Wishing You All A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND

PALLOTTI NOTES 1
CHURCH
COMMUNIQUE
S
Christmas 2006
oren Kierkegaard was a philosopher and theologian who lived in Denmark
about 150 years ago. In one of his books there’s a story about a king who fell in love
with a peasant girl. The king knew that it was next to impossible for him to marry the
girl. Kings never married peasants. They always married royalty.
But the king was so powerful that he knew he could marry the girl and get away
with it. But another thought occurred to him. If he married the peasant girl stayed
king, there would always be something missing in their relationship.
The girl would always admire him, but she would never really love him. The gap between them
would be too great. She would always be conscious of the fact that he was a royalty and she merely
a lowly peasant.
So, that king decided on another plan. He decided, that he would offer his love to her as one lowly
peasant to another.
The king realized, of course, that if he did this, the situation could backfire. He could lose not only
his kingship but also the girl as well. She might reject him, especially if he thought him foolish for
doing what he did.
And so, the king had a problem. What should he do?
The king finally decided that he loved the peasant girl so much, that he would risk everything to
make true love between them possible.
Kierkegaard never told how the story ended. He never told whether the girl accepted the King’s
love or rejected it. He never told whether they got married and lived happily ever after.
Kierkegaard had two reasons for not telling how the story ended.
First, that’s not the point of the story. The point of the story is the King’s love for the lowly peasant
girl. It was so great that he renounced her royalty and his throne for her.
The second reason why Kierkegaard never told how the story ended. It’s still going on. It’s a true
story, whose ending has not yet been written. It’s the true story of Gods love for each one of us. The
king in this story is God, the girl in the story is each one of us. The two differences is that God’s love
is more than royalty, He is divinity. The second God’s love for us is infinite, but the rest of the story is
exactly the same.
God decided to become one for us. In the person of Jesus Christ, He decided to become a lowly
human being. He decided to declare His love for us in a way that we could understand perfectly and
respond freely.
Paul refers to this incredible mystery in the letter to the Philippians 2:5-11. Jesus Christ always had
the nature of God, but... of His own free will He gave up all He had, and took the
nature of a servant. He became like man...
Christ can no longer walk about on our earth, teaching people and; healing
them, as he used to, He can do that only through his body, we are Christ hands, we
are his feet; we are his tongue, we are his heart. We must complete in other words
the kingdom established by Jesus in his lifetime. Every Christmas is for us a reminder
that the story is not yet complete. Each of us are in the process of deciding whether
we’ll accept God’s love or reject it. Each of us are in the process of deciding whether
we’ll live happily with God for ever after.
Wishing You All A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND
BLESSED NEW YEAR 2007.
- Fr. Thomas D’souza
Knowledge is a treasure which accomparies its owner every where.
Parish Priest
PALLOTTI NOTES 2
CHURCH
COMMUNIQUE
And As They Went, They Were Made Clean (Lk 17:14)
A
miracle of very different Chapel as instructed by Pallotti. The moment they
nature took place in Sant Agatha, got up and proceeded to the Chapel all their
the house of charity in Rome. It was sickness and their pains disappeared and they
the beginning of 1848. Just at that were all restored to perfect health. The doctors
time the welfare home of Sant who looked after the sick girls were amazed at
Agatha was struck with a strange the event.
epidemic. A kind of unusual influenza affected the
Yes, this instance of healing performed by
inmates and many were at the point of death. Vincent Pallotti reminds us of the lepers who were
One day Pallotti announced spiritual exercises for healed on their way to show themselves to the
all the inmates of the home. They were asked to priests, as instructed by Jesus in the Gospel of
be ready on the following day. The Mother Luke 17:14. St. Vincent Pallotti had received from
Superior, Benedetta, told Vincent of the God great powers of healing, power of reading
unfortunate state of affairs in the house and the souls, converting the hardhearted sinners,
informed him about the seriousness of the expelling devils etc. all the miracles performed
situation. Vincent Pallotti insisted that the retreat by him has close resemblance of the miracles
would be begun at the stipulated time and that performed by Jesus himself and the miracle cited
the Mother Superior should have faith. But one of here is one of the many miracles that he
the doctors remarked that Vincent would be performed in resemblance of the miracles of
preaching to empty pews. On the day of retreat Jesus. St. Vincent the wonder worker still
the Mother Superior found that the condition of continues to work wonders. Let us seek his
the girls has not yet improved. But she asked the powerful intercession in our daily lives.
sick girls to get up from their beds and go to the
- In courtesy of Fire and Flame
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PERPETUAL EUCHARIST ADORATION
ucharist is one of the Sacraments that Jesus Blessings through His Holy Spirits?
instituted on the day at His last supper. It is the Jesus says “Come to me all you who
greatest expression of God’s love for us. Jesus are weary from carrying heavy
knew that He had to die the next day in obedience burdens and I will give you rest” (Mt.
to the will of His Father in order to redeem and 11:28). Today, if you would hear the
voice of Jesus’ invitation do not harden
save mankind.
We define the mercy of God as the unconditional your heart (Ps. 95:7-8).
Your sacrifice of the time spent in
love of God for sinner and Jesus wanted to remain
forever in union with us, so He gave Himself (His Eucharist Adoration will be filled with Love, Joy
body and blood) as our spiritual food. He asks us to and Peace more over the gift of eternal happiness
celebrate this new covenant (Eucharist) in with JESUS.
Pope Benedict XVI has supported an invitation to
remembrance of His death until He comes in glory
promote this devotion of Blessed Sacrament in every
(I Cor. 11.:24-26).
Eucharistic adoration is to enter into profound church. (Vitican City March 9, 2006 (Zenith.org.).
In our city of Mumbai, most of the Churches
heartfelt communion with Christ our Lord, who
makes Himself present with His body, Blood, Soul have a PERPETUAL EUCHARIST ADORATION
and Divinity, in the Blessed Sacrament, that we may CHAPEL. The Archdiocese of Mumbai also wishes
enjoy the deep peace that comes from simply being that all SCC’s and Associations come together in
the PRESENCE OF THE LORD. Jesus tells us “Could Adoration at least once a month.
So, let us be committed and build our lives
you not stay one hour with me? (Mt. 26:40).
So, why don’t we go to Him and spend some with EUCHARIST as our first priority so that we
time regularly in prayer in the Blessed Sacrament may live in communion with God.
- Anthony Pereira (PEA Coordinator)
Chapel? The Lord is waiting to pour out His
Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can read
E
PALLOTTI NOTES 3
SPECIAL
REPORT
ANNUAL ADVENT
CAMPAIGN AGAINST
HUNGER AND DISEASE
Jesus’ word, “I have come in order that you
might have life-life in all its fullness” (Jn-10:10)
has a special significance during the season of
Advent when we show our concern for those
afflicted by any type of suffering or deprivation.
Today, our society is confronted with a global issue
of land degradation i.e. ‘Desertification’. This
phenomenon has affected the natural potential of
the ecosystems. Thus the ecological imbalance
caused due to desertification has a direct impact
on the people in terms of vulnerability to food
shortages, depletion of natural resources and
deterioration of the environment. The cause of land
degradation could be attributed to human activities
and climatic variations thus converting fertile land
to dry lands over a period of time. Since
desertification impairs the ability of land to support
life, we must realize that vegetation plays a crucial
role in protecting the soil, since due to its capacity
to develop powerful roots systems it ensures strong
protection against soil degradation. Realizing the
interdependence on nature we must work towards
a process that promotes sustainable solutions for
conserving our environment.
Identifying this as a major concern, Centre for
Social Action in collaboration with Caritas India (an
organization of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference
of India) is proposing this year’s theme for the
Advent Campaign against Hunger and Disease as
“Save Mother Earth Care for Nature”. Through this
campaign Centre for Social Action intends to create
awareness and bring about sustainable changes
in the areas of protection, preservation and
conservation of our Mother Earth.
In this context, I request you to raise resources
through this Advent Campaign in assisting the
above-mentioned cause. I urge you to contribute
generously through the Parish Priest or directly
to the Director of ‘Centre for Social Action’,
Eucharistic Congress Bldg. III, 5 Convent Street,
Mumbai - 400 001. Your contribution could be sent
either in cash or cheque drawn in favour of
‘Centre for Social Action.’
