MATHARPACADY VILLAGE

Tag: heritage

  • Monsoon Splash – 18th June 2017 – Part 1

    Monsoon Splash – 18th June 2017 – Part 1

    The Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association organised the “Monsoon Splash” on Sunday 18th June 2017 from 4.30 pm onwards at St. Isabel’s High School. The core organising team led by Vidhyashri Veloo, along with the other committee members, Charmaine Vongeyer, Renie Baptista, Selma Pulical, Dennis Baptista, Percy D’Souza, Clyde Soares, Canute Monteiro, Joe Pereira, Tyronne Concescio, Stanislaus Baptista and Dr. Gerald Mascarenhas meticulously planned this event with a series of distinctive, amusing and eye-catching games.

    The Rains played their part but did not dampen the spirit of the over hundred participants who enjoyed getting wet and prancing in the rain. The assembled participants were then broken down into four teams by the organisers, under the leadership of their captains as below :

    Captain                       Team Name                Colour

    Wendy Patrao             Thunder                       Red

    Mellicent Fernandes   Lightning                     Yellow

    Avina D’Souza             Rainbow                      Blue

    Kurt Baptista               Puddles                        Green

    At the outset Vidhyashri Veloo, welcomed all the participants and briefed the four captains on the rules for the evening. The four captains were then called upon to recite the Pledge before the opening of the games. The captains affirmed to abide by the rules, play sportingly and spread the message of unity and friendship to all. The team winning first place was eligible for 10 points, while teams coming second would earn 7 points, followed by 4 points for the team winning third place and only one point for the team coming in fourth.

    The participants were divided into five age groups :  3 to 6 years, 7 – 15 years, 16 – 26 years, 27 – 49 years and those 50 years and above.

    Each team had an average of 25 persons ranging from children from 3 years to senior citizens in their 70s.  There were around two to three games for each of the above age groups. In addition, there were three group games – Treasure Hunt, Snake Trust Game and Snakes and Ladders – for participants of all age groups.

     

    Note : Please refer to Monsoon Splash – Part 2 for more details and photographs

    Compiled by Stanislaus Baptista, with inputs from Vidhyashri Veloo

    Photographs courtesy – Stanislaus Baptista

     

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  • Matharpacady Cross Feast – May 2017

    Matharpacady Cross Feast – May 2017

    The Managing Committee of the Holy Cross Oratory organized the traditional Novena Services every evening from 22nd April 2017 onwards culminating in the Feast Day Celebrations on Monday, 1st May 2017.  Daily, young Prayer Leaders led the well attended services on the recital of the Rosary [dedicating each decade for a particular intention], the litany of Our Lady of the Rosary, litany of the Cross and litany of St. Roque [patron saint of the Village who had protected the residents from the scourge of the deadly plague that ravaged Bombay]. Boiled gram was distributed by helpful aunties and on Vespers evening ragda puri as a generous treat from an uncle.

    On Monday, 1st May 2017, a large gathering of over 350 residents, friends and well wishers gathered in the village center around the altar on a stage, with a backdrop and under a canopy of decorative lights leading to the illuminated Holy Cross Oratory.  The Celebrant – Reverend Father Shavito Correia [St. John the Evangelist Church and Judge at the Ecclesiastical Court, Archbishop’s House] wended his way from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, “Eymard Cottage”, behind the altar server holding aloft the Relic of the True Cross, to the bedecked altar to the melodious strains of that beautiful hymn “The World You ave Made Is A Beautiful World”.Have Made Is A Beautiful World”.  Father Shavito, In a very inspiring and thought provoking homily expressed his happiness of being invited and welcomed in Matharpacady Village as he was born and resided in nearby Dockyard, comparing it to Jesus welcome in Capernaum. He expressed his joy at his homecoming to celebrate the 142nd Anniversary Holy Mass for the families in the village and of the  neighbourhood.  He repeatedly stressed on the many values and benefits of the family drawing inspiration from the holy family of Mother Mary, St. Joseph and Jesus.  He spoke of the need of each family member being a conscious and active participant in building and strengthening family bonds by making and finding time to be together, speak and discuss matters with one another, pray together and share a meal as a family.  Father Shavito spoke of the both the very visible and hidden dangers posed by the rapid advances of information technology, social media and networking whereby individuals and laity, and even the clergy, are glued to their mobiles and smartphones, and have no tine to share and grow in family needs and relationships and thus sadly have gone astray.  He reiterated that at this Eucharistic Feast Mass all of us should pray fervently and invoke the blessings of our Risen Lord to guide us, protect us and bless all our family members to follow in the footsteps of His family.  Father Shavito blessed the congregation with the Relic of the True Cross as Holy Mass ended.  The President, Mrs. Carole Viegas expressed the deep gratitude to Father Shavito on behalf of the Managing Committee, as well as our thanks to Father Frank Fernandes, Parish Priest, Rosary Church. 

