By Joyce Dmello for BIS Mumbai 

Every year, on February 11, the Sanctuary of Lourdes invites the world to celebrate the feast of our Lady of Lourdes and to pray ardently for her intervention. Likewise, our Parish, St John Bosco, Borivali, too marked the day with a solemn Eucharist celebration, where we witnessed Fr Manuel, as the main celebrant, placing the sick, elderly and the homebound, who had gathered in large numbers, at the forefront of the gathering.

His homily began with a gentle question—how many had visited Lourdes? As a few hands rose, he shared his own profound experience of being present there in 2008, during the 150th anniversary of the apparitions witnessed by St. Bernadette. He recalled the sight of Bishops and Priests concelebrating Mass with nearly 50,000 faithful from across the world, all seeking healing, conversion, and renewed faith. Father reminded us that while many journey to Lourdes in the hope of miraculous physical cures, spiritual healing is equally vital. Through penance, our sins are forgiven, and misgivings overcome—and for this, Our Lady has given us the Rosary as a powerful tool. He concluded with a moving thought: “Miracles do happen. One need not always cry out, ‘Why Lord, why am I suffering?’ Instead, pray to strengthen the bond between Lourdes and suffering.”

Even though many of the faithful are not able to visit Lourdes, the celebrant’s homily made us feel as though we were truly present there. It was not only the sick and the homebound, but all of us gathered in the church who experienced that same overwhelming sense of calm and solace amid personal struggles and sufferings.  Truly an inspiring homily, which endured us with the deeper meaning of suffering, power of prayer, and the enduring hope.

After the Communion rites, having nourished the faithful with the Body and Blood of Christ, Fr. Manuel announced a new pastoral initiative: a priest will visit the sick and homebound once a month to strengthen their spiritual care. He further emphasized, “To receive Holy Communion at home is indeed a blessing. Yet, whenever possible, efforts may be made to attend Mass in church—perhaps once a month or once every two months—for it is there that one experiences healing, renewal, and complete spiritual nourishment.”

Father’s encouraging words will surely uplift the hearts of the homebound, inspiring them to seek the doors of the church and embrace the fullness of communal worship.

At the close of the celebration, the priests anointed the sick and other faithful with holy oil, praying for the restoration of health. Recognizing that some parishioners may not be fluent in English, Fr. Manuel warmly wished everyone a “Happy Feast” in different languages, embracing the diversity of the community. The inspiring service concluded with refreshments, fostering fellowship and joy among all present.

It was truly a promising and enriching celebration. Blessed indeed are we to be parishioners of St John Bosco, Borivali. A heartfelt thanks to Fr Manuel and his dedicated team of priests for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment as our shepherds, keeping the flock united as one holy family.