St. Arnold’s Feast Day – 2024
World Day of Consecrated Life -2024
First Holy Communion- 2023
St. Theresa’s Parish SCC Rally -2023
World Concecreted Day- 2023
Installation of Fr. Henry D’Souza as the New Parish Priest of St. Theresa’s Parish Bandra.
Farewell to Fr. Jolly SVD
Food Kitchen Team
St. Theresa’s Parish Diamond Jubilee Celebrations- 2020
100 YEARS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF ST PAUL
The Centenary of the Foundation of the Daughters of St Paul was celebrated on June 28, 2015 at St Theresa’s Church with a solemn Eucharist Mass celebrated by Oswald Cardinal Gracias. All the Sisters of the Daughters of St Paul together with the entire parish raised their voices in Thanking and Praising God for these 100 years of service to the Church and humanity with the Media Apostolate.
To concretize the dream- ‘Live Christ and Give Christ’ through the Media Apostolate in the Church, Blessed James Alberione, the Founder of the Pauline family, needed a band of dedicated men and women who would imbibe his spirit of contemplation and action. His unwavering faith in God and firm determination to respond to the changing times gave birth to the Pauline Family, made up of Five Religious Congregations, Four Secular Institutes and an Association of Pauline Co-Operators.
The Daughters of St Paul founded in 1915, participate in the prophetic and evangelizing mission of the church by proclaiming the Good News through mass media, mini media, social media and all inventions available in this electronic age. Pauline Book and Media Centres render invaluable service to people of all age groups and religious traditions. As exhorted by Mother Thecla Merlo, the Co-Foundress of the Daughters of St Paul, “Give wings and feet to the Gospel that it may travel far and wide”, the Sisters organize Interreligious, Ecumenical and Media awareness programmes, Bible Weeks, Communication Sunday, Press Month, Catholic Enquiry Centre, Conducting Book and Music Exhibitions in Parishes and Schools…etc in order to reach the Good News to all.
The Eucharist was solemnized with beautiful singing by the sisters and an action song by the sisters themselves as the recessional hymn. It was indeed a sight to see so many brides of Christ expressing praise and worship through song and dance. There was also a documentary shown on the life of the Pauline sisters after the Eucharist Mass ended.
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Vacation Bible Joy
The early days in the month of May was found buzzing with activity. Everyone was talking about it. It was the great St. Theresa’s Vacation Bible Joy and the theme this time round was Team Jesus. What does it mean to be on Team Jesus I asked my wife? She responded with pick up your cross and follow me. She gave me one more enters through the narrow gate. Regretting my choice of subject. Then I asked my son the same question. He went something like this STAND STRONG HOLD ON EVEN WHEN IT’S HARD. That to in song. Ah!! Now that made sense to me or maybe in still not a grown up…
This was’ just something he learnt and it delivered the right message.
From a’ place where one word of Jesus or Moses or Joseph or David or Daniel to my son would yield a customary ”not again” to coming home and reciting entire stories of these great men is enough for me to call Vacation Bible Joy a roaring success.
Not to mention my three year old is still humming rockaby Moses on the tree top. She wants a Technicolor coat just like Joseph. What a fun and novel way to spread the word among these young impressionable minds.
I had the good fortune of interacting with men and women behind the scenes ”The Great Animators’’ they held the kids hands for a short while but will hold their hearts forever.
Every part of the program was meticulously planned out and executed with equal passion.
It was a week of pure heaven (pun intended).
Hopefully next time round God will grace them with patience and tenacity to go through two weeks because they have found a new animator in me.
I end with a’ quote most appropriate. If you must enter my kingdom come as one of these. I think I found the theme for next year vacation bible joy…
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The Sacrament of Confirmation
After months of preparation, 33 candidates from our parish received the Sacrament of Confirmation on 12th April, 2015 at the 10am Eucharistic service.
During their formation, the candidates were taken through various teachings of our faith; right from Bible basics to topics like Heaven & Hell and Final Judgment. They were encouraged to learn, explore and introspect. On the eve of their confirmation, they had an in-depth examination of conscience conducted by Fr. Titus and Royston, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All this culminated into a leap in their faith journey. They were finally ready to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
His Lordship Archbishop Raphael Cheenath bestowed the Sacrament of Confirmation. During his homily, the Archbishop gave the candidates a glimpse of what it means to be a true Christian and to stand-up for our faith. Archbishop Cheenath experienced first-hand the persecution of the church at Kandhamal. He shepherd the flock there during those challenging days. Being Divine Mercy Sunday as well, he exhorted them to pray as often as possible “Jesus, I trust in you”
It was indeed a beautiful journey of preparation in faith. As part of their growing relationship with the Holy Spirit many pray daily to the Holy Spirit. To the “Holy Spirit, (John 14:16), Jesus says you are my Helper, please help me…. (Mention your request)”. The confirmandis were reminded that their faith journey does not end with receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, but rather it is the foundation on what they can grow in the love of the Lord
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“Christ in the Passover”
On March 29th, 2015, from 7.00pm to 9.45pm, about 300 parishioners of St. Theresa’s, Bandra went back in time 2000 years ago to Old Jerusalem, to have a real live experience of the traditional Passover Meal with the unleavened bread, herbs and wine, served with its own special significance.
