by Alphonsa Ohol for BIS Mumbai

Yerwada, July 6, 2025: Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, Pune celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a spirit of prayer, unity, and service. The occasion was especially significant this year, coinciding with the 350th anniversary of the apparitions of the Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque.

To mark the event, the parish invited three neighbouring parishes — St Francis de Sales Parish, Shanwadi; St Xavier’s Parish, Camp; and St Ignatius Parish, Khadki — to join in the celebration. Their participation brought a sense of shared devotion and strengthened the bond among the communities. The triduum saw active participation, beautiful liturgies, and meaningful reflections that helped prepare the hearts of the faithful for the grand celebration.

The feast day began with a prayerful procession followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration. Fr Jagdish Parmar,SJ coordinator of Apostleship of prayer in South Asia region was the main celebrant, joined by nine other priests at the altar, adding grace and solemnity to the celebration.

In his homily, Fr Parmar invited the faithful to reflect on the meaning of true devotion to the Sacred Heart. He invited the faithful to reach out to the poor, the lonely, and those in need, reminding them that devotion to the Sacred Heart is not merely about external practices, but about having a heart that mirrors the qualities of Jesus: patience, kindness, and self-giving love. Fr.Parmar used real-life examples to illustrate how even small acts of love and concern can transform lives and bring others closer to God. “Let the Sacred Heart of Jesus not just remain on our walls, but be alive in our homes, our families, and our way of living,” he said.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, Fr Michael Fernandes, Parish Priest, extended his gratitude to all who contributed to the organisation of the celebration. He especially acknowledged the contribution of Fr Peter D’Cruz, SJ, for his role in planning the liturgies, preparing devotional material, and guiding the spiritual content of the triduum. He also appreciated the efforts of the Salesian Cooperators for their assistance in decorating the church and managing logistics. He also appreciated the participation of the three invited parishes who animated each day of the triduum, contributing to the spiritual depth of the celebration.

A special moment in the celebration was the recognition of parishioners who have rendered nearly five decades of service to the parish. They were presented with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the faith community.

The celebration concluded with moments of joy and fellowship among parishioners. The Feast of the Sacred Heart served as a reminder to live with open hearts and full of love, following the example of Jesus.