The Managing Committee of the Holy Cross Oratory organized the traditional Novena Services every evening from 22nd April 2025 onwards culminating in the Feast Day Celebrations on Thursday, 1st May 2025 as we celebrated 150 years of the Holy Cross Oratory – a beacon of hope that rose from the ashes of the Great Plague of 1875. Daily, young Prayer Leaders led the well attended services based on the day’s theme, a Scripture Reading and reflection followed by the recital of the Rosary [dedicating each decade for a particular intention], the litany of Our Lady, 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 residents.
Catholic resident families with their relatives, guests and well wishers gathered in large numbers in the heart of Matharpacady Heritage Village for the Sesquicentennial Feast Mass on Thursday evening, 1st May 2025. Most Rev. Lourdes Daniel, Bishop Emeritus of Nashik along with concelebrants Rev. Fr. Nigel Barrett, Parish Priest, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Dockyard, and Rev. Fr. Merwyn D’Souza, Assistant and Deacon William both of the Church of Oure Lady of Rosary, Rev. Fr. Lawrie Ferrao S.J., Church of St. Anne’s, Mazagon, Rev. Fr. Peter Jayakanthan, Provincial Superior of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers (SSS), and Rev. Fr. Devan, and Rev Fr. Christopher (SSS). were escorted in a solemn procession from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at ‘Eymard Cottage’ to the altar with the Relic of the True Cross. Most Rev. Lourdes Daniel, was welcomed by the Commentator, Ms. Chloe Cardoso, and the assembly of over 450 devout people who had gathered for this service. He then incensed the altar and the Relic of the true Cross and invoked God’s abundant blessings on the residents and families. In an inspiring homily, Most Rev. Lourdes Daniel mentioned that our forefathers turned to prayer, trusting in the power of the Cross. Through their faith, they built this Cross which has protected the Village from time immemorable. We should keep our hearts and minds always open to receive the 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 alongwith the musicians, well trained by Daniel Dias, gladdened the hearts of the faithful as they led in glorious song and praise to the Lord. Mrs. Rochelle Baptista expressed deep gratitude to Most Rev. Lourdes Daniel and the other priests and also to the numerous people who have helped in some way or the other to make this Sesquicentennial Novena and Feast Celebrations a grand success. Ater the Final Blessing, His Most. Rev. Lourdes Daniel and all our concelebrants were felicitated with a Shawl with the 150 years logo printed on them alongwith beautiful cakes made by one of our residents.
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. A memento of the Holy Cross Oratory – Fridge magnet – was also given to each family. Folks mingled around center stage exchanging feast day greetings. Little children, and the youth staged good performances with songs and dance, to the constant applause of an appreciative audience. Thereafter, a game of ‘housie’ kept people happy with their fingers crossed for Dame Fortune to smile and reward them. Feedback from residents and friends said that the Holy Mass and inspiring homily were meaningful and the celebrations most enjoyable.
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.
The Media Cell of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, arranged to livestream the Feast Day Mass.
We reproduce below some messages received :
“Hi Stanny, attended celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Cross at Matharpacady. It was so grand and conducted at a very high level of sophistication, yet retaining the spirit of simplicity, humility and empathy. The youngsters who participated in the Eucharistic Celebration were almost like professionals. The spirit of caring and brotherhood was so evident as also a strong sense of pride to belong to a community that cares. Best of luck to all of you and a bright future to Matharpacady Village and all its youngsters and a salute to the seniors who have shown the way thru example, commitment and hard work👏🏻👏🏻🙏🙏❤❤”
“Keep up the good work, preserving your culture and institutions and handing these over to the next generation.”
“Thank you very much Stanislaus.
Congratulations to you and your team.
Everything went really very well.
A perfect Celebration 🎈🎉🎊
I am so proud of all of you…
So well presented and so well organised Stanislaus…
My sincere gratitude to all of you.
Please convey my greetings to one and all.
I was happy to meet Quite as few relatives and friends…from Matharpacady… Fond memories 😊
Sharing all your joy and happiness Stanislaus. 🌹🌷🙏👏👏👏👏
Cheers 🍻🥂”
“Congratulations Stanny on a wonderful service organised. I watched it online.”
“Thanks so much for the souvenirs! A lot of hard work must have gone into creating them — truly impressive.
The entire event, including the mass, was very well organized. You and your team deserve heartfelt congratulations!”
On the occasion of the Sesquicentennial Jubilee, we have made a limited quantity of Souvenirs – Caps, Fridge Magnets, Coffee Mugs and Tote Bags. Kindly get in touch with the Committee Members for your requirements.
