Author: Stanislaus Baptista

  • Eucharistic Celebration for the Sick and Aged

    Eucharistic Celebration for the Sick and Aged

    Zone 8 of the Rosary Parish ‘ St Roque’ Community, had for the first time initiated having mass at the Holy Cross Oratory on the 30th December 2017, for our elders who are sick and unable to move out of their homes, at Matharpacady Village.

    Julius Valladares spearheaded this with his team of animators (specially Charmaine and Canute). He was graciously granted permission from the Parish Priest Fr. Herman,  as a special case, since our zone has many elders who cannot make it to the church for even the Sunday mass.

    Fr. Earnest of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers , celebrated the Eucharist and it was a special moment to see  many of our sick being brought by able volunteers. Prior arrangements were made to set up the place . There was a sense of quiet expectation from everyone. All  participated fully  with song and prayer.

    Soon after the mass there was a sumptuous buffet dinner arranged , out in the open. The Caterer was noticeable by his absence, but truly for his generous heart in providing the meal ‘gratis’. Our team of Volunteers saw that everything was set up and served to all including the soup at the start.

    A good helping of Vanilla Ice cream with Chocolate sauce helped to conclude the ‘Agape’ as one would call  it, since this was a time to show our love to all those who long to meet one another and have not  been out of their homes in a long time.

    Games for fellowship helped to make the evening a memorable one.

    We thank Team Zone 8 for this special day, and also for all they do to reach out to our elders, who have responded with  showers  of blessings and affirmations.

    Keep up the good work !

    Compiled by Vincent Mascarenhas

    Photographs courtesy : Stanislaus Baptista

  • Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

    Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

    “Thanksgiving Day” was a very special day on Wednesday night, 27th December 2017. This day was organised by the Managing Committees of the Holy Cross Oratory and the Matharpacady Residents’ Welfare Association.

    A well compiled Service saw the Opening Hymn sung beautifully by a small Choir guided by Vincent Mascarenhas who also gave us a reflection to a Reading from the Bible that was read by Carole Veigas.

    Residents and well wishers gathered together to thank the Lord for His innumerable blessings & mercies during the last year, and indeed we do have a lot to be thankful for.  Acknowledging ourselves as the Body of Christ, representatives of various groups in the Village came forward to offer prayers of thanksgiving and to share what it means being a limb of the Body of Christ. Through the well planned out, eye catching PowerPoint presentation special events during the year like births, weddings, jubilees & achievements of the residents were highlighted, not forgetting those departed from our midst. This power point presentation was compiled by Roydon Gonsalves. The service ended with everyone joining in the closing hymn. This was followed by a time of Fellowship with cake & refreshments being served in between some interesting, innovative games organized by Selma Pulical and Vidhyashri Veloo. Children enjoyed trying their luck at pinning the nose on Rudolf, while others enjoyed a few team games followed by a round of Housie conducted by Merwyn D’Mello. Prizes were given to all the winners, for the games as well as the Housie.

    The residents and well wishers fondly bide their “Adieus” after receiving some mementos. They thanked one and all for the lovely function organised and for the good time they had during the Christmas Season in Matharpacady Village. Many thanks to the President of the Matharpacady Welfare Association, Mr Percy D’Souza for sponsoring all the prizes and preparing the mementos. Our thanks to the Trustees of St. Isabel’s High School for use of their chairs and tables and always assisting us in all our endeavours.

    With inputs from Canute Monteiro & Selma Pulical

    Photographs : Courtesy  – Stanislaus Baptista

  • The Best Christmas Party

    The Best Christmas Party

    It was that time of the year for the Children to have some fun & frolic during Christmas time at Matharpacady Village. The party was held on Sunday, 24th December 2017.

    We had kids from the age of 1 to 15 actively participating in the innovative games dished out by the committee members.

    Engrossed kids along with their Parents competed not just to win but we could see that spirit of participation that counted and not just winning.

    Feet tapping music played during the entire program by the DJ kept the kids on their toes.  All were treated to some homemade snacks and fruit juice during the program.

    We then had a relay race from yesteryears for the Parents of the children bringing back memories when they were kids a long time ago.

    Our Senior Citizens too were not left out and also got themselves engrossed in their little game of skill.

    Then it was that time that most kids were anxiously waiting for, yes, the arrival of Santa Claus. He came with a surprise and brought a smile on every kids face.

    Each Child went home happily with a gift from Santa Claus putting a smile on their faces.

    They then danced and sang with Santa Claus till he was really exhausted and had to go to other places to deliver his Christmas gifts to children around.

    This year we also had live coverage and media representation at this Event making it even more special. Most of you may have read the articles in most newspapers.

    We take this opportunity to thank the organizing committee that planned, prepared and executed this lively Christmas Party for our budding children and thus making it a huge success.