    Families made their way to the Oratory to kiss and venerate the Relic of the True Cross, and thereafter collect their refreshment box of tasty goodies. Folk mingled around center stage exchanging feast day greetings and settled down for two games of bingo and an endearing entertainment program staged by young children. Feedback from residents and friends said that the Holy Mass and inspiring homily were meaningful and the celebrations most enjoyable.

    Tyronne Concescio, Honorary Secretary, Holy Cross Committee

    Photographs courtesy : Stan Baptista

     

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  • Cruise Ship Diaries – Seven

    Cruise Ship Diaries – Seven

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    The eight group of around 180 visitors from Germany visited our Village on 12th and 13th February 2017. These tourists have been coming to Mumbai by Cruise Ships starting from  Dubai, then travelling to Mumbai, New Mangalore, Goa, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and then back to Dubai. They had come by the Cruise Ship “Aida Aura”. Their stopover in Mumbai is mainly for one night or maximum two nights. One of their must visit places while in Mumbai is to our Heritage Village at Matharpacady. Besides a walk around our heritage precinct to explain the history of the various landmarks, the visitors are treated to snacks/brunch by Hansel Baptista at his residence. Almost all the visitors are surprised that such a quaint, quiet little place exists in the heart of the city.

    Note : Photographs of visitors who visited our village on 13th February 2017.

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  • Christmas Festivities – Christmas Tree – Part One

    Christmas Festivities – Christmas Tree – Part One

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    The Managing Committee of the Holy Cross Oratory and the Residents’ Welfare Association ALM worked in unison to decorate the many by lanes of Matharpacady Village with illuminative decorative symbols of stars, Christmas trees, hearts, hexagonal and triangular shaped illustrative lanterns fitted with mini loudspeakers. Our youth creatively put up the Crib in the Holy Cross Oratory, which was flanked just outside by a decorated live towering Christmas tree. Resident families spruced up their homes with fresh coats of paint, buntings, frenzied shopping, Church choir and other activity practices. Tantalising aromas of traditional food, baked goodies and delicacies wafted the air, making mouths drool in lip-smacking anticipation of festive visits to various aunties homes.

    Children in droves flocked to the Christmas Tree Celebrations organised by Julius Valladares, Canute & Vera Monteiro and Avina D’Souza on Friday, 30th December 2016 in the village center. Tiny tots, kiddies and youth took part in innovative games and races shrieking in mirth and joy, cheered on by their doting parents and friends. Santa Claus arrived in his colourful sleigh drawn by Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer, amidst much merriment and singing, to gift prizes and goodies to all the participating children. This was an enchanted evening for all children and residents.

    Families in Matharpacady pray and hope for a happy and peaceful year ahead for all their near and dear ones, the Parish Community, the Universal Church and India, our Motherland.

    Compiled by Tyronne Concescio. Photographs courtesy – Stan Baptista

    Note: More photographs of the Christmas Tree in Part Two

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  • Christmas Festivities in Matharpacady – Thanksgiving Service

    Christmas Festivities in Matharpacady – Thanksgiving Service

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    The Managing Committee of the Holy Cross Oratory and the Residents’ Welfare Association ALM worked in unison to decorate the many by lanes of Matharpacady Village with illuminative decorative symbols of stars, Christmas trees, hearts, hexagonal and triangular shaped illustrative lanterns fitted with mini loudspeakers. Our youth creatively put up the Crib in the Holy Cross Oratory, which was flanked just outside by a decorated live towering Christmas tree. Resident families spruced up their homes with fresh coats of paint, buntings, frenzied shopping, Church choir and other activity practices. Tantalising aromas of traditional food, baked goodies and delicacies wafted the air, making mouths drool in lip-smacking anticipation of festive visits to various aunties homes.

