Gethsemane in his agony Jesus cried three times for the
same intention, "Let this chalice pass from me (Mt.
26:42). Peter re-established his closeness to Jesus by his
three- fold repentance (Jn.21)
The Tridentine Canon has the mystical
No.3 (Eucharist Prayer I) namely gift of Abel, sacrifice
of Abraham Our Father in Faith and the Bread and
Wine offered by your Priest Melchizedech.
The idea of expatiating on the number three is
to rivet our attention to one thing and find similarities
and thus cement our religious beliefs. As the noted
American author James Hudson Taylor once said: "Three
are three stages in the work of God- Impossible, Difficult
& Done".
I end with the words taken from St. John's
Gospel: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life". The way
is narrow, the truth is bitter and unpalatable, yet vital
and eternal life is our only consolation and final goal.
Dunstan Nunes
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A TIME TO WITENSS, RECEIVE AND GIVE |
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The Christmas season and the New
Year provides us with an opportunity to witness Christ to
the non-Christians. The Chakala community began
this witnessing by taking out a procession on the feast
of Christ the King. Children, youth, and elders,
numbering over 200, came in procession from the community
to the church, carrying placards and flags, and
singing hymns.
Another way we witnessed was by going
around in our area, singing carols and distributing sweets.
The third way was by putting up cribs with various
themes. The standout crib being the one put up by the youth
of Chakala. The spirit of generosity
is active during Christmas time and so we have our community |
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distributing Christmas hampers to the
underprivileged families with the help of sponsors. Some go a
step further, by distributing sweets to the bereaved
families. A couple of members of our Community
sponsored hampers for the underprivileged families of the
First Holy Communicants so that they could at least cook
a decent meal at their home and distribute snacks to
their neighbours. The receiving part was by way of
advent talk, the theme for this year was,
"The Joy of Receiving and
Giving". The talk was in English and Konkani.
The celebrations in our Chakala community were
rounded off by having a grand Christmas tree
for all. There were games, housie, singing and dance. The young and
the old had a gala time.
John Fernandes
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HOLY FAMILY FEAST - 9TH JANUARY 2011 |
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Together towards the fullness of life in
openness and involvement this is our parish vision
statement. This was the buzz word for the celebration of our
parish feast on January 9, 2011. The feast was preceded by
a Triduum.
We began our celebration with a
concelebrated feast mass at 9.30 a.m. The theme of the celebrations
was `I love Holy Family'. The celebration began with
a prayer dance by the Ashadeep children, Then the
live band took over! Yes, it was our parish choir in its
new avatar as the Holy Family Band. And they kept the
crowd rooting for them all through the evening. As they
took the parishioners through the newly composed
theme Song We Thrive, the gas balloons were released
by the children.
The senior parishioners gave us a glimpse
into the celebration of the feast 50 years ago. The
youth gave their interpretation of where Holy Family
Parish stands today, and the Altar Servers zoomed
twenty years ahead and gave us a peek into Harmony 2030
Holy Family Kal, Aaj, aur Kal!
Then followed the Mr. and Mrs. Holy
Family contest for the seniors which tested their memories and |
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wit. And when the winners were announced, there
were loud cheers and applause for them.
The Jesuit fathers of our Parish had us all in
splits as they sang their hearts out celebrating their
Jesuit life, having tweaked the words of a popular song.
All through the evening, the aroma of sheekh kababs
and sorpotel had the crowd making a beeline for the
food stalls and many of our families decided to make a
night of it and had their dinner there. The games stalls put
up by the youth of our parish kept the young and not
so old enthralled with their contests of skill and
dexterity. These stalls also afforded an opportunity for many
to meet long lost friends and acquaintances and the
buzz in the area was testimony to the fact that at Holy
Family, we are very much one community. We also jogged
our memories a bit as we watched vignettes of our
parish life during the past ten years.
Holy Family parish also played host to the
children of Divya Jyoti convent. These children put up a
beautiful dance for us and they had the time of their lives.
The parish thanks the members of the PPC and the
large team of volunteers who put together the entire
event. May this spirit of a common purpose and common
vision keep us going right through the year and thereafter!
Mary Saldanha
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THE PATRON SAINT OF GOA BLESSED JOSEPH VAZ |
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300 years ago on the
16th of January 1710, Fr. Joseph Vaz passed away and we celebrate his
passing away from this earth to heaven. During his life time, he did a lot to restore and spread the faith not only in Goa
but in Mangalore and Sri Lanka too. He had to undergo the hardships of travel, hunger, sickness and the fear of
being caught by people like the Dutch Protestants. His preaching was accompanied by many cures and miracles.
His witness to the faith deserves our respect and honour. Not much is known about him by the people. But that
is being remedied by books written about him and even a movie, on his life being made. As a son of the soil of
India we can be sure he will intercede for us and that our petitions will be granted. We pray that we too might imitate
his heroic faith and that he be raised to sainthood in the Church.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J.
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A programme titled "Catholic and still loving it" was organized by the Family of Faith Foundation,
Mumbai, on our School Grounds on 13 January 2011 and was presided over by Bishop Agnelo Gracias. Bishop
Agnelo, in the introduction, exhorted the gathering to `taste the treasures of our faith'. The main speaker was Steve
Ray, a renowned apologist, who will be giving a series of talks in India on various topics related to our faith. In
his opening talk, he spoke of his own spiritual and biblical journey toward the Catholic faith. He spoke of the
ancient Church that Christ founded-the Catholic Church and took the assembly through a brief but spellbinding
journey back to the time of the first Christians such as Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna and Justin Martyr.
He ended with an allegorical reference to `The Ships and Rafts' to explain the fullness of our faith, which we
as Catholics, often fail to appreciate. The infusion of prayerful hymns filled the gathering with an enduring sense
of God's presence and a thirst for more.
Marietta Azavedo
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"God's Word is His Pledge" - A beautiful feeling experienced by the children and the organizers of
Vacation Bible Joy 2010. The 3 days of joyful moments made us realize that God will allow His "Word" to remain with us
and by it He will allow us to feel our strength. With the word with us we can find our way in a strange land, our
justice in the midst of injustice, our support despite uncertainty, our strength in work, patience in suffering. Vacation
bible joy made us experience joy in the Lord. Let us pray that this joyful spirit of VBJ continues to be a part of our parish
for many more years to come.
Rupa Fernandes
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Chakala - On Saturday 15th January, 2011 the
52nd Annual East Indian Singing Competition was held
at the Chakala bazaar ground. 31 singers from all over Bombay and Salcete Island took part. They were
accompanied by Alwyn's band from Khar. The people enjoyed themselves regaled by the music, food and drink. The
young boys group with help of Shiv Sena of Chakala, the Papia group with Mr. Charlie Sangle deserved to be
congratulated for organizing this cultural programme.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J.
For your attention : Those desiring to write a topical article for Family Khabar are welcome to do so.
Kindly do so in 250 words and send it to the Editors by the 15th of the month. All matters sent in are subject to
acceptance and editing by the editors.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J.
Thank you Note : Members of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul thank all our generous parishioners
for helping to make Christmas 2010 gift hampers for the poor and needy of our Parish a grand success.
Looking forward to new members, youth, housewives, working women and men joining us. We meet every Wednesday
at 7.45 p.m. in the Parish Mini Hall.
