By Alphonsa Ohol for BIS Mumbai

On October 19, 2025 the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, Yerwada came together with great joy and missionary zeal to celebrate Mission Sunday. The celebration was a beautiful blend of faith, fellowship and generosity highlighting the spirit of the universal Church reaching out to those in need.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by the community priests, with Fr Brian Bothello and Fr Evangelo D’Souza both missionaries who have worked in Gujarat. During their homilies they shared their missionary experiences and their encounters with people in remote villages, their challenges and the joy of serving Christ among the poor. Their heartfelt words stirred the faithful to reflect on their own call to live the missionary spirit in everyday life.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the much-awaited Mission Fete began at 8 a.m. The event was inaugurated with the blessing of the stalls by Fr Michael Fernandes, the Parish Priest by invoking God’s blessings on all those who worked hard to make the event possible. The church premises was filled with a lot of energy and the aroma of delicious food as fifteen food stalls were organized by the different zones of the parish, opened to serve a wide variety of dishes. Parishioners and visitors enjoyed sumptuous breakfast and lunch at the venue while many also carried home takeaways to share with their families.

Adding to the festive atmosphere were eight game stalls that drew large crowds especially children who enthusiastically participated and enjoyed every moment. The joy and laughter that filled the atmosphere truly reflected the unity and spirit of the parish community. The sale of sarees from the Novena to Our Lady of Vailankanni also drew much attention with devotees joyfully contributing towards the noble cause.

The highlight of the afternoon was the final housie game, which brought everyone together in an atmosphere of excitement and fun. With eager participation and cheerful competition it marked a lively conclusion to a day filled with happiness and solidarity.

The event was a wonderful reminder that when communities come together in faith and love, great things can be accomplished for those in need.