kaka baptista – MATHARPACADY VILLAGE

149TH ANNIVERSARY CROSS FEAST IN MATHARPACADY

The Managing Committee of the Holy Cross Oratory organized the traditional Novena Services at the Holy Cross Oratory every evening from 22nd April 2024 onwards culminating in the Feast Day Celebrations on Wednesday, 1st May 2024. Daily, 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, litany of the Holy 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]. Traditional distribution of boiled gram was done during the novena.

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 Wednesday evening, 1st May 2024. Rev. Fr. D. Peter Jayakanthan SSS, Provincial, Blessed Sacrament, alongwith concelebrants, Rev. Fr. Merwyn D’Souza, Church of Our Lady of Rosary and Rev. Fr. Suresh SSS were escorted in a solemn procession from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at ‘Eymard Cottage’ to the altar.

Father Peter, in a very inspiring and thought provoking homily expressed his happiness of being invited and preaching to the large gathering of residents and well wishers present.

The zestful choir, gladdened the hearts of the faithful as they led in glorious song and praise to the Lord.

Father Peter blessed the congregation with the Relic of the True Cross as Holy Mass ended. Ms. Chloe Cardoso expressed deep gratitude to Father Peter on behalf of the Managing Committee, as well as our thanks to Father Nigel Barrett, Parish Priest, Rosary Church and the other Fathers and Sisters of the Parish, Father John Lobo S.J., Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Church, Mazagon and the Management and Trustees of St. Isabel’s High School.

Families made their way to the Oratory to kiss and venerate the Relic of the True Cross, and thereafter collect their refreshments. Folks mingled around center stage exchanging feast day greetings and settled down for games of housie. Feedback from residents and friends said that the Holy Mass and inspiring homily were meaningful and the community celebrations with a family atmosphere were most enjoyable.

The Managing Committee wishes to thank all the donors and benefactors who so generously contributed towards defraying the expenses towards the Novena and Feast Day celebrations.

The Matharpacady Village Holy Cross Oratory is all set to commemorate a significant milestone next year – the 150^th Anniversary of the Holy Cross Oratory. This momentous occasion marks a century and a half of devotion, faith, and community bonding. We will be preparing for a grand celebration to honour this legacy as we enter into this sesquicentennial year of our Holy Cross Oratory, which has been an integral part of our heritage. The Holy Cross Oratory symbolizes the village’s rich cultural and religious history, which has brought together generations of our villagers, strengthening community ties and reinforcing their shared values. This milestone anniversary is a testament to the village’s enduring spirit and its ability to come together in the face of adversity. We invite you all to be a part of this joyous celebration, and momentous milestone ! Do write in to share your past experiences, alongwith memories and photographs of the years gone by as we enter into our 150^th year.

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July 18, 2024

Christmas in Matharpacady Village – December 2023

Since early December, Matharpacady Village wore a festive look, coming alive at sundown with all the bylanes decorated with twinkle lights, and illuminative decorative symbols of Stars, Angels, Reindeer, Candy Sticks.

During the whole season we had groups of people going around the decorated by lanes of our charming Heritage Village.

Along with its unique ambience best experienced during Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Cross, Matharpacady Village has an active residents’ association fighting hard to adapt and accommodate into the fast changing city around, to survive the onslaught of urbanisation and 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 and safeguarding this cultural gem.

May the Spirit of this season bring Joy, Hope and Love to the hearts of many – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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January 3, 2024

Urban Sketchers, Mumbai – 24th December 2023

The Members of “Urban Sketchers Mumbai” go around various heritage precincts, gaothans and padas capturing the remnants and charm of old time Mumbai, through their sketches. They visited our quaint village on Sunday, 24^th December 2023 to capture the various cottages and bungalows in our Heritage Precinct.

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January 2, 2024

148th Anniversary Cross Feast in Matharpacady Heritage Village

The Preparatory Novena Services at the Holy Cross Oratory in Matharpacady Heritage Precinct commenced on Saturday, 22nd April 2023. Daily Prayer Leaders were appointed to lead the novena services which were attended by our residents. The traditional Novena Services include the recitation of the Holy Rosary, and the Litany of Our Lady, the Litany of the Holy Cross and the Litany of St. Roque [patron saint to safeguard us from plague and pestilence]. Traditional distribution of boiled gram was done after the daily novena.

On Monday evening, 1st May 2023, around 300 residents and friends assembled around the decorated stage and altar near the Holy Cross Oratory, to devoutly participate in praise, song and worship at the Feast Mass. The Managing Committee organized the 148th Thanksgiving Novena Services and Feast Mass Celebrations. This tradition has been handed down by our forefathers down the decades for well over a century to protect the resident families from the scourge of plague and pestilence.

Reverend Father Merwyn D’Souza, Assistant, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Mazagon, was the Chief Celebrant at the Cross Feast Mass. Reverend Father Nigel Barrett, Parish Priest, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Reverend Fr. Steven, of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, concelebrated the Feast Mass. As the Priests alongwith the Brothers of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers solemnly came in procession from “Eymard Cottage” [Headquarters of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers at 22 Matharpacady] to the Altar, Ms. Selma welcomed them on behalf of the Managing Committee and all present. The choir, requested the faithful to join in singing the entrance hymn “We’re Together Again, just Praising the Lord” whole-heartedly as the Eucharistic Sacrifice began.

