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.
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