By Fr Nathaneal George SDB for BIS Mumbai

As part of its preparations for the golden jubilee of the annual Nagar Mat Mauli Yatra, St Anne’s Parish, Ahilyanagar, has organised zonal and village Masses across its pastoral jurisdiction. It is true, that WhatsApp groups, posters and fliers inform people and remind them of the coming festivities and other activities of the parish. However, nothing brings a community together better than an occasion to pray at someone’s house, celebrate the Holy Eucharist and build fellowship.

 St Anne’s has about 470 families spread across 14 zones and 5 villages. Geographically the area is vast. Often the faithful find it difficult to attend Church services and Holy Mass because of various reasons as transport, work and other obstacles. Thus, celebration of Holy Mass in one’s local area, presents an opportunity for the elderly and those who find it difficult to attend Sunday masses to avail of the sacrament.

 The tradition of ‘Yatras’ in Ahilyanagar, have evolved into something of a multi-faceted celebration. Ingrained in the people’s psyche is the notion that ‘a pilgrimage is a journey and a destination.’ At every zonal mass, as the faithful sit around the altar, they are reminded of the reason for all these preparations and celebrations, is the journey towards God. As tradition goes, during the month of October, before the annual Mat Mauli Yatra, a statue of Our Lady is taken from house to house in each zone. It is at this house, that people of the area, gather to say their rosary. This year, in addition to family visits and other activities, the Parish Priest Fr McEnroe, felt it was vital to celebrate the Holy Eucharist in each zone as well. Hence the event of gathering for Holy Mass also serves as a formative one. In the liturgy and sermons, the people are catechised on matters of the faith and advised on living a good Christian life in their neighbourhood. The people are reminded that Mary, makes this journey for us and with us. The daily praying of the Rosary, the participation in family reading of the bible not only nourishes a person individually but also unites the family in purpose and intention.

 The intention to unite the parish community through local gatherings and zonal masses not only brings people together but also strengthens personal relationships. One is exposed to the reality of the faithful living their daily lives as Christians in a multi-religious society. The zonal and village masses have truly brought their respective communities together manifesting the famous quote by Venerable Fr Patrick Peyton, “the family that prays together, stays together.”