Contribution made to this cause are exempted
from Income Tax (80G).
The contents of this official may kindly be brought to
the notice of the faithful on November 25 and 26, 2006.
With Cordial regards, I remain
Yours in Christ,
+Bishop Bosco Penha
Archdiocesan Administrator
u
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CAMPAIGN AGAINST
HUNGER AND DISEASE
The Holy See introduced the Campaign Against
Hunger and Disease in the 1960’s on a global
scale. In India it is being implemented by Caritas
India, the Social Action Wing of the Catholic
Church. In the Archdiocese of Bombay, this
campaign is carried out by the Centre for Social
Action during the Seasons of Advent.
A cash collection is raised as an expression of the
Church’s solidarity with the poor and marginalized
who are the victims of Hunger and Disease. The
funds are used for programs dealing with the
alleviation of poverty. At the International level,
these funds are utilized for the poor in the
developing countries.
As a strategy towards making this campaign an
educative process, a specific theme is selected
every year and awareness is created about the
relevant social problem. The resulting collection
is a sign of solidarity and sharing of resources
with those in greater need.
The theme for the Campaign Against Hunger and
Disease this year is “Save Mother Earth Care for
Nature”. May we urge you to reflect on the theme
and take concrete action as a response to the
appeal made by our Archdiocesan Administrator.
In this context, a special effort is made to raise
resources locally, which would be utilized to
improve the conditions of the poor. At this juncture,
it is important to recall the words of late Pope
John Paul II ‘It is more blessed to give than to
receive’. We urge you to join this campaign and
make it a success. Every mite that you contribute
will be invested in the empowerment programs
to meet the needs of those in situations of extreme
poverty and struggle for survival.
Fr. Rocky Banz
Director
The winner always has a programme, the loser always has an excuse.
PALLOTTI NOTES 4
SPECIAL
FEATURE
GOSPEL REFLECTIONS FOR SCCs for DECEMBER,
JANUARY & FEBRUARY, 2007
ADVENT (December 2006)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
An appropriate Hymn
A brief period of silence
Read the Gospel text : Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Read the following input slowly and clearly :
Fear is the most crippling of all the emotions
and there are many things in life and in the world
that make us afraid. We lack integrity because
we are afraid to be ourselves, we are worried
what people might have to say about us and so
we live inauthentic lives by wearing a mask. We
are always afraid that one day that mask might
fall off. Similarly we are afraid of the unknown
tomorrow. Will I still have my job? Will I still be
able to pay my loans? Will I be able to pay the
children’s fees and house bills? Uncertain times
make us fearful and worried.
Surely fear in itself is not bad. For example, if
you see a tiger, you should be afraid and make
sure you run to safety. If we were not afraid and
went to play with the tiger like we played with a
house cat, we would be attacked. The problem is
that most people are constantly anxious and
fearful. There is a story told of the angel of death
who met a man on his way to his village. The
angel of death told the man that the text day one
person in his village would die. The man hurried
back and reported his message to the whole
village. The next day half the village was found
dead. Angry, at the false promise made by the
angel of death, the man confronted the angel.
‘You said, only one person would die. How come
half the village is dead?’ The angel replied, ‘I had
nothing to do with it, they all died of fear.’ A lot of
our fear is self induced and created.
Advent is the time when the Church teaches us
how to handle our fears. The gospel text gives us
the formula to living fear free lives. We are asked
to WATCH OURSELVES. When people want to
lose weight they keep watching their weight on a
weighing scale on a daily basis. Jesus tells us to
watch our souls on a daily basis. Our fears are
caused because we want to catch up with the
way the world lives. We accept its pressures in
exchange for better life-styles and then have to
compromise our souls. When our souls are
compromised, fear and anxiety creeps in; the
same way as Adam and Eve experienced fear
when they compromised their souls.
We are asked to STAY AWAKE. Too many people
think that great management techniques and
methods of new age gurus will help us take away
our fear. These techniques and methods are like
fashions, here today gone tomorrow and then once
again we are back to where we began Jesus asks
us to stay awake in prayer - to be always in tune
with Him. He is THE guru who never goes out of
fashion, He is the beginning and the end, all times
and seasons belong to Him. If we are in tune with
Jesus, in prayer, then He will guide us through
our fears and anxieties. Remember that His gift
to us at Easter was peace, and once again at
Christmas He will come as the prince of peace.
If we want to live ‘fear-free’ lives we need to live
‘Jesus filled’ lives. So this advent let us watch
ourselves and stay awake in prayer.
5. Spend a few moments in silent reflection.
6. Questions for discussion
i) Share with one another the fears that we
see in the lives of those around us.
ii) Share now, with the group, some of your
fears.
iii) How do you handle your fears? What do
you do when you are afraid?
iv) Jesus ask us to watch our souls and stay
awake in prayer; this is his assurance for
a fear free life. How do you react to what
Jesus promises us? Share your insights with
a few examples.
7. Sharing in groups
8. Intercessions
9. Concluding prayer
10.An appropriate concluding hymn.
Success is never final and failure is never fatal, it’s the courage that counts.
PALLOTTI NOTES 5
SPECIAL
FEATURE
Vocation Sunday reflections
(January 21, 2007)
Gospel - Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
1.
2.
3.
4.
An appropriate Hymn
A brief period of silence
Read the Gospel text : Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Read the following input slowly and clearly :
In the Gospel text we realize that our Lord
Jesus was convinced of his vocation of bringing
Good News to the poor, liberty to captives, sight
to the blind and setting the downtrodden free.
And this conviction he put into practice as he went
about his ministry. We also know that he chose
apostles to assist him in his work. He chose his
apostles from among fishermen, one was a tax
collector, another a doctor, another a scribe and
he empowered them to preach and to heal.
Vocation which comes from the Latin vocare
means a call. It is a call to discover one’s mission
in the world in the context of being a disciple of
Christ. Which means I may discover a vocation to
married life, to the priesthood or religious life, to
be single, to be a teacher, a catechist. It actually
means looking beyond the situation I may seem
comfortable with to do extraordinary things for
God. In the Bible we find numerous examples of
ordinary people doing extraordinary things for God
- Abraham, Moses, Jeremiah, Job, Ruth, Mary,
Zacheus, Mary Magdalene and of course the
apostles. They all seemed unqualified. Yet God
qualified them with his grace.
In our families, in our parish community, in society
there are many ways in which we can be like the
apostles looking beyond the ordinary and doing
the extraordinary for God. We can begin by setting
an example in our own homes. Of reaching out in
love and service, of being available, of
encouraging our children to serve, of being
appreciative of priests and religious, of promoting
vocations to the priesthood and religious life
among our children so that the Good News may
be proclaimed to many.
5. Spend a few moments in silent reflection.
6. Questions for discussion :
i) How can I proclaim the Good News
wherever I am?
ii) How do I use my talents and graces for
the good of God’s Kingdom?
iii) In what way can I promote vocations to
the priesthood and religious life?
7. Sharing in groups
8. Intercessions
9. Concluding prayer
10.An appropriate concluding hymn : “Make me
a servant” or “Lord make me like you” or “I
give my hands”.
BIBLE - THE WORD OF GOD
(February 2007)
Gospel - Mark 4:3-9 : The Sower
1.
2.
3.
4.
An appropriate Hymn - “The more we hear of the
A brief period of silence
Read the Gospel text : Luke 4:3-9
Read the following input slowly and clearly :
r. Fernandes was very excited one Sunday
morning. He said to his parish priest, “Father, I
have just been through the entire Bible for the
fifth time.” “My dear Mr. Fernandes”, said the
parish priest, “it is not important how many times
you have been through the Bible but how many
times has the Bible been through you?”
While reading the Bible is good and of utmost
importance, it is the fruit that we produce by
reading the Word that really matter the most.
When using the Bible we keep in mind the 3 R’s READ, REFLECT, RENEW.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus exposes the
various types of surfaces on which the seed falls
: the pathway, rocky ground, thorny bushes and
good soil. The seed sown is exposed to various
factors and takes root accordingly. Lying on the
pathway, the birds come and devour it. Rocky
ground has not much soil and so the seed quickly
withers. The thorny bushes choke the seedlings
and they do not grow. It is only the rich soil that
produces a great harvest.