It was not only a great meal but a spiritual experience to remember.
This program was organized by the Bible Cell.
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UNDERSTANDING AND PRAYING THE BIBLE ORGANISED BY THE BIBLE CELL
ON SAT 14TH MARCH & SUN 15TH MAR 2015
The Parishioners of St. Theresa’s Church, Bandra had a life changing experience as we went through the Bible or rather let the Bible go through us, bringing into focus the Old and New Testaments, to tell us the Greatest Love Story: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son to die for us.
Through relevant slides and the use of the “Vigan Method” & “Lectio Divina”, the Word of God in the words of men revealed JESUS, the Word made flesh. Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th March 2015, two mornings seemed all too short but we left with His words ringing in our ears and echoing in our hearts ——- “Listen, I am standing at the door knocking”.
How are we going to respond? Are we ready to take up the cross and follow Him?
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Lenten Mission – Mission Possible
The Lenten Mission preached by Fr.Benny Muthangi, SVD and his team together with his Music Ministry from AP, from 2nd to 8th March truly enlightened the parishioners of St. Theresa’s parish. The theme, “Be Holy as He who called you is Holy” seemed fitting especially at this season of Lent.
Each day of the Mission began with a morning reflection and each evening was reserved for a different section of the congregation.
On the first day, the Women were invited for a reflection and they were made aware that they are created equal to man and as wives they are to be Helpers, Life Partners and Collaborators to their spouses, as is God’s plan. They are to consult their husbands for everything. They are not to work for the purpose of financial independency. They are given ‘Hands’ to work for others, ‘Hearts’ to love and ‘Tongues’ to build a home.
The second day was allotted to the Men. They were reminded that God created woman as He knew that man was in need of a Helper. He created man from the dust of the earth and woman was created from the rib of man. And according to the plan of God, the body of man and woman are united in marriage. Just as Jesus is the Head of the church, so is Man the head of the family. It is therefore the Man’s duty to Care, Protect, Love and Understand Emotions in the family.
On the third day the Youth attended the mission. They recalled all that their parents do for them and as told in the book of Sirach, ‘With all your heart honor your father, and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother. Remember that it was of your parents you were born; how can you repay what they have given to you?’ With these thoughts placed before the youth, they were asked to Respect and Honor, Obey and Pray for their parents and be Kind and Patient with them so that they receive God’s blessings. They were also informed on topics of sexual gratification and self- worth.
The fourth day saw the Children gather in the church to receive instruction. Through the story of David and Goliath Fr. Benny made the children aware that it is not strength or power that brings victory but the Love for God. The virtue of Obedience, the sense of Duty and the importance of Prayer were made known to the children.
The fifth day was special for the Couples who attended in large numbers. Fr. Benny stressed that Marriage is a Covenant and not a contract among Catholics. He made the couples realize that marriage has three Covenants. Firstly, it is a Covenant between God and each spouse. Secondly, it is a Covenant between you and your spouse. Thirdly, it is a Covenant between the two families.
The last three days brought Deliverance and Healing and many who believed were filled with the Holy Spirit. On the day of Deliverance, Fr. Benny spoke about, Temptations and Afflictions, Obsession and Possession. He preached on the Power of Sin and how Satan enters us through sin. He pointed out four ways by which sin can enter citing the experiences of others. The four ways are through a person, place, thing and time. On this day the faithful had the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation and many priests sat waiting patiently at the confessionals.
Suffering was divided into three types. The first, being purely physical due to virus or bacteria, needed to be cured by a doctor. The second was psycho-somatic. This type of illness of mind and body required medical treatment as well as prayer and healing. The third type of suffering was due to some evil force over us or being trapped by some satanic power. This suffering could be cured completely through inner-healing, prayer and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Finally we came to the end of the week long Mission and on the last day we had the Infilling of the Holy Spirit. This is the same Holy Spirit we receive at Baptism which we only experience later. All present were anointed with the Holy Spirit and remained deep in prayer to the end.
St. Theresa’s Parish extends a sincere thanks to Fr. Benny and his dedicated team for leading us out of the darkness and guiding us into the light, with his powerful preaching, healing and infilling of the Holy Spirit through these eight days. We pray that each one of us may strive to be Holy as our Heavenly Father is Holy.
Bible Sunday-22nd February, 2015
Bible Sunday was celebrated on 22nd February, 2015 in our Parish. The Bible was taken in procession and placed on a decorated lectern. It was enthroned at a special Mass on Saturday, 21st February at 7:00 pm. A prayer was said for the Bible Cell Association and each member of the Bible Cell was blessed at this Eucharistic Celebration. The importance of reading and living the Bible in the family and as part of personal prayer was stressed on in the homily and the prayer of the faithful.