S.V.P. Members
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Date |
Name |
Parents |
Place |
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05-December |
Simone Almeida |
Clyde & Lalita |
Andheri(E) |
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05-December |
Roel Pinto |
Oscar & Reena |
Andheri(E) |
05-December |
Nathan Michael Gonsalves |
Fabian & Nerissa |
Tarun Bharat |
12-December |
Noletta Nyushka Raymond |
Michael & Irma |
Chakala |
12-December |
Renay Ann Carlos |
Ashwin & Melissa |
Vakola |
12-December |
Rigel Luke D'Cruz |
Anjeet & Dina |
Charat Singh |
19-December |
Joshua Mendonca |
Sebian & Carmelina |
Chakala |
26-December |
Veronica D'Souza |
Victor & Leena |
Chakala |
26-December |
Nathan D'Souza |
Byron & Lavina |
Andheri(E) |
09-January |
Delina D'Souza |
Donald &Vineeta |
Kajuwadi |
16-January |
Mitali Tumsare |
Nagesh & Stela |
Kajuwadi |
16-January |
Kiaan D'Cruz |
Alfred & Poonam |
Andheri(E) |
16-January |
Rajendran Nadar |
Rajesh & Bithose |
Vile Parle |
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Date |
Couple |
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04-December |
Eldridge Johann Britto & Tanya Melanie Maria D'Monte |
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04-December |
Victor D'Souza & Philomena D'Souza |
05-December |
Hemant Gethe & Dionne Isabel Lobo |
11-December |
Krishna Achari & Janet Dorothy Martis |
15-December |
Bernard D'Sa & Janet Joylin Mathias |
17-December |
Joel Franics Lewis & Molita Jasmine Coelho |
22-December |
Sheldon Bayross & Delia Kwan |
30-December |
Steven Rodrigues & Malina Sangle |
01-January |
Ashley Furtado & Janet D'Souza |
02-January |
Sunny Soares & Preeti D'Sa |
03-January |
Elvis Correa & Roshni D'Souza |
08-January |
Darren Cajetan Alvares & Reshma Dina D'Souza |
08-January |
Vijay Anil Quadras & Ayeesha Narissa Farro |
08-January |
Frederik Baptista & Gladys D'Souza |
16-January |
Roshan D'Souza & Ipshita Mukherjee |
29-January |
Nigel D'Souza & Fazula Patel |
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Date |
Name |
Place |
Age |
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26-November |
Suzanne D'Souza |
Chakala |
90 years |
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03-December |
Chrispy J. Andrades |
Gundowli |
73 years |
10-December |
Eva Fernandes |
Parsiwada |
96 years |
15-December |
Joseph Williams |
Koldongri |
54 years |
28-December |
Carmelina Fernandes |
Kajuwadi |
81 years |
29-December |
Joseph Francis Bugri |
Andheri(E) |
58 years |
04-January |
Joseph Stanley Nash |
J. B. Nagar |
84 years |
19-January |
Mathias Peter Fernandes |
Kajuwadi |
49 years |
20-January |
Alice Fernandes |
Parsiwada |
91 years |
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Executive Editor |
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Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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Editorial Team |
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Sr. Alice Serrao, Maria Jain, Colette D'Souza
& Marietta Azavedo |
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Layout & Design |
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Bindu Arts, Mumbai - 400 072. |
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Publisher |
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Parish Priest, Holy Family Church |
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March - April 2011
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As we come to the end of the season of Lent, we enter Holy Week with the solemn liturgies before the feast of Easter. It is the most important feast of the Church as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus - his victory over sin and death. And just as at Spring the whole of creation comes alive, the church comes alive . We wish our parishioners, a happy Easter….the peace and joy of the risen Lord.
We have an article on the meaning of Easter in this issue besides a write up on the saint of the month - St. Joseph. You can check out how much you know about this feast by doing the quiz. Besides we have the usual news items or happenings in the parish.With Easter, God is no longer distant and Christ does not remain in the past as the risen Christ is here….the Gospel throbs with life…the Church is not merely an organization but communion in the Trinity, our common worship not a mere ceremonial or duty but a memorial and anticipation of the fullness of life.
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Saint of the Month - ST. JOSEPH Feast day March 19th |
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St. Joseph was the guardian of Our Lady
and the foster father of the incarnate Word Jesus.
Because of his role in our salvation history, he has been
declared patron of the universal Church in 1870 and in
1955, Pope Pius XII added the title, Patron of Workmen
and this feast is celebrated on 1st May which is
workers day throughout the world.
There is little mention of St. Joseph in the Bible
in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Mt 1:20 we
have the angel appearing in a dream to Joseph asking
him to take Mary as his wife. In Mt2:13 we have an
angel telling Joseph to take Mary and the child and flee
to Egypt and in verse 19 he is told by the angel that |
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Herod had died and to return to Israel with Mary
and Jesus. All these things he did as a good husband
and father.
What does it mean to be a good husband
and father? We can get clues to the answer by contemplating the life of St. Joseph. He was a
devout man , a man who cared for his wife and son and in
this quiet, self effacing way proved to be a good father
and husband. His daily work as a carpenter enabled
him besides earning his bread to walk the way of sanctification.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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Tarun Bharat community visited the Home
of Charity which is run by the Sisters of Carmelites
at Versova, Andheri West.
The Home has about 34 children and they
are looked after very well by the sisters. Sr. Carol took
us around the home and introduced us to the children.
It is basically for children who are handicapped and it
was sad to see some children who cannot see nor hear
and they had to be fed by tubes. The Home was kept
very clean and neat. The sisters give hope to the poorest
of children, those who are orphaned, abandoned or vulnerable by enabling them to grow within the love |
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of a family and the security of a home. Our
Community goes for such visits every year during the season
of lent.
Also during the Lenten season, Stations of
the cross is conducted in our clusters on Sundays.
Each cluster organizes the station of the cross on
Sunday evening from 5 pm to 6 pm. After the service, we
have a short talk given by the Ministers of the word. On
the last Sunday of Lent, the Station of the Cross is
followed with Praise and worship conducted by the
Word Ministry. We have a good attendance for the
entire services conducted during the Season of Lent.
Mrs. Josephine Vaz |
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Recognising the Presence of the Risen Lord |
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Three common features of the Post
Easter appearances (from God of Surprises of Gerard
Hughes S.J. ) of the Risen Christ.
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The First Feature:
Those to whom the Risen Lord appears are portrayed as being in a
Negative State of Mind - the women in Marks Gospel
(Mk 16:3) are terrified out of their wits, the two
disciples on the road to Emmaus(Lk24:14) are sad
and disillusioned. Mary Magdalene is near the tomb weeping (Jn 20:11) the disciples are hiding
behind closed doors. -
The Second Feature
: The slowness of those to whom Christ appears to recognize that it is
the Risen Lord. The 2 disciples take a few hours
and quite a few miles walking before they recognize
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Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
Mary Magdalene mistakes him for the gardener,
the disciples in Galilee think it is a ghost (Jn:20)
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The Third Feature
: Those to whom HE appears are commissioned to go and tell others. -
the women tell John and Peter, the two disciples
tell the others and Jesus himself tells Mary
Magdalene" go to the brothers and tell them, I am ascending
to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God (Jn20:17) So don't worry if youn are sad
and disheartened or disillusioned. Become aware of his joyful and comforting presence and go and
tell everyone that the Lord has risen indeed-
Alleluia Alleluia!