Verses 13-20 of chapter 4, explain the different
types of people and their attitude or reaction to
the word that is sown. Factors like Satan (the evil
one), trials and persecutions, the cares of the
world, riches and pleasures destroy the word and
M
Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully.
PALLOTTI NOTES 6
CHURCH
COMMUNIQUE
do not allow it to take root in the hearts
of human beings. Thus the word dies
and does not produce any fruit.
5. Spend a few moments in silent reflection.
6. Questions for discussion :
i) Of the 4 types of surfaces presented, which
one am I? Why?
ii) What kind of good fruits have I produced
in these past years?
iii) Do I have a Bible at home? How do I go
about reading the Word of God?
7. Sharing in groups
8. Intercessions
9. Concluding prayer
10.An appropriate concluding hymn : “We are one
in the Spirit”.
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with the help of our students, put
forward to our parishioners,
how Mary’s life and her ways
should be imbibed in our life too.
Mary’s strength as a person
could be seen in her strong
conviction in God. And it was this
message that we catechists
tried to put forward. Just as an
onion has every layer unfolding
another tender layer, Mary’s life
too gradually unfolds layers of
love, obedience, humility, and gentleness.
To reach out to the lesser fortunate people,
children were encouraged to make offering in the
form of grains or any other day to day consumer
articles, which could be later distributed. This
encouraged the children to look beyond their own
self.
NOVENA TO OUR BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
This nine days period of prayer and devotion
very year during the month of September and culminated with the grand celebration of Mother
October, our devotion to Mother Mary is expressed Mary’s birthday on September, 8th.
in the form of Novena. This year too, we catechists
- Amanda Pereira, Catechist
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Accumulative Statement of Community Fund Zonewise
Contribution from Jan.’06 - Nov.’06
E
Sr.
No.
Zones
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Ave Maria
Bl. M. Theresa
Don Bosco
Holy Family
Infant Jesus
Rose of Sharon
Sacred Heart
St. Michael
St. Lawrence
St. Peter
St. Theresa
St. Paul
St. Francis Xavier
St. Patrick
St. Jude
St. Anthony
St. Stephen
St. Bonaventure
St. Ignatius of Loyola
St. Joseph
St. Thomas
No. of Families
in Zone
60
65
47
50
48
30
90
47
48
50
58
48
37
35
82
83
90
65
48
120
25
No. of Families
Contributed
Total
Percentage
24
29
22
17
28
16
27
27
27
22
16
16
17
23
28
41
39
35
34
68
2
40%
45%
47%
34%
58%
53%
30%
57%
56%
44%
28%
33%
46%
66%
34%
49%
43%
54%
71%
57%
8%
Total Rs.
Anything the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.
Total so far
45320.00
104200.00
38585.00
28200.00
53730.00
69300.00
43920.00
52775.00
54550.00
41538.00
51928.00
42190.00
40481.00
30701.00
43430.00
72900.00
116530.00
98300.00
77300.00
125745.00
750.00
1232373.00
PALLOTTI NOTES 7
PARISH
ROUND UP
THE
HOLY
“A
ROSARY
family that prays together stays
together.” How true is this saying and
the best way to come together and
stay that way recalling the important
events in the life of Jesus and Mary.
Our Parish Vision Mission Statement
is “Vinpal family of God moving
towards
a
society
and
neighbourhood is a way of life.”
Keeping this statement in mind we members of St.
Vincent Pallotti Parish, Mumbai., decided that the
most fitting way for our zonal families to come
together is to pray the “Rosary.”
“May” and “October” are devoted to our “Mother
Mary”. In May, we gather together around the
grotto to say the Rosary, but in October our Lady
visits our homes with much fanfare. In Vijaynager
the 4 groups gather together in the church
compound and take Our Mother with “band” in
procession right through our colony till we reach
our respective buildings. We the animators go
around months before enlisting the names of the
members, and the dates they wish to bring our
Mother into their homes. Its a big occasion for
one and all. Preparations are planned regarding
the altars on which to enthrone Our Lady, when
Our Mother visits our home. What sweetmeats
and drinks to offer the members along with the
traditional Channa.? Every evening after Mass,
members gather together at the members home,
then carry Our Lady with floral tributes, candles
and singing hymns in Her honour to the next
member’s home. There the “Rosary” is recited,
petitions and prayers are recited and thanksgiving
is offered. Every year the members go on
increasing. Jesus our saviour will feel happy seeing
His Mother honoured. Queen of the Holy Rosary,
Pray for us, your faithful people.
were instrumental in motivating our parishioners
to attend this mission in large numbers.
Their preaching on the word of God was very inspiring
and touched the hearts of many who hungered for
it. Their efforts to train the choir members, and the
parishioners added melody to the singing of hymns
and the mission was a great success.
To highlight some of the main events of the mission,
I would like to specially stress their leading us to
repentance, praying for the youth and the married
couples. Above all, the inner healing service, their
personal counselling and hearing of our confessions
brought peace and joy to most of us.
To conclude, I would like to testify that personally,
I was very touched by their sharing which brought
a lot of changes in my life.
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless them abundantly
to continue their ministries to the fullest, and bring
many God’s children into His fold by imparting their
inspiring talks on the word of God.
- Saby Dias , Bhawani Nagar
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I ASKED GOD... DO YOU
TOO?... READ ON...
I asked God to take away my pain; God said,
“No”. It is not for Me to take away, but for
you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole;
God said No. Her spirit was whole, her body
was only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience; God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it
isn’t granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness; God said, No.
I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain; God said, No. You
must grow on your own but I will prune you
to make you fruitful.
- Suzette Lobo, Infant Jesus Group I asked God to make my spirit grow; God said,
No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly
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cares and brings you closer to me.
A B R I E F H I G H L I G H T O N I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; God
No. I will give you life so that you may
LENTEN MISSION - 2006 said,
enjoy all things.
his year’s Lenten Mission in English was I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as
conducted by the Redemtorist Priests, Fr. Suresh He loves me. God said, Ahhhh, finally you have
Pushparaj and Fr. Domnic Savio. Both these priests the idea.
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It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice.
T
PALLOTTI NOTES 8
PARISH
ROUND UP
T
JUBILEE YEAR
he Scriptures tell us, that every Jubilee Year
is specially dedicated to Yahweh. It is a Graceful
time and makes an appeal to us to live and walk
in the way of God. St. Vincent Pallotti Church has
entered this graceful time.
The Parish Pastoral Council recommended the
formation of a Jubilee Year Committee, that would
launch and underline the significance of this Special
Year. The committee was ably supported by our
young priests, Fr. Siran, Fr. Anto, and spearheaded
by our Pastor, Fr. Thomas D’souza.
The day set apart to celebrate this joy was
Sunday November, 5th. All celebrations call for
preparation. This preparation began with the
jubilee committee brainstorming, as to how they
could make the day a HAPPY RELIVING! This
included inviting Rev. Fr. Suresh Pushparaj who
prepared us spiritually through his lively preaching.
The thoughts of Scripture found new ways to enter
our hearts, through his creative and inspiring
message. As the day drew near, activity
temperatures soared higher. Everyone seemed
eager enough to do the task delegated to them.
The evening of November, 5th, the parishioners
trouped into the parish campus, to our well
arranged grounds and an imposing backdrop that
caught one’s attention with capturing words,
“Appolos planted I watered ..... but God gave
Growth.” This in keeping with the sacrifices and
pastoral services of parishioners and Pallottines
over the last 25 years. We cannot amuse ourselves
by trumpeting that we have journeyed this far on
our own. It has been God’s Will! We can play the
role of being evangelical trumpets as Pope John
Paul II often exhorted.
As the Celebrants vested, to enter in
procession, we were once again alerted to the
truth that ours is a God of Surprises. God took our
backdrop seriously, He watered the whole campus,
causing a few moments of anxiety. The Eucharist
now took place in God’s House. A meaningful
Eucharist and the halt of the rains, brought us back
on the campus for the Programme. The evening
was a delight in many ways. Spot prizes, dances,
words of wisdom, release of a prayer souvenir, a
presentation on the life of St. Vincent Pallotti and
our parish impressed most present. There was a
Happy Fellow feeling that led all those present for
the dinner.