During the homily, Fr. Merwyn mentioned how at every Eucharistic celebration we encounter the Lord, we are touched and the Lord heals us. We as christians are therefore called to come, receive the grace of God and spread the living Christ amongst people we meet. The peace and healing that we receive at the Holy Eucharist is not for us to keep to ourselves but to share with those around us, be it our family members, neighbours or the society. Citing the beautiful example of Anja Ringgren Lovén the Danish aid worker who picked up and cared for the abandoned witch boy on the streets of Uyo, Nigeria, Father exhorted us to be the healing to those who need it here in our very own community. He said goodness isn’t goodness unless it is shared.

The choir sang harmoniously hymns of praise and worship as residents went to the Holy Cross Oratory to kiss and venerate the Relic of the Cross and collect their boiled gram, cake, and cold drink.

Desmond Baptista and Merwyn D’Mello kept the folks happy and excited as they waited for Dame Fortune to smile on them during couple of games of “Housie”, Bingo! Many lucky ones did strike it rich on our Feast Day.

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

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May 4, 2023

Matharpacady Holy Cross Oratory Novena – 148th Anniversary Announcement – April 2023

In these Troubled Times please join Matharpacady Village in praying for protection – protect the residents from sickness and loneliness, protect the quietness and peaceful atmosphere in the village.

The Holy Cross Oratory at Matharpacady was built in 1875 to testify how Faith in Jesus saved Matharpacady Village from the devastating Bubonic Plague.

In troubled seas the Cross of Christ is the only sure rock. On the Cross Jesus Christ gave his life willingly to save you and me through Faith from eternal damnation, from swirling threats like pain, sickness, disease. Even from killer plague! The Holy Cross Oratory built through the generosity of our ancestors and a certain Mrs Buthello is a striking testimony. As is, the unbroken tradition of the Novena since the 1800s. This is the 148^th Anniversary of our Holy Cross Oratory.

The Annual Novena to the Holy Cross (Patron Saint: St Roque) Commences: from April 22 to 30, 2023 – daily at 7.30 pm. The Novena on the first day, Saturday 22nd April 2023 will commence at 5.45 pm.

We are posting our humble and earnest appeal to you on our website www.Matharpacadyvillage.com to assist our Managing Committee by donating generously towards the Holy Cross Oratory. Your monetary donation may be sent in cash or cheque in the name of our Treasurer, Mr. Stanislaus Baptista stating behind the cheque your name, telephone number and the purpose of the donation towards the Holy Cross Oratory.
We cordially invite all of you to visit Matharpacady Village and participate in our 148th Anniversary Feast Day Mass on Monday, 1st May 2023 at 7.00 pm. We need volunteers to lead us in prayers, assist in singing and giving us a helping hand during the Novena and Feast Day.
Your generosity and participative prayers in sustaining the Catholic faith and devotion at the Holy Cross Oratory will surely be rewarded by showers of divine blessings from God.

April 20, 2023

Urban Sketchers, Mumbai – 26th February, 2023

Members of the “Urban Sketchers Mumbai” spent the morning of Sunday, 26th February 2023 in Matharpacady Village doing what they loved most – sketching the various cottages & bungalows in our Heritage Precinct.

The members were surprised that such a quaint, quiet place existed in the heart of Mumbai, far from the fast paced life of the city.

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February 27, 2023

Thanksgiving Service – 30th December 2022

Since early December, Matharpacady Village wore a festive look with all the bylanes decorated with twinkle lights, and stars as we got ready for Christmas. “Thanksgiving Day” was a very special day on Friday night, 30th December 2022. This annual service, in front of the Holy Cross Oratory, was held after a gap of three years due to the pandemic. Residents and well wishers gathered together to thank the Lord for His innumerable blessings & mercies during the last three years, and indeed we do have a lot to be thankful for. A well compiled Service saw the Opening Carol sung beautifully by a small Choir. A very inspiring liturgy put together saw very tight and prayerful execution by the small organising team.

Fr. Stephen of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers graced the occasion and gave the final blessing.

Refreshments and soft drinks were served to all after the service.

The residents and well wishers fondly bide their “Adieus and thanked one and all for the lovely function organised and for the good time they had during the Christmas Season in Matharpacady Village.

May the Spirit of this season bring Joy, Hope and Love to the hearts of many – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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December 31, 2022

Christmas Party – 29th December 2022

This year’s Christmas Party for the children upto 15 years of age was held on 29^th December 2022 in our Village Square under the stars and in front of Rudolph the Reindeer. There were a total of 47 children in the different age groups who participated. There were exciting games conducted for each of the age groups and attractive prizes were awarded to the winners. The children witnessed a surprise entry by “The Joker” who mingled and danced with the children. Snacks and coldrinks were served to all in between the games.

The highlight of the evening was the arrival of “SANTA” to which all the children were eagerly waiting for. Santa took the children dancing and prancing around the village, giving them chocolates, candies and goodies.

The evening ended with Santa giving gifts to each child. The children returned happy and thrilled on receiving their gifts. The evening was full of song and dance thanks to our DJ Royalson.