Fr. Simon D'Souza S.J. |
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Fr. Avon Ne Jhatka Mara! - Parish Mission |
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Mumbai Hindi, Apli Marathi, Amchi Bhas,
English he observed no language barrier! With his down
to earth style, Fr. Avon sfx. drove home his point to
every person in the congregation whether he spoke
about the need for a "God Experience," the importance
of prayer, marriage, love for one's spouse and for
the church, etc, etc.
His talks were interspersed with anecdotes
from his own life both in Mumbai and Arunachal
Pradesh. And his earthly metaphors and parables using
everyday life incidents were so Jesus like (as brought out by
Fr. Gerard in his `thank you' speech)
Fr. Avon offered simple solutions: For a
God-experience avoid sin and become aware of
God's presence in your life.
- When you pray- don't bribe God with flattery
and praise for make endless petitions; just express
your trusting dependence on him
- For a healthy marriage - use LOVE as an acronym:
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L Listening to the other
O overlooking his/her fault
V let God be victorious in your married life
E quality of both partners.
- For a proper relationship with the Church
remember the four `B's: Bricks, Birds, Bees and Butterflies.
Don't be a brick (cold and unrelated to the
other bricks), or a bird (flocking with your own kind,) or a
bee (that stings with criticism and anger) Be a butterfly
(that draws nectar, distributes life giving pollen and
gives joy to others)
The Missions were an enriching experience,
for which we thank Fr. Gerard and his team.
As if a heroic life of a Missionary (Being
arrested, tortured and imprisoned) wasn't enough, Fr.
Avon touched our heart strings when, after exposing
the Blessed Sacrament he lay prostrate on the ground
in adoration for several minutes.
May God bless him and his works.
Cres D'Souza |
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News Item Konkani Recollection |
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20th March 6 Tarker Aitara Dis, Kristi Jivit Somundien (CLC), Konkannint Ek Recolection Manddun
Haddlelen. Skallim 10.15 Thavn,Donpanram 1;15 Porian Hem Recolection Choloun Velem. Ho Dis Povitr Pustokacho
Aitar (Bible-Sunday) Zaun Asullo Dekun, Fr. Addolfan, Povitr Pustok, Soglleanchea Somor Ugto Korun Dovorlo,
Ani Povitr Pustok Vo Devachea Uttra Vixim Prostavon Dilem. Uprant Recolectionacho Sondex Ghetlo, Mk: 1:15,
"Kall Bhorlo Ani Devacje, Raj Lagim Pavlam. Mon Bodlat Ani Bori Khobor Sotmanat" Hea Sondexacho Ekuch
Hetu Zaun Asullo, Hea Prachit Kallant Ami Sompoornn Thoran Jezuchea Ut'tram Pormannem Amchem Jivit
Porivorton Korchek. Hea Khatir Povitr Pustokantlem Ek Sobit't Kuttumbik Ghoddit Luke:10:38-42, "Jezu, Mori Ani
Martachea Ghora Veta, " Ho Vixoi Gheun, Kuttumbik Jivitache Odhik Mohotvachea Ud'dexa Voir, Dev, Monxechea
Jivita Thaun Kitem Axeta? Hem Som'zonn Kannghevn, Prosnnam Udexim, Devachea Ut'trannchim Gunddai
Sodun Kaddunk, Hazir Aslelea Modem Veg-Veglle Zome Korn (Group Sharing) Vanttun Ghetlem. Hea Vanttun
Ghetlelea Prosnnachi Zovab Oxi Mel'lli Ki, "Dev Boro, Monis Kitle', Pautt Devak Patt Korun Patak Korit Tori, Dev
Sodach Bhogxita, Ani Apnna Sorxim Haddunk Chinta."
Hea Vixim, Hazir Aslelea Sobdanchea Munniareanim (Word Minister's) Bho'nn Leenan Ani Bhav
Joseph Hannim Bov Gunddien Xikounn Dili.
Hem Recolcetion Manddun Haddlelea Aloysius D'souza Hannem.
Aloysius D'Souza (CLC)
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Parish General Programmes for the year 2011 |
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Sunday |
20th Saturday 26th March |
Parish Missions (NOA*) |
Sunday |
3rd April |
Parish Recollection 4.30 - 8.30 p.m. (NOA) |
Sunday |
1st May |
Harmony (Divine Mercy Sunday) |
Sunday |
29th May |
Touched by the Lord (NOA) |
Sunday |
5th June |
SCC Animators Picnic |
Friday |
1st July |
Sacred Heart feast (NOA) |
Sunday |
2nd October |
Pilgrimage |
Thursday |
6th October |
Togetherness day (NOA) |
Saturday |
3rd Decemebr 5.00 p.m. |
Confirmation |
Sunday |
6th November |
Talent Fest (NOA) |
Saturday |
7th January 5.00 p.m. |
First Holy Communion |
Sunday |
8th January 2012 |
Parish Feast (Mass & Fiesta) (NOA) |
NOA = No other activities |
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The Eco Club of our Parish celebrated World Sparrow Day on March
20th. Mr. Biju Augustine and Mrs. Luna Murzello conducted a sparrow colouring competition and making of bird feeders for the children. There was a talk on the need of preserving sparrows whose population is declining due to loss of habitat and food and
water. Mr. Salim Ali the birdman of India was remembered: we planted a sapling of `Singapore Cherry' which
draws birds and put up name boards of trees provided by United Way.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J.
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2011 - YEAR OF THE FORESTS |
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Try out this simple Lenten quiz :-
1. For how many pieces of silver did Judas Iscariot betray Jesus?
2. What does Gethsemane mean?
3. What colour was the cloak that Jesus wore when he went to the cross?
4. Who helped Jesus carry his cross?
5. Who rolled away the stone from the mouth of the grave in which Jesus had been placed?
6. Why do we receive ashes on Ash Wednesday? 7. What is the Triduum? 8. How is the date of Easter determined?
9. With which Jewish festival is Easter coincident?
10. What is celebrated 50 days after Easter?
ANSWERS - CLICK
Marietta Azavedo
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A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she
would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own
cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?"
"Yes, dear," he answered, "God made me a long time ago."
"Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?"
"Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago."
Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he?"
] ] ] ] ]
A tour guide was showing a group of Americans around a church in Ireland. "And here is the skull of
St. Patrick."
One of the tourists challenged him, "You showed us St. Patrick's skull in another church yesterday!"
"Ah yes," the guide answered, "but that was his skull when he was a little lad."