A programme of such dimension requires
ample planning, time and co-operation from all
those who chipped in with their resourcefulness
and talent. A word of appreciation to all, in
particular the Jubilee Committee.
May we take seriously the message of Cardinal
Pimenta during this August year. Recall the Past,
Rejoice in the Present and Resolve to keep up and
increase the momentum. Our faith cannot and
must not be kept in cold storage, much less left
buried. If must urge us to pass on the message of
Christ to others by our words and deeds, are
examples of Christian living.
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YouCan........
YOU can make a PRIEST. You could be the
reason for a YOUNG SEMINARIAN to be
ordained - A Priest of God. With this choice,
You belong to our Pallottine Family.
YOU CAN :
Adopt a Pallottine Seminarian
Contribute to the Pallottine Missions
Enlist Generous Contributors for Us.
Promote Vocations for the Pallottines.
Pray for Pallottine Missions.
Contact :
The Asst. Mission Secretary
Fr. Anto Vijayan SAC
St. Vincent Pallotti Church
Opp. Vijay Nagar, Marol Maroshi Road,
Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400 059.
Tel. : 022-29259328 / 29259460
Mobile : 09819470153
E-mail : [email protected]
The Mission Secretary
Pallotti Nilaya, Post Box No. 4321, Chelikere,
Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore - 560 043. India.
God Loves A Cheerful Giver! 2 Cor 9:7
If you can’t get what you like, like what you have.
PALLOTTI NOTES 9
PARISH
ROUND UP
SHALL WE DANCE
“Drop that long face, Come on, Have your fling.
Why keep nursing the blues?
If you want this old world on a string,
Put on your dancing shoes. Stop wasting time.
Put on your dancing shoes. Watch your spirits climb.
Shall we dance, or keep on moping?
Shall we dance and walk on air?
Shall we give in to despair?
Or shall we dance with never a care?
Life is short. We’re growing older.
Don’t you be an also-ran.
You’ve got to dance, little lady. Dance, little man.
Dance whenever you can.”
(Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers)
The music starts, the lights dim as if on
cue, your feet begin to tap and your body begins
to sway beckoning you onto the dance floor. Then
a hand reaches out and takes yours as if reading
your mind and you dance the night away as so
many have done in the bygone Victorian and
Elizabethan eras. The graceful figures dancing in
synchrony to the waltz with their elegant attires
brings to mind the fairytales we were told as
children for it feels just that, a fairytale, unreal.
Then just as you are about lose yourself in
another time period the music switches to a very
familiar Latin beat and you are transported to a
slightly more retro era. The up-tempo beats get
your heart thumping and you just know you have
to jive to the music. The fast paced numbers are
extremely exhausting and physically challenging
but a vision to watch. The slow and intimate
Spanish style dance of salsa gives you a refreshing
break and allows you to collect on your energies.
All that dancing can surely work up an appetite
but you just can’t get yourself to leave the floor
for the DJ’s playing your song, so you wait it out.
But you can’t wait anymore; you just have to taste
the source of those most delicious aromas. So
you go and investigate and your eyes are met
with the most tantalizing site ever - a table laden
with an assortment of cuisines. With your palate
satisfied you just have to get back to the dance
floor for they are calling out the lucky draw winners
and there is always the chance of cashing in on
the spot prizes.
All things considered, the Vinpal Youth group
did a splendid job of recreating an atmosphere of
grace and elegance. They strived to maintain the
standards of etiquette by ensuring the elimination
of undesired elements such as smoke and drink
by regular security checks. We can only imagine
the planning, work and resources required to
execute such an elaborate affair on the romantic
night of 18th November.
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The Gender of God
H
ow should we think of
God? The question is simple, but
the answer is complicated. The
difficulty is that God transcends all
the concepts and categories of
human thought. If we were to hear a little child
say, “God is very big and very old and very nice,”
we would smile. But while we can use longer
words to describe God, they fall almost short of
the mark.
One of the most elevated concepts we can
apply to God is that of a person : God is not a
what but a who. But then our language forces us
to refer to God as Him or her to avoid calling God
an it. We know that sexual gender distinctions do
not, strictly speaking, apply to God, who is pure
spirit and pure being, but it is a strain for us to
think of God as a person without thinking in terms
of he or she, him or her.
Scripture uses both masculine and feminine
imagery for God. God’s love is like the love of a
mother for her child, “Can a mother forget the
baby at her breast and have no compassion on
the child she has borne? Though she may forget,
I will not forget you! (Isaiah 49:15)”, the love of a
husband for his wife, “For your Maker is your
husband, the LORD Almighty is his name, the Holy
One of Israel is your Redeemer, he is called the
God of all the earth. (Isaiah 54:5)”. Nevertheless,
masculine imagery and references to God far
predominate. In the Hebrew language, every noun
is either masculine or feminine, and the common
Talent is God given, be thankful, Fame is man given, be humble, Conceit is self given, be careful.
PALLOTTI NOTES 10
PARISH
ROUND UP
words for “GOD” are masculine
(although “Spirit” in Hebrew is
feminine).
Jesus spoke of God as his Father, “At that time
Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I
praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, because you have hidden these
things from the wise and learned, and
revealed them to little children. Yes, Father,
for this was your good pleasure. All things
have been committed to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the
Father, and no one knows who the Father
is except the Son and those to whom the
Son chooses to reveal him.” (Luke 10:2122), and He told His disciples to pray to Him as
their Father “He said to them, “When you
pray, say, ‘Father, hallowed be your name”
(Luke 10:2), and He compared God’s love to a
Father’s love, “which of you fathers, if your
son asks forf a fish, will give him a snake
instead?12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give
him a scorpion? If you then, though you are
evil, know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more will your Father in
heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who
ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13). By this Jesus was
not teaching that God was a male as opposed to
a female. In line with the heritage of the Hebrew
Scriptures, but going far beyond them, Jesus
spoke of himself as enjoying the intimate
relationship of a son to a father with God, and he
invited us to enter in His relationship.
Some today are uncomfortable referring to God
as praying to God with predominantly masculine
imagery. I believe that in our own private prayers
we can adopt whatever is most natural for us
and allows us to pray best. At the same time, I
am against trying to rewrite Scripture to eliminate
masculine imagery of God, just as I am against
writing it for any other reason. We must use the
concepts that Scripture and human thought gives
us to think about God, even while recognizing their
limitations.
- Prayer Group
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Christmas! Page 58 NT. R.S.V.
L
ast
year
Advent, I screamed
through the bulletin,
Christmas is not a
page 3 Event. This
year I have turned to
Page 58 of the NT, 2nd
chapter of the Gospel
of Luke for an Advent
Menu.
Preparation is crucial to the smooth run of any
event. Leaving to Luck, chance or even only to
God is not a neat idea. Knowing this, Aunty
Magnolia was preparing and getting ready to
animate the crib positions. All the animals were
strutting arround, the sheep, cow, horse even the
donkey. They were thrilled knowing that they had
a special place around the crib. Not just special,
but lets say the Reservation / Quota / Philosophy
sprung up here too. Each had a place reserved.
While all were preparing, the spider
somersaulting from his web was upset. No one
was paying attention to his mood swings. Finally
he mustered courage and spoke. The complaint,
“While everyone was being welcomed and given
a wash, Aunty Magnolia was getting ready to
broom out the web, along with Mr. Spider”. No
amount of pleading would help. He would be driven
out of the home itself.
This parable itches in many directions. Try it.
One reflection, I wish to tease this time is, “Are
there Spider in our lives that we are getting ready
to put out. As we gear for the big “C: of Christmas,
who is Christ, are there people or human beings
whom we want to broom out. Are we considering
some marginalized and hence inappropriate for
the celebration? Page 58 in Luke tells us of the
first Christ event, and it does not really tell us of
sheep, cow or donkey. May be our biblical author
was not much of animal lover. However he does
make mention of Shepherds besides other
Characters. Shepherds in Jewish history were not
considered to be a holy lot. Their job took them
away from observing the rules of the Torah and
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
PALLOTTI NOTES 11
PARISH
COMMUNIQUE
worship of Yahweh on appointed days.