    The Managing Committees organized a well attended Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Tuesday night, 27th December 2016 at the Holy Cross Oratory, presided over by Rev. Fr. Frank Fernandes, Parish Priest, Rosary Church. Vincent was instrumental in preparing this service and the choir. Light refreshments were served to all and families enjoyed some brief entertainment too – A Christmas Quiz and a game of Housie.

    On 31st December 2016, many residents attended the Thanksgiving Vigil and Holy Mass at Church. Families ushered in New Year’s Day meeting and greeting loved ones, relatives and friends. Some socialized at house parties and seasonal receptions in the city on New Year’s night.

    Families in Matharpacady pray and hope for a happy and peaceful year ahead for all their near and dear ones, the Parish Community, the Universal Church and India, our Motherland.

    Compiled by Tyronne Concescio. Photographs courtesy – Stan Baptista

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  • Christmas Festivities in Matharpacady – Carol Singing

    Christmas Festivities in Matharpacady – Carol Singing

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    The Managing Committee of the Holy Cross Oratory and the Residents’ Welfare Association ALM worked in unison to decorate the many by lanes of Matharpacady Village with illuminative decorative symbols of stars, Christmas trees, hearts, hexagonal and triangular shaped illustrative lanterns fitted with mini loudspeakers. Our youth creatively put up the Crib in the Holy Cross Oratory, which was flanked just outside by a decorated live towering Christmas tree. Resident families spruced up their homes with fresh coats of paint, buntings, frenzied shopping, Church choir and other activity practices. Tantalising aromas of traditional food, baked goodies and delicacies wafted the air, making mouths drool in lip-smacking anticipation of festive visits to various aunties homes.

    On Friday, 23rd December 2016 night, a group of residents, led by Vincent Mascarenhas and his daughter, assembled at “Eymard Cottage”, the Blessed Sacrament Provincial House and went around carol singing : “Silver bells, Silver Bells”. Yes, it was really Christmas time in the village and environs. Midnight masses at Rosary Church and St. Anne’s were well attended. Families gathered together for the traditional lunch on Christmas Day and visited the homes of relatives and friends, whilst  the youth spent late evening at dances and house parties.

    Compiled by Tyronne Concescio. Photographs courtesy – Stan Baptista

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  • 140th Anniversary Cross Feast Celebrations

    140th Anniversary Cross Feast Celebrations

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    Preparatory Novena Services at the Holy Cross Oratory in Matharpacady Heritage Precinct commenced on Tuesday, 22nd April 2015.  Managing Committee Member Mr. Hansel Baptista appointed daily Prayer Leaders from all areas of the village and ably organized the services, which were attended by about 100 persons.  Traditional distribution of boiled gram was done by Mrs. Muriel Baptista.  Captain Julius Valladares and his team of youth made lip smacking sev-puri, ragda puri and medhu vadas on separate Novena days that the faithful relished.  High points of the Novena on penultimate days, organized by Hansel, was a Pentitential Service with Confessions heard by Rev. Father Dhanam at “Eymard Cottage”, the Blessed Sacrament Headquarters on 29th April 2015, and, a Holy Half-Hour Silent Adoration Service on 30th April 2015, which was well attended. We are grateful to Rev. Father Frank Fernandes, Parish Priest, Rosary Church, for his kind permission to our Managing Committee.