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Date |
Name |
Parents |
Place |
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30-January |
Reanne Fernandes |
Joseph & Rosy |
Charat Singh Colony |
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06-February |
Amaira Davina Monteiro |
Allwyn Sunaina |
Chakala |
06-February |
Tanya Galbao |
Rubin & Bhumica |
J.B.Nagar |
06-February |
Gavin Rodrigues |
Gilbert & Josephine |
Tarun Bharat |
06-February |
Justin Cardoz |
John & Jessica |
Tarun Bharat |
20-February |
Ayan D'Souza |
Ronney & Shahina |
Borivli (W) |
20-February |
Seyon Castellino |
Nicholas & Sophie |
Bamanwada Hill |
20-February |
Clerissa D'Souza |
Langnar Constance & Rima |
J.B.Nagar |
27-February |
Ivan D'Souza |
Isidore & Escolastica |
Telli Gully |
27-February |
Eden D'Souza |
Isidore & Escolastica |
Telli Gully |
27-February |
Elisha D'Cruz |
Rocky & Leema |
Bamanwada Hill |
27-February |
Keon Murzello |
Greg & Veronica |
Wadala Village |
06-March |
Kevina Maliyakal |
Polly & Jessy |
J.B.Nagar |
06-March |
Nathan Jaden Pereira |
Cletus & Diana |
J.B.Nagar |
10-April |
Shaun D'Souza |
Stephen & Smita |
J.B.Nagar |
10-April |
Gwen Fernandes |
Max & Umalina |
Bamanwada |
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Date |
Couple |
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05-February |
Norbert D'Souza & Genevia Lobo |
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13-February |
John Fernandes & Glynis Fernandes |
24-February |
Robin D'Souza & Ritika D'Souza |
26-February |
Augustine John Rodrigues & Placy Fernandes |
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Date |
Name |
Place |
Age |
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29-January |
Freddy D'Souza |
Gundowli |
41 years |
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17-February |
Valerian D'Souza |
Charat Singh Colony |
60 years |
02-March |
Doris Remedios |
Charat Singh Colony |
70 years |
07-March |
Eveline Quadros |
Tarun Bharat |
76 years |
08-March |
Natalia Michael Henriques |
Gundowli |
75 years |
15-March |
Alice Pinto |
J. B. Nagar |
86 years |
24-March |
Flynn Fernandes |
Kajuwadi |
1 year 11 months |
09-April |
Roland Syney Menezes |
Chakala |
60 years |
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Executive Editor |
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Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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Editorial Team |
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Sr. Alice Serrao, Maria Jain, Colette D'Souza
& Marietta Azavedo |
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Layout & Design |
: |
Bindu Arts, Mumbai - 400 072. |
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Publisher |
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Parish Priest, Holy Family Church |
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May - June 2011
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The summer is over with its heat but we still
have summer with the rains. Rains welcome. The
rains provide us with the much needed water without which
life would not be possible.June is the beginning of
the new academic year for our students. We wish them
a happy and enriching new academic year. June is
the month when we celebrate a lot of Church feasts
on the 24th is the feast of St. John the Baptist, on the
26th is the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ., on
the 19th is the feast of Pentecost and on the
1st of July is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We have
chosen as the saint of the month, |
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St. Aloysius Gonzaga, a young Jesuit who is
the patron of the youth. His feast is on the
21st of June. With so many feasts, we have a horde of heavenly
hosts to remind us of our destination in life as well as
count on them to intercede for us.
Of course, our constant prayer will be: Come
Holy Spirit. The Spirit is capable of transforming our
lives with His gifts of wisdom, awe and wonder,
counsel, understanding, fortitude, knowledge, love and fear
of the Lord. And we will show in our lives the fruits of
the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness ,
goodness, faithfulness, humility and self control. With the rains
and the Spirit, may we become channels of new life. |
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International Women's Day, of which
the Centenary fell on the 8th March 2011, was
celebrated by the Ashankur Women's Group on the
9th March with great enthusiasm. A sizeable group of some
two hundred women from neighbouring areas
brightened the Ashankur Hall in their full finery and made the
place reverberate with their full-throated slogans on
women's empowerment. A graceful prayer dance
inaugurated the proceedings and colourful cultural items
followed-poems, songs and a couple of street-plays. Our
Social Workers, Merlyn, Kalpana and Indumati, compered
the programme admirably, welcoming the guests and briefing them on the background and significance
of International Women's Day and on the activities and |
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programmes of Ashankur Holy Family Welfare
Centre. The invitees included activists from sister NGOs
with which Ashankur networks on a range of issues in
the area of social awareness and involvement. Smt. Devshala Giri was the Resource Person invited to
speak on the theme of "Women's Struggle against
Inflation and Corruption". As is the custom with Ashankur,
this year too, a special effort was made to focus on a
serious issue impacting the daily lives of women and
their families while giving the ladies scope to express
their talents, act, re-act, inter-act and generally have a
good time. Stree Mukti ki Jay!
10th March 2011.
Lionel Fernandes. |
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The beginning of the Academic Year is a
stressful yet exciting time for our boys and girls, and of
course, for their parents. Symbolically, it comes at a time
when the monsoons are upon us with their "showers
of blessing" for a fresh start. The time is stressful for
the obvious reason that before the results there is
gnawing anxiety as to "whether I will pass or fail and with
what percentage". After the results, the mad rush
for admissions and the choice of subjects for the
next academic stage keep the pulses racing. A huge challenge to the older generation is to help
gen-next cope with the stress and come out on top!
This is the time for serious pro-active
counselling, so that none of our precious youngsters reaches
for the rope and ceiling fan or jumps off a balcony! Life
is too precious for that! What is a miserable mark-sheet |
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in comparison to it? Time to take the pressures off
our young men and women who are our future, our everything! Time for major inputs on self-discovery
and confidence-building. Nobody should have to choose
a course she is not convinced of or comfortable
with. Parents, take note! Gen-next must be
cautioned against peer-group pressure and the herd-instinct!
Each one should be in a position to say: "These are
my qualities,capabilities and ambitions
. and I will
work on them come what may!"
Here is where aptitude tests, if
properly conducted, can be of great help. So can
career-guidance and friendly one-on-one
counselling. Nowadays, education fairs are conducted regularly
and offer a menu of options to choose from. So,
BRAVO, Gen-next! ......Way to go!!!
28th May 2011.
Lionel Fernandes. |
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Born in 1568 and died in 1591 Patron of Youth
Aloysius is remembered by many who read
his life for his striving after perfection and his purity of
life. I wish to be dissolved with Christ were his last
words. He had a great attraction to prayer from early
childhood. Prayer and fasting were his weapons against
immoral forces and a way of uniting himself with the
passion and death of Christ. St. Robert Bellarmine was
his spiritual director at the Roman college. Though
Robert was a holy man and a great theologian, he
considered himself the spiritual disciple of the much younger |
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Gonzaga ! He was a young Jesuit training for
the priesthood.
He spurned money,power and pomp to serve
the poor, suffering and humble Christ- that was enough
to canonize him !He spurned honours and pride
which came his way as a nobleman to follow the poor
and humble Christ and to serve his sick and
suffering brothers and sisters. No wonder Aloysius has been
held aloft by the church as the model and patron of youth.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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Born in 1568 and died in 1591 Patron of Youth
Summer Fun Camp, the most awaited
and popular programme among the children of Holy
Family Parish, was held once again this summer vacation
2011. This year's theme was C.L.I.C. which stood for
Care, Love, Integrity and Commitment. These were also
the group names.
The camp conducted by the Parish Youth
Council (PYC) was for 9 days. On the first day we had warm
up games to encourage and build enthusiasm among
the children. Every day we played a lot of Tele
Games. There was tough competition as all teams played
very well. Each day we added colour to the programme
by all of us dressing in similar colour clothes as
instructed by the animators. Our youth volunteers also took good |
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care of us and always encouraged us even if we
lost any game, they were always there for us. The time
spent was a memorable one, also because of Fr. Gerard
and his Any Time- Fun Time commentary all along.
On the last day we had a small programme
where we danced, sang and had loads of fun with all of
us taking a small gift home. This fun and enjoyment
would not have been possible without the volunteers, the
PYC and of course Fr. Gerard. Huge thanks to all of
them on behalf of all the children and of course we are
eagerly waiting for the next one. And for all the kids who
missed it this year...hope to see you next year.