They were the outcast. Aunty Magnolia
would have chucked them out of her Crib scene,
she would literally crib their presence. For her
and those who think her way, the Shepherds were
Spiders. They had to be outside of the holy event.
However God’s scripting is unlike Man. His
stories surprise us with unconventional heroes and
happenings. Not all is neat and tidy in the story of
salvation. God wanted and chose these raw men
of Jewish society to be part of this encounter. The
incarnation is the Divine Historical encounter
between God and Man. God becoming Man, so
that Man would grow into the image and likeness
of God. And these simple shepherds with no
candle power or intelligence had a role to play in
this drama of encounter. It is interpreted that these
were Shepherds who were tending Temple sheep.
Morning and evening an unblemished lamb was
offered as a sacrifice to God. Temple authorities
had their own private sheep, temple flocks. Most
likely these shepherds were in charge of the flocks
from which the temple offerings were chosen. It
is a lovely thought that the shepherd who looked
after the temple lambs were among the first to
see the Lamb of God who took away the sins of
the world.
No one is outside God’s embrace. This is a
simple lesson we could warm ourselves with. This
Advent, we would do well to identify who are
these shepherds in and around us whom we treat
as Spiders, chucking them out. God listed them
on the invitation for his Son’s birth. Everyone who
we think is ungodly, unholy, undeserving is
welcomed by God. We are not authorized to limit
this joy to a select, reserved few. Make your own
list to discover who do you leave out of the
Christmas Joy, Grandma without her dentures,
your domestic help, an orphan child, someone
whom you’ve hurt and don’t talk to. WHO... WHO...
WHO? Since God chooses them, lets keep to God’s
plan. In the seasonal lyrics, of “Mary did you
know?”, Mary is asked, when she kissed the little
babe Jesus, if she knew she was kissing the face
of God? The Jesus of History is gone, but each
time we welcome someone we consider “The
Other”, we too like Mary kiss the face of God.
Happy Kissing! Because God has taken his
residence in the lives of these people.
Warning! The spider is part of the parable....
Only a parable. Last on my Christmas visit to your
homes, I discover some of you have literally left
the cob webs untouched. We do not need a
Spiderman. We have a God made Man, Emmanuel
= God with us!
Christmas!! May it be Happy and Happening!
- Ivan Fernandes
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Welcome! Welcome!!
Welcome!!!
W
isely said, “The Only Permanent thing in
life is CHANGE.” The month of June brings in some
changes, again these will be temporary, for a few
years. The parish has already thrown open a
warm embrace to two newly ordained Pallottines,
Fr. Anto Vijayan and Fr. Siran Rebello. Both belong
to the same batch and have been together for a
long time. This injects hope that both are team
players which will reflect also on the parish team.
Fr. Anto Vijayan was ordained on 7th May
this year in his hometown, in Tamilnadu. The
motto he envisions for himself is, “To be at the
service of the needy, Spiritually and Materially as
St. Vincent Pallotti.” God has taken him seriously.
His first assignment in our parish provides him
this opportunity. His ministry with our Tamil
communities provides him the potential of reaching
out in service both Spiritually and Materially. This,
however, is just a sphere of his area of activity.
Fr. Anto appears to be a very confident person.
This confidence lends itself visibly in his style of
preaching and communicating. His sermons are
well appreciated for their crispy quality and lasting
impression. He comes across as a very friendly
and lively person, itching to do whatever he can
Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is the only cash you have, so spend it wisely.
PALLOTTI NOTES 12
PARISH
COMMUNIQUE
as a priest. In the
parish, he has
assumed charge of our Altar
Servers, the Parish Prayer
Group, the Bible Cell, the
Legionaries. He guides some
of our small Christian
Communities too. Market
going women have also taken note that Fr. Anto
has green fingers, as he is seen adding green
patches in the premises. Thanks for adding to
the green lungs of our dying city and wish you the
very best in also adding Life and Zest on the
pastoral front.
Ordained on 1st May this year in Goa, Fr. Siran
Rebello is not a new face. He has been to our
parish for a pastoral experience as a Young
Seminarian. Fr. Siran is very unassuming, humble
and simple. This reflects the simple and disciplined
upbringing he has had. His friendly and
affectionate approach has won him many a friend
already. Fr. Siran has a talent for Music and this
finds itself expressed when he picks his guitar
and breaks into song. His homilies are like a pickle
preparation, you have to prepare them well in
advance and keep stirring the ingredients. Fr.
Siran animates the Catechesis of our Children/
Youth, Hope and Life Movement, Small Christian
Communities. He is also incharge of the
maintenance of the parish and upkeep of the books
of accounts. One particular quality that I like to
outline about him, is his willingness to learn new
things. His motto reads, “To be a Ray of Hope, for
all those who dwell in darkness, to be a pastor
and missionary in the Lord’s Vineyard.” For this
phase of his Life. God has outlined St. Vincent
Pallotti Church to be his Vineyard. Welcome to
you dear Fathers and all the best in your ministry.
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Faith Celebration Day 2006
C
elebration! And what an exciting eventful
one too! Celebrating our faith is always a joyous
occasion and the catechists ensured that the
children experienced just that on August 27, 2006
at the Faith Celebration Day.
The children of Std. V &
VI, representing the six
parishes belonging to the
deanery, headed towards St.
Vincent Pallotti Parish - 380
in number, they came along with 34 catechists. A
few parishioners of the St. Vincent Pallotti Parish
voluntarily joined the catechetical team and set
the event going.
The venue portrayed a festive look, with
colourful posters welcoming each of the parishes.
The view arresting site was the backdrop with
the logo of the International Year of Desert &
Desertification (IYDD) and footprints of each of
the parishes highlighting this journey. Attention
was also drawn towards a rangoli of Jesus praying
in the desert. The samay standing near the rangoli,
gave an Indian finish to it.
The day began with registration at 8.40 a.m.
The excitement of the children was visible in their
boisterous clatter. At the Eucharistic celebration
9 a.m. the children were introduced to the theme
for the day, i.e. love and respect for Mother
Nature. It was our privilege to welcome Dr. Valerie
D’souza from Catechetical Centre and the parish
priest with floral bouquets. After the celebration,
they enjoyed a simple snack of Frooti, chicken
pattice, samosa and chocolate.
The first session was animated by Fr. Thomas,
the Parish Priest of St. Vincent Pallotti Parish. The
visual through slides, of when man initially noticed
the beauty of God’s nature, and learned to love it,
was well accepted. The second session conducted
by Clifford of the deanery team was particularly
interactive with little ones raising eager little hands
to want to express their opinions and views.
Having learnt to value and love Mother Nature,
hoping they exercise their passion, in preserving
it too. Interspersed between the well animated
sessions were action songs in praise of our Creator
and Lord, which were whole heartedly participated
and highly appreciated by both the catechists and
the catechized.
The day culminated with the presenting of an
Goal Setting is important, Goal Acting is more important, Goal Achieving is most important.
PALLOTTI NOTES 13
CHURCH
COMMUNIQUE
Ashoka sapling to every parish, amid
deafening shuts of ‘We love Mother
Nature.’ The catechists and children were
encouraged to carry the sapling back and root it
in their own parish campus and thus do their bit
by caring for nature and adding to its green land.
The catechists were handed a bookmark of
appreciation for their enthusiastic leadership in
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motivating their children to partake in celebrating
our faith. At the closure of the day’s event at 1
p.m., the catechists and children left with a spirit
of exuberant joy and definitely with some vivid
memories that will stay with them for a long time
to come.
- Jennifer Chavan
Catechist
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Liturgical Calender for S.C.C. & Other Associations
For January 2007 - March 2007
Sr.
No.
DATE
1.
7th Jan. 2007
2.
3.
DAY
The Epiphany of the Lord
THEMES
ZONES/
ASSOCIATIONS
Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; MT 2:1-12
St. Jude
14 Jan. 2007 2nd of the Year
21st Jan. 2007 3rd of the Year
IS 62L1-5; 1 Cor 12:4-11, Jn 2:1-11
Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Cor 12:12-30;
LK1:1-4; 4:14-21
St. Bonaventure
Infant Jesus
4.
