by Alphonsa Ohol for BIS Mumbai

The Golden Jubilee concluding ceremony of Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, was celebrated on January 26, 2025. It was a momentous occasion marked by solemnity, joy, and gratitude. 

The celebration began with a solemn procession. The thanksgiving Eucharist was presided over by the Provincial Fr Savio Silveira and the concelebrants were Fr Crispino D’Souza, along with Fr Michael Fernandes, Fr Joe Braganza, Fr Alex Carvalho, Fr Ian Doulton and Fr Valerian.

This significant milestone of 50 years was an opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to the numerous priests and laypeople who toiled tirelessly for the parish. Drawing inspiration from St Teresa of Lisieux’s words, “Everything is grace,” the Provincial reminded the faithful to acknowledge the abundant graces received over these years. He further focused on the Gospel message, where Jesus proclaims His mission to serve the poor, highlighting that the parish has been a witness to God’s grace and is part of His larger plan. He expressed hope that the parish would march towards its Diamond Jubilee with even greater vibrancy, reconnecting the faithful and strengthening their bonds with the Church.

The theme, “The family that prays together stays together,” was beautifully woven into the celebrations, reaffirming the parish community’s unity and faith. The joyous festivities included the Sunday catechism children dancing to the Golden Jubilee anthem, followed by a unique presentation where children dressed as Bible characters and saints, adding a spiritual and historical dimension to the celebration. The second issue of the parish bulletin, which captured significant moments was released by the Provincial. Copies of the bulletin were presented to Fr Crispino, the Rector, and the team that worked diligently on it, including Mrs Nancy Dias, Mr Anthony Kardak, Mr Victor Zuzart, Sr Regina, Kristasevikas, and Mrs Hazel Fernandes, who also composed the Golden Jubilee anthem.

The conclusion of the Golden Jubilee was marked by the symbolic lowering of the Jubilee logo by the Provincial, officially bringing the celebrations to a close. The day’s events culminated with a vote of thanks presented by Mrs Monica D’Souza, acknowledging the contributions of everyone who made the Jubilee celebrations memorable.

Despite it being a working day with schools and offices operational on Republic Day, a large number of faithful attended the Mass, showing their deep connection and commitment to the parish. 

This extraordinary occasion was not just a celebration of the past 50 years but also a profound moment of reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future. The parish community, united in faith, looks forward to its journey towards the Diamond Jubilee with renewed enthusiasm, continuing to be a beacon of God’s grace and love in the years to come.

One of the parishioners shared, “The Golden Jubilee reminded us of God’s abundant grace over the years and strengthened our bond as a community.”

 Another expressed, “It was a joyful and spiritual celebration, inspiring us to continue our journey of faith with unity and hope.”