Leandra Silvera (Chakala) |
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Family Guide to Oral Health |
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Born in 1568 and died in 1591 Patron of Youth
Mother Teresa once said `Every time you
smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that
person, a beautiful thing'. A smile is a gift given by God to
each one of us to express ourselves. It is of importance
to our personality and to our well being. A smile is
a reflection of our oral health.
Four point approach to a Healthy set of teeth :
1. Brush your teeth regularly :
Brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
in the morning and last thing before going to bed. Each tooth has 4 sides and the top surface.
All sides as well as the top need to be brushed.
Brush from the inside and the outside so that no
teeth are left out, Brush the top part of the teeth.
Also remember to clean your tongue.
2. Floss your teeth regularly :
Dental floss is available at the local chemist. Pull 18 inches
to 24 inches of dental floss from the dispenser
and wrap the ends around your middle fingers. Hold the floss tightly against each tooth. Move the
floss away from the gum, gently rubbing the floss
up and down against the side of the tooth. |
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3. Get your share of fluoride :
Fluoride fights cavities and must be used by all family
members young and old alike. Fluoride helps to
repair the enamel of the teeth and prevent tooth
decay. It can also stop the decay process. Decay
is caused by acids produced in dental plaque. The simplest source of fluoride is to use a tooth
paste containing fluoride.
4. Visiting the dentist regularly and taking his
/her advice : It is important to visit your
family dentist regularly and check your teeth. An
early detection can prevent much pain and damage.
Our teeth are very important parts of our
body which we often neglect. The health of our
teeth determine our eating habits and our health. It is
amazing how following a few tips can protect these God
given pearls till our old age and help us to enjoy the
various foods that we like to eat.
Dr. Lynette is a Dental Surgeon. For queries
on Oral Hygiene, do feel free to write to her at jmjdentalcare@gmail.com
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Silence: More Eloquent Than Words. |
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"Silence is all I need to sing your praise" words of a well loved hymn. But do we really mean it? If we
did, we would probably refrain from belting out the words of the hymn with such gusto and volume! For most of
us silence is scary; hence the I- Pod, MP-3 and other gadgets which help to banish silence. And yet, the in words
of the Psalmist we are told: "Be still and know that I am God" (Ps:46:10) And prophet Elijah discovered that God
was not to be found in tumultuous earth-quakes and roaring winds, but in the "Sound of Sheer silence"
(I Ki: 19:12).In keeping with this truth (and in union with the Universal Church) the Archdiocese of Bombay
has directed that during the celebration of the Eucharist the following "five moments of silence" be maintained in
order to nurture and enhance the contemplative dimension of the Liturgy.
i) Before the `I Confess' to enable people to recall their sins and be sorry for them.
ii) A minute of silence after the first reading to ponder on the Word of God
iii) A minute of silence after the second reading (on Sundays) to ponder on the Word of God
iv) A couple of minutes silence after the homily to help us reflect on it.
v) Some minutes of silence immediately after distribution of communion until the
Post-communion prayers (to help deepen our union with the Eucharistic Lord)
These sacred silences will be introduced and observed in our Parish hence forth. While this may
lengthen the duration of the Mass by a few minutes, it will be time well spent if we utilise these moments to deepen
our relationship with God and our neighbor.
Cres D'Souza |
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Church Bulletin Bloopers :-
- Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.
- The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.
- Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
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It's so fashionable nowadays to blame all our woes on `global warming'. Even so, can we as individuals help slow down this occurrence? Of course, we can! A clean and healthy environment is, after all, an essential part of the quality of life we desire for ourselves and our COMMUNITY, at large.
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The fiery breath of summer blows across the land
Ruthlessly searing every beast and man,
The soothing touch of rain is what we need
Oh God, when will You our prayers heed!
Finally, a rumble in the distance
A flash of lightening, a roar of thunder,
The wait is over, the skies torn asunder,
The sun has lost its edge, the rains have left a haze.
Wonderful rains, life-giving and invigorating,
Pour on abundantly on our surroundings,
Lay out a lush green carpet all around
Let us soak in your coolness, let your freshness abound.
The rain is now frequent and strong
Rustling up storms and bringing down trees,
Potholes, traffic jams, muck
.. yuck,
When will our misery ease, can we have some sunshine please?
Marietta Azavedo |
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Now that we are on the topic of environment, let's test your knowledge about Biblical trees and fruits :- In the Bible certain trees and fruits are mentioned. Which among these are not found in the Bible?
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1. Sycamore tree |
2. Vine |
3. Palm |
4. Olive |
5. Poplar |
6. Cedar |
7. Bramble |
8. Gum |
9. Oak |
10. Mango |
11. Coconut palm |
12. Almond |
13. Grapes |
14 Figs |
15. Oranges |
16. Evergreen |
17. Pineapple |
18. Pomegranate |
19. Banana |
20. Guava |
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ANSWERS - CLICK
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Date |
Name |
Parents |
Place |
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17-April |
Samaira Gonsalves |
Cletus & Marina |
Chakala |
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24-April |
Lareina Edward D'Souza |
Edward & Lorna |
Gundowli Hill |
24-April |
Tiann D'Costa |
Angelo & Tina |
Chakala |
24-April |
Chetna Dangi |
Virendra & Kamalesh |
Koldongri |
24-April |
Kirti Chavan |
Narayan & Ujwala |
Diva (E) |
24-April |
Vinod Suresh Panchbotla |
Suresh & Sushila |
Chakala |
24-April |
Kiran Uchil |
Narayan & Jayashree |
Charath Singh |
24-April |
Vikas Poojary |
Annappa & Baby |
Andheri |
24-April |
Leena Fernandes |
Gangaram & Laxmi |
Nizaamabad |
24-April |
Jagdish Bhandari |
Chandmal & Suraj |
Chakala |
24-April |
Melisa D'Souza |
Alex & Vijayashanti |
Bamanwada |
24-April |
Maria D'Souza |
Alex & Vijyashanti |
Bamanwada |
24-April |
Vijaya Shanti |
Haridass & Suclochana |
Bamanwada |
24-April |
Neeta Kashinath Jadhav |
Kashinath & Kalpana |
Jogeshwari (E) |
24-April |
Rose Fonseca |
Mohd. Sharif & Romia |
Mahakali |
24-April |
Ramia Fonseca |
Laxman & Rani Sharma |
Mahakali |
01-May |
Simona Dinara D'Almeida |
Ravi Satish & Reena |
Parsiwada |
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Date |
Couple |
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25-April |
Melvin Ronald Tauro & Sharel Felcita |
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28-April |
Vinod Panchbotla & Regina D'Souza |
30-April |
Roanld Fernandes & Ruby D'Souza |
14-May |
Roy Anthony D'Lima & Sharon Christaline |
15-May |
Roosevelt Sunil D'Souza & Sherika Snehal |
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Date |
Name |
Place |
Age |
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07-May |
Augustine Thangaray |
Chakala |
77 years |
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09-May |
Louiza G. Gonsalves |
Chakala |
55 years |
11-May |
Lydia D'Penha |
Gundowli |
76 years |
24-May |
Richard Coutinho |
Koldongri |
60 years |
25-May |
Lizzie Henriques |
Gundowli |
89 years |
29-May |
Serulus J. Pereira |
Telligully |
79 years |
30-May |
Gregory Joseph D'Mello |
Chakala |
60 years |
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Executive Editor |
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Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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Editorial Team |
: |
Sr. Alice Serrao, Maria Jain, Colette D'Souza
& Marietta Azavedo |
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Layout & Design |
: |
Bindu Arts, Mumbai - 400 072. |
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Publisher |
: |
Parish Priest, Holy Family Church |
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July - August 2011
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15th August 1947, is a red letter day for the people of India. India became on that day an independent country and later chose to become a democratic, secular, socialist country. But after 63 years have those promises become a reality? Many of our people do not have access to a good education, health services and the basic necessities of life.