28th Jan. 2007 4th of the Year
Jer 1:4-5, 17-19; 1Cor 12:31-13:13;
Lk 4:21-30
Blessed Mother
Theresa
5.
4th Feb. 2007
Is 6:1-2a, 3-8; 1 Cor 15:1-11; Lk 5:1-11
St. Paul
6.
11 Feb. 2007 6th of the Year
Jer 17:5-8; 1Cor 15:12; 16-20
Lk 6:17; 20-26
Youth
7.
18th Feb. 2007 7th of the Year
1 Sam 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23;
1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk 6:27-38
St. Patrick
8
21st Feb. 2007 Ash Wednesday
JI2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Rose of Sharon
th
5th of the Year
th
9
25 Feb. 2007 1st of Lent
Dt. 26:4-10; Rom 10:8-13 Lk 4:1-13
Don Bosco
10
4th Mar. 2007
Gn 15:5-12, 17-18; Phil 3:17-4:1
Lk 9 : 28b - 36
St. Theresa
11
11th Mar. 2007 3rd of Lent
Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15; 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12
Lk 13:1-9
Sr. Peter
12
18th Mar. 2007 4th of Lent
Jos 5:9a, 10; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
St. Joseph
13
25 Mar. 2007 5th of Lent
Is 43:16-21, Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11
St. Thomas
th
th
2nd of Lent
It’s not always what you say makes the difference, sometimes it’s the way you say it.
PALLOTTI NOTES 14
PARISH
COMMUNIQUE
RETIREMENT A
STAGE IN LIFE
R
etirement means withdrawal, it
also means to give up one’s work or
position. There are a few who equate the
word ‘RETIREMENT’ with relaxation,
holidays and sleeping late. But for a
majority it is the start of depression.
A growing number of people today find
themselves not prepared for this stage of
life.... mainly because they have been busy
preparing their children for the various stages of
their lives, such as childhood, schooling, teenage,
youth, career and marriage. Suddenly, they find
themselves on the threshold of retirement
completely unprepared for it, and completely
alone.... the children, they had hoped to depend
on are suddenly too busy with their own lives and
pressure.
Depression, after retirement is a common
problem. People who have invested a lot in their
career and neglected other areas of their lives
suddenly feel emptiness and despair when they
retire. Many who enjoyed various facilities and
benefits from holding high executive post in wellorganized companies and establishment are the
ones most affected. They suddenly feel worthless,
since they lose all attention and admiration. The
feeling of rejection and emptiness grows within
them. It is the males who face more retirement
problems than females, since their time is occupied
by other responsibilities such as raising a family
and running a household. Research shows that
there is an increase in heart attacks and death
from various causes following retirement.
In order to prevent such retirement blues it is
important to....
v Lead a balanced life-style and cultivate interests
outside the workplace.
v Plan ahead - do not wait till retirement day.
v Prevent loneliness by getting involved in
activities where you can socialize and meet
people with the same interest.
v Seek help - the sooner the better to avoid the
stress of depression.
v Be open to counselling in this field.
v Handle finances systematically and control your
expenditures.
Lastly the most important is GOOD
HEALTH ........ keeping fit is very important.
Studies have shown that those who remain active
and interact with others live longer, healthier lives.
Therefore, keep mobile and get involved in
activities outside your home - it is good for you.
Once a person becomes isolated and lacks physical
activities, physical health will quickly decline. Right
exercise or morning walk along with a healthy diet
will help you to face retired life without fear and
frustration.
Finally, it is acceptance, adjustment and
coming to terms with this stage of life that
can make one live a normal, happy, healthy
retired life.
- Mrs. Margaret Vas
3/406/C, Udyan.
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“W
HOPE AND LIFE
idowhood is indeed a vocation” are the
words of Bishop Bosco Penha, he stressed that
every widow must strive to accept her position as
the will of God. The Christian widow is invited to
look at herself with a totally new perspective. Most
women find themselves troubled exhausted,
confused, lonely and sometimes guilty. Here in the
group, we are urged to change one’s attitudes
and to oppose bias and discrimination. Often her
position in the family and community has been
one of humiliation, embarrassment and
exploitation; hence, there is no reason for her to
continue living in that state. She has to pull herself
out. She has to find strength in the spirit of God
and become empowered. The longing for
happiness is deeply rooted in the human heart
and we have to snatch both that happiness.
Inspired and encouraged, soon some widows meet
regularly every month; they have begun to feel
uplifted and enjoyed a sense of fulfillment. This
movement is a blend of spirituality. Fellowship
outreach and support; It urges the widows to put
the past behind and look ahead with hope and
He is great who can do what he wishes, he is wise who wishes to do what he can.
PALLOTTI NOTES 15
PARISH
COMMUNIQUE
become women of faith and love and
thus bring abundant life to all around.
The aim of the Hope and Life Movement is to
provide and emotional and spiritual support to
widows. Gradually with time and patience, prayers
and understandings, many a widow has opened up
and slowly accepted her widowhood not as a cross
but as a vocation. We share a deep common bond.
A woman does not became a widow by chance.
No, God has a plan for her. Hence the widow looks
upon their widowhood not as a cross; but as a mission,
a vocation, because, we have generously accepted
the greatest sacrifice that could be asked of a woman’s
heart. Our suffering has a meaning. In this world, we
are a fine example of courage to others.
We have a spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Siran
Rebello to animate our monthly meetings advising
us; suggesting new plan of actions. On the social
side, we celebrate our birthdays, have a gettogether, once in a way. The Marol groupleader
and some members have been kind to come and
help us to carry on our aim the threefold role of a
widow 1) Prayer 2) Fellowship 3) Outreach.
We pray that the Lord help us become more
confident in his goodness and content to let things
unfold according to His will. May he give us the
courage to persist in our prayers even as He gives
each of us the peace of knowing that He will work
things out for our good.
- Fanny Fernandes
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WHERE THERE IS A WILL
THERE IS A WAY
N
ever say quit. Take one day at a time. Life
is full of ups and downs. The road is not always
smooth. Sometimes we fall but we must pick
ourselves up and walk on again. My life was
sometimes difficult, so much so, at some part my
life I lost all hope and wanted to give up. But with
perseverance and knowing that God was always
with me, I overcame all the obstacles that came
in my path. We hear God’s voice only when we
give him a chance to
speak. We must let him
take full control of our
lives and surrender
ourselves into his
hands. Always start your day by thanking God for
waking you up and giving you a brand new day.
Tell him your itinerary for the day and you a brand
new day. Tell him your itinerary for the day and
ask him to be a part of it and surely he will do the
needful.
God said, I have created you with a purpose,
to be my eyes, ears, hands and legs. So speak
what I would speak and do what I would do.
Though others may hate you, for my sake, be of
the truth and I will not abandon you. I still love
you in whatever form you are and you are special
to me. Truth, justice and love should be your
motive in life and this will make your life beautiful.
Life will always be difficult, but only with a strong
faith and belief in God, you will have the courage,
strength, energy and patience to go on life’s
journey. Worrying doesn’t reduce yesterday’s
sorrows, but it empties today’s strength. So instead
of worrying we should seek God’s help and ask
him to show us a way. He will guide us to what we
must and must not do.
Reflect on your past sometimes and you will
know God was always with you. He’s watching
and guiding every step we take, and protecting us
from the evil one and all our enemies. Our faith
should be so firm that nothing can hinder us from
believing God is living and his power is the greatest
and the strongest. Only he can hear and answer
our prayers. He knows what’s good and bad for
us. And remember, everything happens for the
best. Think positive and speak good, do good, eat
good, love good and God is with you all the time.
Lack of confidence only hinders your progress.
When you ask me, I will say God is living. But when
you see me, you will know God is there.
Courage! Bear Your Cross with Gladness
God will lift its weight one day
And with joys no mind can measure
Love and Patience will Repay.
- Ryan Barretto, LT 2/13
Positive or negative, one of these two can make you or break you, depending on what you choose.
PALLOTTI NOTES 16
YOUTH
BUZZ
T
REMEMBERING OUR ROOTS
raditional Day can be a powerful tool, a
way of promoting and encouraging our youth to
rediscover the root of their Indian Culture. This is
exactly what our Vinpal Youth Celebrated on 26th
August, 2006, So that we may identify with our
varied tradition.