    Catholic resident families with their relatives, guests and well wishers gathered in large numbers in the heart of Matharpacady Heritage Village for the landmark religious and festive celebrations on Friday evening, 1st May 2015.   His Lordship Bishop John Rodrigues, the Rector of St. Pius X College at Goregaon, with concelebrant Rev. Father  Dhanam   were escorted in a solemn procession from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at ‘Eymard Cottage’ to the newly renovated  Holy Cross Oratory.   His Grace Bishop John Rodrigues was welcomed  by the assembly of over 350 devout people and the chiming of the Oratory bell.   Intoning solemn prayers whilst incensing the original heritage Holy Cross and Oratory, His Lordship invoked God’s abundant blessings on the residents and families, before blessing  a commemorative brass plaque installed in front of the  Oratory.  He then proceeded to the raised beautifully decorated center-stage to celebrate the Eucharistic Sacrifice along with Rev. Father Dhanam of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers.  In an inspiring homily, His Grace Bishop John fondly recollected his boyhood days spent along with his brothers Luke and Savio at the home of their Uncle Wency and Aunty Rose D’Mello, Their bungalow was adjacent to the Cross Oratory.  Throughout his homily Bishop John emphasized that God the Father and Jesus ask nothing at all from us despite all our human failings.  We should keep our hearts and minds always open to receive their boundless love and divine gifts, personified in the outstretched arms of Jesus on the Cross.  He hoped we would continue in good faith our religious traditions of honoring the Holy Cross down the decades, as the Cross of Christ is the sole means of protecting us from harm and evil.  The zestful  choir, well  trained by Austin Alphonso, gladdened the hearts of the faithful as they led in glorious song and praise to the Lord.  Hansel Baptista and Vincent Mascarenhas did a commendable job with the Mass liturgy, the choir, and after the Final Blessing with the Relic of the True Cross,  the veneration of the Relic at the Oratory.  Volunteers disbursed a box of tasty refreshments to every person who attended the Feast Mass.

    The Managing Committee organized an entertainment program for His Grace Bishop John Rodrigues,  Rev. Father Dhanam, our main benefactors for the renovated Oratory – Brendon and Therese Pereira, other guests and the large audience.  Little children, the youth and even adults staged good performances with songs and dance, to the constant applause of an appreciative audience.   Thereafter, games of ‘housie’ kept  people happy with their fingers crossed  for Dame Fortune to smile and reward them.   During the entertainment and ‘housie’, mango juice was served freely to one and all to quench their thirst and clamour for more fun filled events by the Managing Committees of the Holy Cross Oratory and the Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association.

    The Managing Committee wishes to thank all the donors and benefactors who so generously contributed towards defraying the expenses for the renovation of the Oratory as well as the expenses towards the Novena and Feast Day celebrations.

    Photographs – Courtesy Andrew D’Sylva

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  • Visitors from USA visit Matharpacady Village

    Visitors from USA visit Matharpacady Village

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    Around 20 tourists from both east and west coasts of USA visited our Village on Saturday, 28th February 2015 at around 11.00 am. They were taken around the village by Hansel Baptista. A brief talk alongwith a walk around the village was conducted by Hansel. The significance of our Holy Cross Oratory was explained to the group who were impressed the way things are being maintained in the area. They were also surprised during their visit to the village well on seeing large fish jumping around. After their long walk around the village while soaking in the history of the area, they headed to the residence of Hansel Baptista to a traditional East Indian Lunch. This comprised of Pork Vindaloo, Chicken Khudhi, Meat Cutlets, French Bean Fugad, Bombay Ducks and Brinjals fried in bottle masala, Rice Chapattis, Rice Polas as well as steamed rice. This was followed by “thali” sweet after their meals.

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  • Fiesta Tradicional Comida

    Fiesta Tradicional Comida

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    The idyllic and picturesque bylanes of Matharpacady Heritage Village in Mazagaon, Mumbai, were transformed on Saturday, 22nd November 2014. Gifted culinary amateur chefs were busy throughout the day preparing tasty snacks, meals and desserts for the second annual food fiesta that evening. The Matharpacady Residents’ Welfare Association  was showcasing for its members, their families, guests and well-wishers the “FIESTA TRADICIONAL COMIDA” at St. Isabel’s High School Grounds from 5.00 P.M. onwards.   Matharpacady Village resident families were cooking up a storm of traditional culinary delights, be it East Indian, Goan, Mangalorean or ‘hotchpotch’!   Throughout that day the tantalizing aromas of home cooked goodies wafted in the air teasing the taste buds of visitors.  Folk could not wait for the evening to arrive.