In this issue we will read about women and freedom, the spiritual freedom of Mother Mary, the need to be free from the curse of graft or corruption so that we can be indeed free or more free! |
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In the ensuing gloom, we have people like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Anna Hazare and many not so famous people who provide a silver lining to dark clouds and can be role models to all of us. We have a historic tit bit of our parish besides the usual items like Saint of the month - this time it's on John the Baptist, the Bible quiz and list of those recently born, married and who have gone before us. We pray for showers of blessings on our countrymen and our parishioners.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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THE BEHEADING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST |
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The heavenly
birthday of St. John the Baptist falls on 29th August, when he was beheaded
by Herod. The feast days of saints are the days of their death. There
are only three birthdays celebrated by the Church ie. that of Jesus,
His Mother Mary and that of John the Baptist on June 24th.
The account
of his birth is found in the gospel of Luke ch: 1:57-66 and of his death
in Mathew 14:1-12 and Mark 6:14-29. It is a sordid tale of lust and
revenge of man’s weakness and courage. Anyone reading it will be touched.
But we need to see how this drama is being played out today and stand
up and be counted as Christians who profess their faith
in Jesus Christ and in the truth. |
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Jesus’ comment
in Luke 7:28 is worth reflecting upon: “John is greater than anyone
who has ever loved. But the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is
greater than John.”
Herod and Herodias
are both the victims of lust. While Herod is reduced to a person who
is prey to alcohol and false pride, Herodias shows us how a woman who
is jealous and revengeful goes to any length to get back at the people
who are an obstacle in her path. The gruesome killing of John the Baptist
reminds us of the cost of discipleship and of honest people today paying
the price of their own woes for the sake of truth and justice. We might
not be the staff martyrs are made of but we can pray and support just
causes, join movements for freedom, peace, justice, love and truth.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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THE METEORIC RISE OF CHAKALA & GUNDOWLI |
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Chakala and
Gundowli were two obscure villages, virtually unheard of except for
the wonderful paddy fields, lush greenery, pretty cottages. Plenty of
open spaces and many crosses at various spots which would be adorned
with flowers during the month of May and October with the recitation
of the Rosary, followed by piping hot boiled grams, raspberry drink
for the children and a chowni (kimmad) specially for the older people
to quench their parched throats.
In these humble
beginnings was born the parish of Holy Family. One cannot forget the
selfless sacrifice of the Gonsalves family who so spontaneously donated
acres of land for the church, cemetery and the old school building to
the first Parish Priest the late Fr. Alfred Tillo sj seeking no monetary
benefit in return. |
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One cannot forget the hard work and zealous efforts
put in by his various successors namely Fr. Franics Ribot sj,
Fr. Denzil Keatings sj, Fr. Fred Britto sj and lastly Fr. Hyacinth Jimmnez
sj who with the able guidance of the late Fr. Joseph Carsi sj (eminent
architect) who designed this beautiful structure we call ‘Holy Family
Church’.
However, recently
all this scenic beauty has almost vanished in thin air overnight and
what one sees now has changed to high rise towers and the Metro Rail,
and various commercial & residential spaces putting Chakala &
Gundwoli on a high road map given its close proximity to the proposed
Metro station, Suburban Rail head and International Airport.
Mr. Dunstan Nunes |
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Mumbai, the
country's financial hub, which overshot the capital in per capita income
this year, cannot boast of any achievement where its women are concerned.
Mumbai seems to prefer its men to women in all age categories, according
to the provisional Census 2011 figures. Mumbai's per capita income is
currently a healthy Rs 1.25 lakh, but it has emerged as the worst
performer in Maharashtra in terms of its male-female balance, with only
838 women per 1,000 men. Maharashtra’s average is 922 women per
1000 men. This declining ratio is true of large parts of India. This
is due to the widespread prevalence of female foeticide and female infanticide.
We read stories everyday in the newspapers of baby girls being abandoned
in hospitals, at railway stations and in garbage dumps. Is this how
we treat our women and children in a country where we say “Bharat
Mata ki Jai”? Where is the so called freedom when a child is
denied the freedom to be born, the freedom to live? |
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Girl children
are considered a burden in many communities – boys earn while girls
are a financial burden. But girls are second to none. If treated on
par with boys at home, if she is given a good education and all the
support and encouragement she needs to blossom and grow, she can conquer
the world. Girl children who are nurtured, encouraged and given freedom
to make their choices grow into successful people in various walks of
life. Today, we see women heading large organisations, women successful
in sports like Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal, women excelling in the
field of research, medicine and administration. Let us give our daughters,
wives and sisters the freedom to be the person the Lord chose them to
be. And the world will certainly be a better place.
Maria Jain |
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15th August
1947. India was born free. But are we free - both you and me? The tri-colour,
it flutters on high while we here below both cry and sigh!
The 15th of
August happily coincides with the feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed
Mother into heaven. Independence Day spells FREEDOM which has
various connotations for us Indians, but can we try and equate
this freedom with spiritual freedom keeping in mind the Assumption of
Our Lady when she left the shackles of this earth and was assumed into
heaven amidst the acclaim of the angels and saints?
- Yes it was as to say - our heavenly mother was relieved of her burden of pain and
sorrow on earth.
- She knew what her beloved Son was to undergo-the pain & suffering and accepted the
will of God with a calm resignation and was transported to heaven
body & soul.... This was her reward!
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- Our life certainly on this earth, inspite of the so called “freedom” is not a bed of
roses - joy & sorrow, pain & gain, fame & shame, prosperity
& adversity etc. is the name of the game. But the example of our
blessed Mother teaches us to withstand everything & surrender ourselves
to the will of God which must mean Spiritual Freedom – the Assumption
transcends earthly bonds uplifting our Blessed Mother unto the realms
of Heaven – how beautiful! How blessed!
- What cue can we take from this fourth Glorious mystery?
Yes, worries,
troubles, difficulties are bound to come our way, they are a part and
parcel of life, but we should not be moved….. we can expect FREEDOM
from all this by having recourse to prayer. Instead of losing our cool
and playing the ‘blame game’ and making our lives more miserable
and vulnerable, let us raise our voices in prayer with a sense of resignation
to the will of God. Spiritual freedom can be enjoyed through prayer-
which acts as a pulley to draw us closer to God – who will either
grant us our supplication or help us to accept the eventualities
as the case may be… very often our God does not answer our prayers
the way we want it but rather the way HE wants to...... blessings
in disguise, we must have the eyes to see it and a heart to accept
“THY WILL BE DONE”.
Colette D’Souza |
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(from the TOI Aug. 13th 2011)
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Young Urban
Indians are upbeat about their freedom and see corruption as the most
serious threat to it. That’s the finding from an eight city survey
done exclusively for TOI days before the country celebrates the 64th
anniversary of Independence.
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Which of these do you think is the biggest threat to freedom in India? |
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It’s
perhaps a generation thing that the freedom most valued by the youth
is the right to work and live anywhere rather than free speech, the
right to vote or to follow one’s religion. It might indicate that
the latter are all taken as given. While Sachin Tendulkar, Anna Hazare
and Shahrukh Khan were in that order considered their role models.