The Bible Cell and the 3Bs
The Bible Cell organized the 3Bs- Bible, Bible Quiz and Bhelpuri, on Sunday, 22nd February, 2015 at 7:00 pm. This actually turned out to be 3Xs – Excellent, Exceptional, Extra-ordinary. The Theme chosen was, ‘Build Your Life on JESUS’. The evening began with a short opening prayer by Fr. Bernard the Parish Priest followed by a Bible Quiz. The groups at each table were identified by a quality or a virtue essential for every true Christian Family to transform itself into a little Domestic Church. The quality that described the group at each table were ‘Loving, Patient, Understanding, Gentle, Forgiving, Prayerful, Kind, Generous’. Through a power point presentation the model of every Christian family, the Trinitarian Family – The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit was depicted. We were encouraged to imitate this Family by reading and living the Bible. Each group enacted a skit which brought out the ‘quality’ assigned to it which was related to a corresponding story or a parable from the Old or New Testaments. This story or parable was presented through a power point after the quality was expressed in the family, through the skit. All the participants sang the famous action song, ‘The Wise Man Built His House Upon The Rock’ and were reminded that we needed to build our lives on ‘JESUS’, so as to be strong and firm in our Faith. We were taught how to understand and use the Bible effectively and wisely to better our lives through the steps given as the ‘Rs’ in understanding the Bible, which are as follows:
1. Read
2. Reflect
3. Realize
4. Respond: a) Resolve b) Restore c) Reorder
Using these steps the ‘Rs’ offer, we will be able to change our lives and make a difference wherever we are.
Just as Jesus helps us to sort out the puzzles in our lives if we only allow Him to enter, the group put together the pieces of a jigsaw given to us, which read, ‘Build Your Life on Jesus’. With this we came to the end of the 3Bs and Fr. Sunil, the Spiritual Director of the Bible Cell concluded with a prayer.
Thanks to Livia and the Bible Cell for enriching us in faith and for all the other arrangements.
CELEBRATING WORLD MARRIAGE DAY- 15th February
It was a beautiful evening which began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 6:00pm. At the beginning of the Mass all married couples entered the church in a procession, followed by the celebrants and accompanied to music by a wonderful choir.
The concelebrants were Frs. Bernard, Titus and Biju. Fr. Coleman the main celebrant began the Mass with a short message, “Love means to say ‘I am Sorry’ and I forgive You’.
The homily preached was on the Prodigal son but with a twisted ending. In the parable Jesus told, the Father accepts the son willingly and with unconditional love. In the homily, however, the father does just the opposite. Instead of welcoming the son with unconditional love, he grudgingly accepts the son laying down certain conditions.
Here Fr. Coleman, wanted to bring home a point with a moral. He pointed out that, very often married couples who, when one partner defaults, instead of the other accepting and loving the spouse unconditionally, resort rather to tactics of making that partner feel guilty in a grudging manner and stressed that this should be avoided to restore mutual love.
During the Mass the couples renewed their vows of togetherness, faithfulness and love and sealed it with a kiss.
Fr. Titus spoke about the modern day marriages and same sex marriages which were followed by a small clip on couples who have completed 50 years of marriage and more. Each couple threw light on their married experiences. They agreed that although they did have ups and downs as they travelled along in their journey of wedded life it was prayer that strengthened them at all times.
The Mass ended with a special prayer for couples and a special blessing invoked on all married couples.
After the Mass, the celebrations began emceed by Glen Coutinho. A cake was cut by a couple who had completed 59 years of married life together with the youngest couple in terms of married years. The function was well attended. There were games and music and dancing and delicious food. The couples had a wonderful time together. Frs. Bernard, Titus and Anil participated in the function and made the occasion a memorable one.
Thanks to Herman and Noreen Machado and to all the other Family Cell members and the Fathers for this great celebration put together for the married couples of our parish. We specially thank Frs. Titus and Biju and Deacon Francis who came home to shoot the video and not only brought a lot of sunshine and joy with their presence but brought back many sweet memories shared by the married couples. We wish them along with Fr. Sunil who handled the presentation, a bright and holy future. Thanks to Fr. John for the use of the school hall premises for this grand occasion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyZrFYfI75U
Celebrating – ‘World Day of the Sick’ – 11th February 2015
As we, at St. Theresa’s celebrated masses especially for the sick in our parish on the 11th February, the four zones had a Special Eucharistic celebration in honour of our Lady of Lourdes at the Lourdes Grottos at Pali and at Khar. Zones I and II met at the Pali Grotto while Zones III and IV gathered at the Khar Grotto. The faithful went in candle light processions to the respected grottos. Along the way they prayed the Rosary and sang hymns in honour of our Lady.
Fr. Bernard and Fr. Titus celebrated the Eucharist at Pali, for zones I and II and Fr. Sunil celebrated the Eucharist at Khar, for zones III and IV. The homilies gave us an insight into the role Mother Mary is designed, to be in our lives. She is our intercessor for all our needs. Mother Mary, being the mother of Jesus and our Mother too, always pleads to her Son for us. We were reminded that it is difficult for a son to refuse a mother what she asks, as was at the first miracle Jesus performed at Cana, at Mary’s request. The Marion theme was continued through the service. A special blessing was given to all present to be healed not only physically and emotionally but also spiritually.
The service ended with a fellowship. The congregation was served snacks sponsored by the Trustees of St. Anthony’s Institute for zones I and II and the parishioners of Khar for zones III and IV.