    The Managing Committee of the Residents’ Welfare Association led by their dynamic President, Mr Percy D’Souza took great pains to organize the Traditional Food Fiesta – well laid out donor entry coupons in exchange for snacks, refreshments and meals laid out around the periphery corridors and compound at St. Isabel’s. Julius Valladares was the coordinator of the Managing Committee of the MRWA in planning and organising this event. All visitors were accorded a hearty welcome by the ebullient duo of Merwyn D”Mello and Xenia Alphonso who anchored the Fiesta.   Joceyln did the honours with an excellent sound system. Around 5.30 P.M. the evening of fun, games and entertainment got off to a rousing start.   An efficient team in the hall ably handled the donor coupon counters for eatable and soft drinks supervised by Gerard Viegas, MRWA Assistant Treasurer.  Amateur culinary village chefs and their assistants manned their earmarked food counters in the porch, corridor and central courtyard.  They smilingly dished out their goodies of appetizing snacks, delicacies and take away food dishes at nominal prices.

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    Xenia and Merwyn set the Fiesta abuzz with much merriment, fun and games, inviting the large gathering of children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens onto the floor.   After a rousing grand march which set feet tapping, hands clapping and bodies swaying to the beat of  music,  a introductory  game of drawing playing cards from decks of playing cards  led to mixed teams of diamonds, hearts, clubs and spades spaced around the courtyard by the Joker Merwyn.    Innovative team games – Hanky Panky, Moving it Up, This Blows – began. These were meticulously planned by Merwyn and Xenia, who were vociferously supported by an enthusiastic audience who shouted and encouraged competing teams as they raced to the finish.  Teams competed in eight  events, each of the games was immensely enjoyed by all the members of the teams and the vociferous spectators. Stan Baptista did a masterful job in planning and projecting on screen an enigmatic quiz based ON EVENTS, PLACES AND RESIDENTS OF Matharpacady Heritage Village, from the yesteryears to date.  Team members scratched their heads, racked their brains and came up with various answers.    Xenia and Merwyn with Julius, urged team members on.  The scoreboard highlighted each team’s score. All the teams were awarded prizes in ranking order to the rousing applause of spectators.  Merwyn made two dramatic and startling appearances midway among the games and dancing sessions – lo and behold, Merwyn the Clown regaled the kiddies and audience with his antics.  Yet again Merwyn the ebullient Charlie Chaplin stole the hearts of one and all, with Xenia doing a fantastic job of  compering the entertainment program.

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    Merwyn “Charlie Chaplin” and Xenia led the teams and spectators in the Grand Parade to the pulsating music dished out by maestro Joceyln.  Folks danced the evening away with fox trots, waltzes, jive and the Masala in gay abandon.  The snack, soft drinks and meal counters saw steady streams of visitors.  Many food counters ran out of snack and food items quickly as hungry visitors relished the home cooked goodies, picking up takeaways for their loved ones at home.   The vote of thanks was given by Julius to Comperes Merwyn D’Mello, Xenia Alphonso and Joceyln Pereira, to all the Traditional Home Chefs, the Trustees of St. Isabel’s High School, the Managing Committee Members, and most importantly the visitors and guests, for making the Food Fiesta a grand success.  Around 10.30 P.M. the Culinary Evening to remember drew to a close.

     

    Write up – Courtesy Tyronne Concescio

    Photographs – Courtesy  Andrew D’Sylva

     

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  • Guided walks through Mumbai – Mumbai Mirror, 16th September 2014

    Guided walks through Mumbai – Mumbai Mirror, 16th September 2014

    Inspired by the European Heritage Days, Alliance Francaise returns for the fifth consecutive year with its Heritage Week — and the guided tours that accompany it. Rafique Baghdadi and Sancia Sequeira will guide folks on three hour long tours, focusing on different parts of the city. Baghdadi’s trails include a tour of the city’s charming Irani cafes (September 25, 9.30 am), discovering the rich history of Mazgaon (September 21, 9 am) and exploring religious sites in Byculla (September 23, 9.30 am). Sequeira conducts a tour of Bandra (September 20, 9 am), a walk through the slums of Dharavi (September 22, 9.30 am) and a look at the South Indian communities of Matunga (September 24, 9 am). (more…)