The youth were welcomed in traditional Indian
Fashion with an arti. They were greeted with the
breathtaking sight of colourful rangoli whose
splendour was only magnified with the radiance
of diyas. All in all the ambience was that of an
Indian setting. The occasion was enhanced by a
mass - what better way to start this occasion than
a traditional mass with all the youth seated on
mattresses flaunting their beautiful attires.
The preparations were well organized by our
co-group members in advance. Our very own DJ’s,
our talented youth, played grooving numbers while
the dance floor was set ablaze by the Punjabi
kudies, the Maharashtran mulgies and the Malyali
machhas. The various games got the crowd into
a playful mood and the spot prizes kept them on
their feet.
The spirit of celebration was not limited to
shaking a leg. It was followed by a lovely lip
smacking meal. A meal has always been
considered an intimate and bonding experience.
Meal was served in traditional leaf plates especially
purchased for the occasion while all the members
sat on the floor and showed great enthusiasm as
spoons were substituted by our own hands.
I take this opportunity on behalf of the entire
youth group to say a big thank you to our Animator,
Fr. Thomas and our co-group members for
organizing such an elaborate evening which
encouraged us to shed our shyness and broaden
our social circle thus making our Vinpal Youth
Group a vibrant one.
- Gloria Salis
FOOTBALL! THROWBALL!!
HAI RHABA!!!
S
ports has always been a
great way to get people together
amidst a healthy spirit of
competition, and with all the football
fever doing the rounds what better
way than to commemorate our
Independence Day with a football
and throwball tournament.
Organizing such a large scale
event requires whole lot of planning and execution,
and the Vinpal youth carried it out with such
proficiency and efficiency that it would put event
planners to shame. This is not to say that it was a
walk in the park. It took a lot of research, coordination and a lot of more running around, not
to mention intermittent rains threatening to derail
the event. Moreover everything had to be started
from scratch right from the registration and
sponsorship forms to the arrangements for the
ground, goal posts, nets, balls, snacks, awards,
fencing and security.
The finals began with a bang on 15th August
with the inauguration by Fr. Sirin, the preliminaries
for which were held on Sunday the 13th. It invited
the participation of ladies for throwball and gents
for football between the ages 15 - 60. The
eagerness of the participants and the welcome
cheers of the spectators promised a fun filled and
eventful day, and it was just that, amidst
controversy and friendly riots it was a good thing
that security was beefed up. Any Indian occasion
is incomplete without good food and the credit for
the same has to go to the magical touch of the
wonderful ladies in our parish. Nail and body art
stalls were a hit with the youth and brought out
the hidden talents of our budding young artists.
The day ended on a beautiful note with our parish
priest’s felicitating the winners with medals, shields
and takeaways.
This would not have been possible without the
never ending support of the parish councilors, with
special mention to Mr. Kevin Fernandes. We would
also like to thank Mr. Francis D’souza for assisting
If you want to give someone a gift, try giving them your time and attention.
PALLOTTI NOTES 17
with the making of the goal posts and
Mr. Sunil for helping with the
arrangements. Our heart felt gratitude to all our
sponsors and well wishers for believing in us and
gracing us with their presence. We would like to
take this opportunity to thank our youth animator,
Fr. Thomas for encouraging us to make our dreams
a reality. Not forgetting the untiring effort of the
members of the youth group without whose
support and passion any event is unimaginable.
The credit for the success of this event has to go
to the wonderful leadership, drive and
determination of our President, Mr. Joel Pegado
and our Vice President, Mr. Deepak Almeida.
u u u
YOUTH
BUZZ
PARENT’S DAY!
AN OCCASION TO REMEMBER
As every year, this year too,
the Vinpal Youth took up the
responsibility to organize the
Parent’s day function.
Preparations began as early as
June to ensure a smooth and
well organized event. To get
the process started, youth
were given assignments based
on their strengths viz. liturgy, backdrop,
entertainment and catering.
The liturgy committee did a spectacular job of
preparing the liturgy. But this was no easy task to
begin with. The biggest obstacle was finding the
right theme to correlate with the message to be
imparted. After much deliberations, it was settled
at ‘You are the light that makes us shine in all areas
of our life - spiritual, intellectual emotional, physical,
social personal and mental.’ They also tried their
hand at putting up short enactments, to bring out
the values they so deeply admire in their parents.
The backdrop committee slogged for weeks trying
to make the backdrop in the hall and church as
appealing and creative as possible. To match the
liturgy theme, they came up with the ingenious
idea of using a prism which breaks a single ray of
light into the magnificent colours of the rainbow.
The hall backdrop was more of a challenge as
nothing seemed to convey the theme that had been
set. In the end it was decided to set up the
wordings in a fun and carefree way to match it
with the ensemble of the comperes vis. school
children. They also set about making an invitation
card, which was placed on the notice board, to
formally invite parents to their function.
The entertainment committee had the tedious job
of all. Coordinating with all the groups and ensuring
practice time on the stage was no easy matter.
The children’s choir got the parent’s rocking to
their welcome song ‘we will rock you.’ The prayer
dance put up by the Sister Adorers was an
enlightening experience. Children from
Snehasadan got the audience on their feet with
their entracing performance. Tamil boys from
Poomeri nagar set the stage on fire with their
electrifying dance. The Vinpal youth set the mood
of the night with their energy packed dance and
not to mention the rib tickling comedy of ‘Uncle
Vinci’s Code’. Nothing was more appreciated than
two cute little characters of the night, the compares
for evening - Namita and Joshua, who presented
the event, dressed as little school children. This
would not have been possible without the excellent
sound provided by Greg Sounds and DJ Gavin to
man the music.
The catering committee had wearisome task of
cleaning up the hall as well as the catering area,
not to mention washing the 600 odd glasses prior
to as well as after the event. But all this was
completed in good faith and with an enthusiasm
not so commonly found.
The tremendous support and flexibility provided
by our animator, Fr. Thomas, only helped get the
creative juices flowing and pushed us harder to
se up a memorable event. The excellent planning
and coordination by the President, Joel Pegado
and the Vice President, Deepak Almeida made it
an unforgettable night, not forgetting the strength
behind the co-team, the youth members, whose
continuous dedication, perseverance and
enthusiasm makes all things possible.
- Sharon Sequeira
u
u
u
Enthusiasm is the fuel of life, it helps you to get where you’re going.
PALLOTTI NOTES 18
FORTHCOMING
EVENTS
Forthcoming Events In Our Parish
DECEMBERS 2006
15th Dec. to 17th Dec.
: X’Mas Spiritual preparation after Evening Mass.
16 Dec. to 17 Dec.
: Christmas Bazaar 6.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 5.00 to 6.30 p.m.
17th Dec. Sunday
: 3rd Sunday of Advent
21st Dec. to 23rd Dec.
: Confessions 5.00 p.m. onwards
24th Dec. Sunday
: 5.30 p.m. Mass remains cancelled. Christmas Tableau at 9.30
p.m. followed by Solemn High Mass at 10.00 p.m. The chairs
are priced at Rs. 5.00. Please collect the coupons for the same from
the parish office.
25th Dec. Monday
: Christmas Day Morning Masses at 7, 8, 9.15 a.m. There will be no
evening Mass.
26th Dec. Tuesday
: Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr.
27th Dec. Wednesday
: Feast of St. John the Evangelist.
28 Dec. Thursday
: Feast of the Holy Innocents.
31st Dec. Sunday
: Thanksgiving Adoration from 10.00 p.m. to 11.50 p.m. followed
by Midnight Mass. The Holy Family of Jesus Mary and Joseph.
th
th
th
JANUARY 2007
1st Jan. Monday
: Feast of Mary Mother of God. Morning Mass at 7.00 and 8.00 a.m.,
Evening Mass at 6.30 p.m.
18th Thu.to 20th Jan. Sat.
: Triduum in Honour of our Patron St. Vincent Pallotti.
21st Jan. Sunday
: Feast of St. Vincent Pallotti.
24 Wed. to 28 Sun. Jan.
: Vinpal Funfair
26th Jan. Friday
: Republic Day. Masses at 7.00, 8.00 a.m. followed by flag hoisting.