Contributed by Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN THE PARISH |
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- Sunday 4th Sept. : We celebrate Teachers Day at the 9.30a.m. Mass. All teachers and ex-teachers of any school or college are welcome to participate
in the special liturgy followed by a short programme.
- Sunday 2nd
Oct. : We go as a Parish on a walking pilgrimage to Our Lady’s
Shrine at Irla. Please join us at 6.30 a.m. on that day in the Church
Compound.
- Thursday 6th
Oct.: It is “Togetherness Day” we come together in our
clusters to pray and celebrate and common faith that helps us overcome
our divisions
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Now that we are on the topic of environment, let's test your knowledge about Biblical trees and fruits :- In the Bible certain trees and fruits are mentioned. Which among these are not found in the Bible?
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1. SingSee |
2. OxDues |
3. RubMenS |
4. SoJuha |
5. JugSed |
6. Hurt |
7. ArmsSp |
8. TitoB |
9. RoutedMoney |
10. Stac |
11. ArmK |
12. HisAia |
13. LineAd |
14 OnJah |
15. ManRos |
16. ReepT |
17. SuitT |
18. PhoneLim |
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ANSWERS - CLICK
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Marietta Azavedo |
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Date |
Name |
Parents |
Place |
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05-June |
Krystine Mendonca |
Allwyn & Kavita Flavia |
Tarun Bharat |
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05-June |
Aldyn Aston Lobo |
Mervin Richard & Lynne Monica |
Andheri(E) |
12-June |
Othaniel George Mendonca |
Vishal & Neethu |
MIDC |
12-June |
Craig D'Souza |
Rodney & Sophia |
Chakala |
12-June |
Caleb D'Souza |
Rodney & Sophia |
Chakala |
10-July |
Matthias Deliwala |
Manoj & Gladys |
Bhyander |
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Date |
Couple |
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02-July |
Alfred Jacob & Sagayamary Thomas |
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Date |
Name |
Place |
Age |
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01-June |
Luizina Periera |
Dewalwadi |
77 years |
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02-June |
Anthony John Conceicao |
Kajuwadi |
80 years |
14-June |
Edward B. Rodrigues |
Dewalwadi |
57 years |
28-June |
Cyril Rebello |
Chakala |
72 years |
12-July |
Vincent Pereira |
Charath Singh I |
51 years |
28-July |
Cecilia Pinto |
J.B.Nagar |
75 years |
31-July |
Walter D'Souza |
Parsiwada |
80 years |
17-Aug. |
Carmin D'Costa |
Gundowli Village |
74 years |
17-Aug. |
Philomena D'Souza |
Kajuwadi |
75 years |
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Executive Editor |
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Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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Editorial Team |
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Sr. Alice Serrao, Maria Jain, Colette D'Souza
& Marietta Azavedo |
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Layout & Design |
: |
Bindu Arts, Mumbai - 400 072. |
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Publisher |
: |
Parish Priest, Holy Family Church |
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Sept - Oct 2011
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This issue of Family Khabar has as its theme very appropriately, 'The Season of Festivals'. Besides this time being a season of feasts, isn't life itself a feast?
We need a feast atmosphere
to remind ourselves that God gave us life because He loves us and has
a mission for each one of us. We rob ourselves of the joy God and life
offers us. The articles in this issue remind us of that cause to celebrate
life. We have Maria Jain telling us that festivals are not only an occasion
to enjoy ourselves but to bond together. |
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Larissa who attended the World
Youth Day celebrations in Madrid, Spain brings us an account of the
joyous happenings that took place there. Dunstan Nunes enlightens us
on the Eucharist being a wedding banquet to which we are all invited.
Do we go appropriately dressed and prepared for it? Sr. Alice gives
us an inspiring account of the chosen saint of the month – St. Theresa
of the Child Jesus. She was a child at heart and prayed for the work
of the missionaries from her cloistered convent. Here’s wishing you
happy reading of this issue of Family Khabar.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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A FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO......... |
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(A) |
ccepts you as you are |
(B) |
elieves in ‘you’ |
(C) |
alls you just to say “Hi” |
(D) |
oesn’t give up on you |
(E) |
nvisions the whole of you |
(F) |
orgives your mistakes |
(G) |
ives unconditionally |
(H) |
elps you |
(I) |
nvites you over |
(J) |
ust likes to be with you |
(K) |
eeps you close at heart |
(L) |
oves you for who you are |
(M) |
akes a difference in your life |
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(N) |
ever judges |
(O) |
ffers support |
(P) |
icks you up |
(Q) |
uiets your fears |
(R) |
aises your spirits |
(S) |
ays nice things about you |
(T) |
ells you the truth when you need to hear it |
(U) |
nderstands you |
(V) |
alues you |
(W) |
alks beside you |
(X) |
–plains things you don’t understand |
(Y) |
ells when you won’t listen |
(Z) |
aps you back to reality |
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THE MEDIA IS NOT THE GOSPEL |
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A lot of what we
think and believe is dictated to us by the influential media-
the newspapers, TV channels and magazines, but is all of it true? Indeed
is most of it relevant?
That we treat women
poorly in India is well known. Reality is a reflection of how women
are portrayed in our films, serials and
commercials like objects.
Breaking news is another misused line.
Then there is sensationalism.
Serious issues of corruption face the nation. Various social activists
are protesting. But what is important to the media is what a particular
baba was doing or not doing. That is so important!
While we all like our
daily fix of gossip and entertainment this should not be disguised as
news. And why doesn't good news get the same coverage as bad news? Sania
Nehwal winning international tournaments is not important but Sania
Mirza marrying a Pakistani cricketer is. |
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And our reality shows are pathetic. So Hritik Roshan is someone’s god of dance. Not mine.
My God does more important things than shake a leg. In these shows singing
is lip synched, emotions are acted out and the tears are faked. The
media will not spare even the kids. Take Tom and Jerry for instance.
If you put a cat inside a tube he will not become long and tubular.
If you hammer him on the head he won't become flat. He will become a
mess and die but before that he may scratch you quite painfully. So
friends, especially children, it is for us to filter the content in
our head. Nobody else is going to do it for us. Let us look upto Narayan
Murthy, Vishwanathan Anand and Chanda Kocchar as idols not Shahrukh
Khan and Katrina. We need real role models not samples promoted by a
media desperately trying to increase their TRPs. Got the idea? Now
get smart!
The good news according
to Star TV is not good. It may not even be news. Remember what is preached
by the media is not the gospel truth.
Roshan D’Souza |
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THE MAGIC OF MAGIS - YOUTH ARTICLE |
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Magis 2011 was an experience
designed around the life of St. Ignatius who always believed in working
“For the Greater Glory of God”. It was a 16 day journey lived by
youth from all over the globe, that started on the 5th of
August, 2011. Excitement, noise, fun and flags of various countries
all over the place was an amazing sight to watch. The first three days
of Ignatian encounter at Loyola introduced us to the life and works
of the Saint, closely. Simultaneously, the spirit worked very well among
the youth helping us to overlook our nationalities, colours, origin
and age, working together towards one motto, “For the Greater Glory
of God”. Three days of Ignatian experience filled with prayers, programmes
and cultural activities brought us so close that parting ways for our
various experiences spread over Spain and Portugal, became difficult. |
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The reunion in Madrid
for the World Youth Day(WYD) on the 15th of August
witnessed even more powerful and confident youth after 7 days of prayer
and reflection. Encountering a protest against the Pope and the WYD,
with a few of my friends, made me an even stronger Catholic and created
a desire within me to learn more about my faith in order to defend and
protect it like a loyal soldier in battle. Getting a glimpse of the
Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI brought a smile on every face and true
joy in our hearts.