    We wish everybody “Seasons Greetings & A Very Happy New Year 2018C

    Compiled by  : Vera Monteiro

    Photos : Courtesy Stanislaus Baptista

  • Christmas Heritage Walks – Matharpacady – 23 December 2017

    Christmas Heritage Walks – Matharpacady – 23 December 2017

    Earlier this evening, our quaint little Heritage Village was visited by two groups – the first conducted by history and architect enthusiast, Ms.  Anita Yewale. They comprised of members of the INTACH group and a few others. The second group was conducted by Hansel Baptista on behalf of “No Footprints”. Persons from various parts of Mumbai made up this group.

    The groups went around the decorated by lanes of our charming Heritage Village with illuminative decorative symbols of stars, Christmas trees, hearts, hexagonal and triangular shaped illustrative lanterns fitted with mini loudspeakers playing Christmas Carols. The Crib was creatively put up in the Holy Cross Oratory, which was flanked just outside by a decorated live towering Christmas tree. Some of them visited “Eymard Cottage” the provincial house of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, besides the cottage of Rodger & Judith Gonsalves (house no.23D) and the Baptista’s house no.21. They also visited one of the Goan clubs or kudd in the village, the Club of Paroda to get a first hand feel of the place. They were quite amused to see a big frame which encompassed all the rules to be followed in the Club.

    To help user in the spirit of Christmas, later in the evening a group of Carol Singers went round the bylanes of the village while some others were reciting the daily rosary at the Holy Cross Oratory.

    Along with its unique ambience best experienced during Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Cross, Matharpacady has an active residents’ association fighting hard to salvage one of the few remnants of Old Bombay.

    We want the government to see the potential for heritage tourism here. In this context, the Residents Welfare Association has submitted suggestions to the Mumbai Heritage Committee for the up gradation, protection, and maintenance of our unique Heritage Village Precinct.

    Given below please find some of the forthcoming programmes to be held :

    On Sunday 24th at 10.00 am, there a Christmas Party for Kids, Mummies & Dadies, and Senior Citizens being organised near the Holy Cross Oratory.

    There is a Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday 27th December 2017 at 7.45 pm near the Holy Cross Oratory to praise and thank God for the year gone by. This will be followed by a small get together.

    On Saturday, 30th December 2017, there will be a Mass for the sick, aged and home bound at 7.00 pm near the Holy Cross Oratory. This will be followed by a light fellowship dinner.

    We hope to bring families closer together at these functions, fostering a spirit of friendship and co-operation so as to strengthen and build the Catholic community.

  • Mid-day – 22nd December 2017

     

    Image

    Source Courtesy : Mid-day 22nd December 2017

     

  • Mumbai Mirror, 21st December 2017

    Mumbai Mirror, 21st December 2017

    PLAN AHEAD

    WHERE: S G Jewellers, Byculla

    A walk inside Matharpacady village

    If you want to do something exciting this Christmas, join this walk and discover Mathapacady. This charming little Portuguese hamlet is situated in Mazgaon, one of the oldest islands of the city. This village, which has been granted grade III heritage status, was built, nurtured and populated by the East Indians. Its architecture is characterised by two-storied colored houses with staircases, skilled woodwork and sloping Mangalore tiled roofs and the East Indian catholic culture. Bonus: at the end of the walk, enjoy some local plum cake.

    When: Dec 25, 4 pm Cost: Rs 720 Call:9833163486

    Source Courtesy : Mumbai Mirror, 21st December 2017

  • Come Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus – Trip To The Holy Land

    Come Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus – Trip To The Holy Land

    “Come Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus

    12 DAYS ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR COVERING- JORDAN / ISRAEL / PALESTINE / EGYPT

     


                DEPARTURE- 20TH FEB / 18TH APR / 24TH APR / 4TH MAY / 10TH MAY / 24TH MAY, 2018 

    INR 94,000/-* PER PERSON ALL INCLUSIVE

    (We can also arrange for your own Departure Date if it is a Group more than 20 people)

    INCLUSIONS:-

    1. Return Economy Class Airfare ex-Mumbai
    2. Airport taxes & GST
    3. 3 & 4 Star Hotel Accommodation with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    4. Sightseeing as mentioned in the Itinerary including all Entrance Fees
    5. All Tours in Luxury A/C Vehicle with English Speaking Govt. Licensed Guide
    6. Israel, Egypt & Jordan Visa & Border Taxes
    7. Service of an experienced Tour manager
    8. Tips, Porter age to Guide & Driver
    9. Travel Insurance up to age 69

     

    For Bookings Contact:

    Canute Monteiro

    M: +91- 9820333920

    E: – canutemonteiro@yahoo.co.in

    (Can also assist for any Travel assistance & Tours all over the World)

     

  • Whist Drive – 7th November 2017

    Whist Drive – 7th November 2017

    The Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association organised the Whist Drive at St. Isabel’s High School hall earlier this evening, 7th November 2017. Mr. Gerard Viegas, alongwith Stanislaus Baptista and Dennis Baptista helped to conducted the Whist Drive. The  thirty two happy  participants were eagerly applying their minds and skills at this enjoyable card game in friendship and cheer, in two sessions of six card games each. Hot tea, biscuits and piping hot snacks were served at the break. 

