By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with great joy, devotion and togetherness on September 8, 2026 at St John Bosco Church, Borivali. The evening commenced with the Holy Eucharist at 6:30 p.m., followed by a joyful Fellowship Meal at 8 p.m. The celebration brought the entire parish community together to honour the birth of our Blessed Mother and to rejoice in the blessings of faith, family and fellowship.

Following the Eucharist, the parishioners gathered for a solemn Palki Procession from the Church to the Undercroft. The statue of our Blessed Mother was reverently carried in a beautifully decorated Palki, as the faithful accompanied Our Lady in prayer and devotion. The procession beautifully reflected the unity of the parish family, with children leading the way, followed by the youth, senior citizens, women, men, angels and the Palki carrying the statue of our Blessed Mother.

Upon reaching the Undercroft, the statue was reverently placed and enthroned on a beautifully decorated altar, followed by garlanding. The gathering created a prayerful and joyful atmosphere as the parish community came together to honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our spiritual mother.

A warm welcome was extended to the Parish Priest, parishioners, guests and volunteers, who had gathered as one parish family. The celebration continued with an opening prayer and Intercession led by Fr Mario, seeking the maternal guidance of our Blessed Mother and invoking God's abundant blessings upon the entire parish community.

A particularly joyful moment was the cake-cutting ceremony, celebrating the birthday of our Blessed Mother. In keeping with the occasion of Girl Child Day, the cake was cut by the girl-child birthday celebrants, followed by the singing of the birthday song. It was a beautiful way of celebrating both the Nativity of Mary and the precious gift of every girl child.

The much-awaited Lucky Draw brought excitement and enthusiasm to the gathering. The coupons were formally blessed and opened by the Parish Priest, after which Fr Vishal called out the lucky numbers. The fortunate winners received gifts amidst cheers and applause.

Before the meal, the Parish Priest led everyone in the Grace Before Meals, giving thanks to God for His abundant blessings and for the gift of the parish family.

The evening culminated in a Fellowship Meal at 8 p.m., where approximately 640 parishioners came together to share a meal and celebrate the Nativity of Our Blessed Mother in a spirit of love, unity and thanksgiving.

The celebration was a beautiful expression of faith, devotion, joy and community spirit, strengthening the bonds among parishioners and leaving everyone with grateful hearts and cherished memories of a truly blessed feast.