We, the Youth, started
this journey with curiosity, excitement and questions, and returned
home with peace, true joy and contentment in our hearts because we worked
‘with Christ at the Heart of the World’.
Larissa Krishnan |
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We are in the season
of festivals. The festival season began in August with Janmashtami and
Raksha Bandhan. Then came Eid and Ganesh Chaturthi which is celebrated
with much fervour for 10 days in Maharashtra. We also had Onam,
the grand festival of the Keralites and the Mangalorean harvest festival.
Soon Navratri culminating in Dusshera will be here which is enjoyed
with much fanfare and dancing not only by the Gujarathis but by
other communities as well. Then will come Diwali, the festival of lights.
We Christians will soon enter advent where we will prepare for the coming
of Christ into our homes and hearts at Christmas. Festivals bring on
a spirit of happiness and good cheer. Petty squabbles and differences
are forgotten amongst family and friends as everyone gets
together to celebrate and have a good time. Festivals also herald a
spirit of hope, of forgiveness. |
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Each festival reminds us of God
and we move closer to him through the various prayers, rituals and practices.
The bonhomie and togetherness at festival time takes away all anger
and angst and the general joyous mood enables us to forgive the transgressions
of others.
As we Christians enter
advent, let us look forward with a spirit of hope and trust. Let
us make small changes in our lives bringing us closer to God.
We should try and spend more time in quiet communion with the Lord.
Let us be more forgiving, more gentle, understanding and compassionate
with our families, neighbours and friends. And let our lives be
a festive celebration of the presence of Jesus in our midst not just
during this festive season but each day of the year.
Maria Jain |
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THERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS |
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“I prefer the monotony
of obscure sacrifice to all ecstasies. To pick up a pin for love can
convert a soul.” These are the words of Theresa of the Child Jesus,
a Carmelite nun who lived a cloistered life of obscurity in the convent
of Lisieux, France. She entered a Carmelite convent at the age of fifteen.
She died on September 30, 1897. She was just twenty-four when she died.
The world came to know her through her autobiography- The Story of A
Soul. She described her life as, "A little way of spiritual childhood."
She lived each day with unshakable confidence in God's love. What matters
in life is, "not great deeds, but great love." St. Therese's
"Little way" was practiced with humility, and submission.
She lived as a cloistered Carmelite for less than ten years. She never
went on missions, never founded a religious order, never performed great
works.
She embraced sufferings
in her quiet way. Her prayer life and total surrender made her
peaceful and serene. |
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Therese of Lisieux is one of the patron saints of the missions, not because she ever went anywhere, but because of her special love of the missions, and the prayers and letters she gave in support of missionaries. This is a reminder to all of us who feel we can do nothing, that it
is the little things we do that keep God's kingdom growing.
Reflection:
Can I be a Saint in my day to day life?
There are many people around me. Can I be an Angel to them by uttering
good words, helping the needy and those who are suffering in their sickness
and so on. Can we take an example of St. Therese of the Child Jesus
to live a simple life?
Sr.Alice Serrao U.F.S. |
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THE EUCHARIST = OUR DAILY WEDDING DINNER |
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God is our King and He has arranged
wedding banquets and calls each of us to come and dine but we are all
pre-occupied either in personal work, business, socializing and other
secular celebrations and thereby we totally ignore the call giving some
flimsy reason or excuse.
In the Old Testament invitations were
sent through Prophets. In the New Testaments invitations were carried
out by Apostles. Today we have missionaries from across the globe spreading
the good news to all the ends of the earth. |
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Therefore the Eucharist which is the
focal point of our faith should be held in proper reverence and due
respect. Unfortunately, many of us especially the youth are distracted,
they stand outside indulging in unwanted gossip and the silent majority
feels it is a privilege to step in at any part of the Mass thereby distracting
and disturbing the sanctity of the celebrations.
May we who partake in the Daily Eucharist
come one day to the Eternal Banquet in Paradise for all Eternity.
Dunstan Nunes |
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In a letter sent by
Cardinal Oswald Gracias on the 25th of August, an announcement
has been made that from September 8th 2011, the year will
be dedicated to the Liturgy. A year of “Living Liturgy”, a liturgy
that is vibrant and fully participative and a liturgy that leads on
to a living of its message in grace. He ends the letter by saying
that Mother Mary lived the Liturgy. May she assist us to fully live
it ourselves.
The main principles guiding the new translation were: fidelity to the Latin original, theological
precision, improved proclaimability, the use of inclusive language and
going back to the biblical roots. |
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Thus in place of “and with you also” in response to the greeting “The Lord be with
you”, we will say, “And with your spirit”. This is more biblical
and reflects St. Paul’s greeting to his people. “Through my fault,
through my fault, through my most grievous fault” comes back in the
“I Confess”. The words of the Gloria are almost totally changed,
the Nicene creed is to be used more frequently, Eucharistic Prayer I
is changed a lot but the “Our Father” has remained the same. At
Communion time we will go back to the biblical expression “Lord
I am not worthy that you enter under my roof”. We will be helped to
respond to the changed prayers by appropriate means.
The new Missal comes into force from the start of Advent. Hope the changes will be for the
better and for all.
Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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Date |
Name |
Parents |
Place |
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17-July |
Keira Lobo |
Labcer Morgan & Justina |
Charath Singh |
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21-Aug |
Allen Coutinho |
Oswald & Jaysica |
Chakala |
21-Aug |
Nysa Mary D’Lima |
Mervin & Sarita |
Telligully |
04-Sep |
Aiden D’Silva |
Desmond & Anita |
Charath Singh |
11-Sep |
Mikhaila Antonia Nair |
Rohan & Ridima |
Tarun Bharat |
19-Sep |
Alston D’Souza |
Agnel & Priya |
Chakala |
25-Sep |
Kyra Pinto |
Lloyd & Shipa |
Bhayandar(W) |
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Date |
Couple |
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09-Oct |
Mc Kan Clement Almeida & Chetna Dangi |
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22-Oct |
Robin D'Souza & Sophia Fernandes |
23-Oct |
Roque Pinto & Lynette Sequeira |
23-Oct |
Anaclet Fernandes & Marietta Tellis |
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Date |
Name |
Place |
Age |
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24-Aug |
Trisa Quadrus |
Kajuwadi |
86 years |
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07-Sep |
Pauline Noronha |
Chakala |
77 years |
09-Sep |
Rita Stephen Pereira |
Koldongri |
60 years |
09-Sep |
Artimiza D’Souza |
Chakala |
90 years |
11-Sep |
Cecil Peter Fernandes |
Gundowli |
77 years |
21-Sep |
Angeline Fernandes |
Chakala |
84 years |
25-Sep |
Eliza S.D’Souza |
Tarun Bharat |
57 years |
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Executive Editor |
: |
Fr. Leo Soares S.J. |
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Editorial Team |
: |
Sr. Alice Serrao, Maria Jain, Colette D'Souza
& Marietta Azavedo |
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Layout & Design |
: |
Bindu Arts, Mumbai - 400 072. |
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Publisher |
: |
Parish Priest, Holy Family Church |
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