    Attractive cash prizes were awarded to many winners from the highest to even the lowest scores.  The delighted recipients – Mr. Mariano Vaz,  with 86 points was the first prize winner with the highest points. The prize for the highest score in the first half went to Mrs. Marie D’Souza with 50 points and the prize for the highest score in the second half was awarded to Mrs. Clare Figueiredo with 53 points. The prize for the lady with the lowest score was given to Mrs. Claire Fernandes  (68 points) and the prize for the gent with the lowest score was given to Mr. Noel Viegas (70 points). All the winners received their gifts to much applause from all the others present.

    Mr. Gerard Viegas, thanked the participants and guests for making this a happy memorable function, besides the Trustees & Management of St. Isabels High School for the use of their premises.  Special thanks to Mrs. Joanita DaCosta for the delicious homemade sweets served to all the participants during the break. The participants thanked the Committee members for bringing them together at these functions in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie before bidding “Good Night” and were looking forward to more such sessions.

     

  • Whist Drive – 10th October 2017

    Whist Drive – 10th October 2017

    Whist Drives organized by the Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association at St. Isabel’s hall have been a regular feature since the past two years.  Inspite of the wet weather participants came from far and near, while some of them could not make it due to the persistent rain. The Whist Drive on Tuesday evening, 10th October 2017, was  under the leadership of Gerard Viegas, Dennis Baptista, and Stan Baptista. Gerard Viegas played a notable supervisory role as a judge to ensure fair play with eight tables by the thirty two participants in two sessions of six card games each. All the  participants were eagerly applying their minds and skills at this enjoyable card game to pleasantly pass the Monsoon blues away in friendship and cheer. Hot tea, Vegetable bread rolls and Biscuits were freely served at the half time break. 

    Attractive cash prizes were awarded to many winners from the highest to even the lowest scores.  The delighted recipients – Mrs. Brenda Texeira and Mrs. Maureen Xavier shared the first prize with 91 points each in both sessions. The prize for the highest score in the first half was awarded to Mr. Denis Charles with  49 points and the prize for the highest score in the second half was awarded to  Mr. Domnic Rodrigues also with 49 points. The prize for the lady with the lowest score was given to Mrs. Clare Figueiredo  (69 points) and the prize for the gent with the lowest score was given to Mr. Noel Viegas (67 points). They all received the gifts to much applause from all the others present.

    Mr. Gerard Viegas, thanked the participants and guests for making this a happy memorable function, besides the Trustees & Management of St. Isabels High School for the use of their premises. He also thanked a generous cash donor. He also reminded the residents of the forthcoming AGM to be held on Saturday, 14th October 2017 at 4.00 pm at the Tank Square, Welfare Centre. Before bidding “Good Night”, he mentioned that the committee would inform all about the next Whist Drive to be held next month. The Welfare Associations purpose is to bring families closer together at these functions, fostering a spirit of friendship and co-operation so as to strengthen and build the Catholic community.

  • Whist Drive – 19th September 2017

    Whist Drive – 19th September 2017

    The Matharpacady Residents’ Welfare Association organised their Whist Drive at St. Isabel’s High School on Tuesday, 19th September 2017.  Mr. Stanislaus Baptista ably handled this Whist Drive with support of the Mr. Gerard Viegas and Mrs. Carole Viegas. Braving the heavy rain twenty four participants and other guests were warmly greeted as they entered the  hall.  Participants, four a table, were seated at numbered tables to enjoy this competitive card game.  The whist drive was in two sessions of six games each.  Gerard Viegas summarized the rules and regulations. Stanislaus Baptista played a notable supervisory role as a judge to ensure fair play. The Whist Drive started at 6.00 P.M. Stanislaus Baptista also captured these moments on camera for us. Light refreshments of piping hot tea, Vegetable Bread Rolls and biscuits were served at the break in sessions. 

    Highest scorers were awarded generous cash prizes.  The delighted recipients – Mrs. Claire Fernandes,  with 90 points was the first prize winner with highest points. The prize for the highest score in the first half was awarded to Mr. Noel Viegas with  50 points while the prize for the highest score in the second half was awarded to  Mrs, Dulcine Vaz  with 47 points. The prize for the lady with the lowest score was given to Ms. Marie Pereira  (66 points) while the prize for the gent with the lowest score was given to Mr. Ignatius Fernandes (69 points). They all received the gifts to much applause from all the others present.

    Mr. Gerard Viegas, thanked all the participants and guests for making this a happy memorable function braving the inclement weather for this evenings function. He  requested them to spread the word round so that we could have more participants.  He thanked the Management and Trustees of St. Isabels High School, for allowing us the use of the Hall and other amenities for all our functions. The purpose of the Welfare Associations is to bring families closer together at these functions, by fostering a spirit of friendship and co-operation so as to strengthen and build the Catholic community.