By Alphonsa Ohol for BIS Mumbai

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was celebrated with great devotion and solemnity at Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada bringing together priests, religious, parishioners and well-wishers in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving.

The celebration began with a solemn procession led by the altar servers, followed by the Salesian Cooperators. The procession was graced by the presence of eight priests and the main celebrant, Bishop Simon Almeida, Bishop of Pune. The beautifully decorated church and the active participation of the faithful added to the solemnity of the occasion.

In his homily, Bishop Simon Almeida reflected on the Heart of Jesus as a symbol of God’s unconditional love, mercy and forgiveness. Drawing an analogy from a doctor listening to a heartbeat through a stethoscope, he invited the faithful to draw close to Jesus and listen to the beats of His loving Heart. He emphasized that Jesus remains close to humanity, cares for all creation and continues to give Himself completely through the Eucharist. The faithful were encouraged to share God’s love with others, care for creation responsibly, and live lives marked by compassion, mercy, and service.

Following the homily, the newly elected Parish Council members took their oath of office before the faithful. They pledged to serve the parish community with dedication, commitment, and a spirit of collaboration for the growth and welfare of the parish.

During the Offertory procession, parishioners brought forward food grains and other essential articles as offerings, expressing their gratitude to God and their concern for the less fortunate. The Eucharistic celebration was prayerfully animated by the choir groups Tejomay Choir and Celestial Harmony, whose hymns enhanced the spiritual atmosphere of the feast.

At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, Fr Michael, the Parish Priest expressed his sincere gratitude to Bishop Simon Almeida, the concelebrating priests, choir members, volunteers and all those who contributed to the success of the celebration. He thanked everyone for their wholehearted participation and support.

The feast concluded with a fellowship meal shared by all, fostering a spirit of unity, fraternity, and joy among the faithful. The celebration served as a beautiful reminder of the boundless love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and inspired all present to become instruments of His love and mercy in their daily lives.