Evening Mass at 6.00 p.m.
th
th
An honest, kind word spoken with love, lifts the spirit and refreshes the soul.
PALLOTTI NOTES 19
PARISH
REGISTER
From the Parish Register....
BORN IN CHRIST
15.04.06
Cayden Santis
15.04.06
Joshua D’souza
22.04.06
Leona Mascarenhas
25.04.06
Sherwin Saldanha
29.04.06
Christine Dias
30.04.06
Jeyaseeli
30.04.06
Viknesh Vicky
30.04.06
Kamali Mary
14.05.06
Christina D’costa
14.05.06
Shanaya Vas
28.05.06
Ellena Misal
07.06.06
Leander Fernandes
11.06.06
Jessica Dogra
09.07.06
Kynan R. D’silva
23.07.06
Elina M. Kulkarni
23.07.06
Damien D. Pereira
23.07.06
Eric Almeida
13.08.06
Megan Chettiar
15.08.06
A. Jaya Shevan
03.09.06
S. Jasintha
10.09.06
Jaben D’souza
10.09.06
Vian D’souza
24.09.06
Brandon Misquitta
24.09.06
Daniel J. Fernandes
01.10.06
Teasha Vaz
08.10.06
Sarah D’souza
22.10.06
Cyd Roque D’souza
22.10.06
Nathan N. Cardoza
05.10.06
Merrick S. D’souza
12.11.06
Reagan Frank
12.11.06
Cenai Fernandes
12.11.06
Jezreel D’souza
12.11.06
Myra Menezes
26.11.06
Yohan D’souza
17/5/12, Bhawani Nagar
B/402, Riddhi Siddhi
B/301, Riddhi Siddhi
B/503, Jagdish Apts.
101, New Amardeep
Unit 20, Aarey Col.
Unit 19, Aarey Col.
Unit 19, Aarey Col.
201A Sanjana Apts.
C/406, Udyan 3
Aarey Milk Col.
A/2/603, Lok Yamuna
2/2 Mamma Garrage
5/16, Blossom Soc.
D/401, Dheeraj G. Malad (W)
9/4/1, Bhawani Nagar
LT 13/34, Vijay Nagar
6/6/18 Bhawani Nagar
Unit 22, Aarey Col.
Unit 20, Aarey Col.
3/308, Aakar CHS.
3/308, Aakar CHS.
A-401, Ashok Avenue
5/29, Blossom Society
A 2/3 Vijay Nagar
6/6/5, Bhawani Nagar
E/001 Ashok Vihar
B/105, Eco Palms
3/2, Blossom Society
603, Maryel Apts.
B-402, Harmony Apts.
B-207, Lok Darshan
C-602, Harmony Apts.
C-3, Ashok Vihar
JOIN IN HOLY MATRIMONY
23.04.06
Francis John D’souza & Jolene Shirley Pereira
23.04.06
Roy V. Mascarenhas & Jane M. Waghmare
23.04.06
Cyril F. Crasto & Agnes S. D’souza
29.04.06
Steven M. D’souza & Tanya Alva
30.04.06
Dwyan Coutinho & Pamela G. D’souza
06.05.06
Alibin Aslam Balkhair & Aneeta Valentina Desouza
If you want the key to someone’s heart, accept and love them for who they are.
PALLOTTI NOTES 20
PARISH
REGISTER
JOIN IN HOLY MATRIMONY
07.05.06
Nikhil S. Panchal & Erica V. Fernandes
20.05.06
Christopher Solomon & Rupali Bagewadi
04.06.06
Thomas Varghese & Litty Thomas
14.10.06
Victor Menezes & Betty Martis
21.10.06
Ryan Rodrigues & Emmy Sequeira
28.10.06
Sagar Deo & Judith Lobo
04.11.06
Herman Lewis & Asmitha Mendonca
05.11.06
Prakash Aranha & Vincella Mendonca
11.11.06
Tomas D’souza & Zita Fernandes
11.11.06
Douglas Naikar & Pillai D. Jaipaul
12.11.06
Nelson Lewis & Masha D’almeida
26.11.06
Leo Puthur & Michelle A’lmeida
26.11.06
Norbert D’souza & Juliana Fernandes
REST IN THE LORD
31.03.06
Josephine Lobo
10.04.06
Elizabeth Philips
21.04.06
Balraj Prakash
16.05.06
Genvieve D’souza
26.05.06
Henry Cardoza
15.07.06
Thomas Xavier
27.07.06
Diago R. Dias
14.08.06
Anthony Sahadev
23.08.06
Peter Almeida
24.08.06
Edsie Rodrigues
27.08.06
Alfred Charles
19.09.06
Shevdima Bablu Francis
08.10.06
Carmine Lobo
08.10.06
John D’silva
21.10.06
Olivia Alemao
28.10.06
Mary Muttu Nadar
29.10.06
Terese D’souza
25.11.06
E. Manuel D’cunha
03.12.06
Sharon Fernandes
9/8, Blossom Soc.
A-203, Mayur Plaza
Unit 20, Aarey Col.
Gonsalves Garden
B/404, Jagdish Apts.
18/C/203, Bhawani Nagar
3/13/4, Bhawani Nagar
Unit 22, Aarey Col.
206, Shanti Tower
M. 4, Minakshi Apts. Vijay Nagar
A-403, Carola Jewel, Military Road
Poomeri Nagar
LT 17/12 Vijay Nagar
B-106, Mayur Tower
E/17, Sainagar
Poomeri Nagar
LT 10/32 Vijay Nagar
7/5/2, Bhawani Nagar
LT 29/24, Vijay Nagar.
Editorial Team
1. Antoinette Xavier 2. Jolly Paul 3. Edith Braganza 4. Fr. Thomas D’souza
Love and friendship are the gifts most commonly bestowed
upon those who forget themselves and reach out to others.
PALLOTTI NOTES 21
CHILDRENS
CORNER
A barber from Hollywood had an A priest was having an old tattered
audience with the Pope at Rome. A week
later a famous actor from Hollywood visited the
pope and kneeled before him. When he was back
in the US and met the barber, the barber asked,
“Did the Pope tell about me?” The actor said, “No”.
The barber again said, “You mean he did not make
any reference to me at all”. The actor replied, “Yea,
now I remember that he asked me who gave me
this lousy hair-cut.”
W
u
u
u
hen Julius Caesar was inspecting
his slaves, he found one of them had
a striking resemblance on him. He
asked the slave, “Did your mother ever visit Rome?”
The slave replied, “No Sir, But my father did visit
Rome 30 years ago.”
“I n
u
u
u
ancient Rome, when the
soldiers left for war they used to put a
chastity belt on their wives. Once an
old soldier had travelled for an hour.
Then he heard his friend’s voice calling him to
stop. When he met the old soldier the friend said
panting, “You have given the wrong key.”
A beggar prayed to God, “Please
u
u
u
help me get hundred rupees from the
road. Then I shall put ten rupees in
the donation box in the church. Now if you don’t
trust me, let me get only ninety after you have
taken your share.”
A salesman sold an air conditioner
u
u
u
A man’s wife was in her death bed.
u
u
u
She said, “Bill, if you marry again, promise
me you will not allow the new wife to wear
my clothes.” Bill said, “I promise you, my
darling.” She was not convinced and asked, “How
will I know you will keep the promise?” Bill replied,
“They won’t fit her.”
u
u
u
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CELL : 9821477800
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u
to a poultry farmer saying that it keeps
the hens comfortable and they will lay
more eggs. After the deal was through
he asked the farmer, “Won’t you like to
have one in your bed room?” The farmer
said, “No, she does not lay eggs.”
u
Bible with loose leaves. One day he was
reading it in the church, “Then Eve had
only a fig leaf to cover her nakedness.
One day Adam found-”. (Just then a breeze came
and the next page went flying) “The leaf is
missing”, continued the priest.
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u
Ambition is either a servant or a master, the trick is to know which one is in your life.
PALLOTTI NOTES 22
PARISHIONERS’
ADERTISEMENT
R. D. Singh
Mobile : 9969182224
M. James
Mobile : 9821609269
Om Abhishek Appliances
Specialist in :
Repairs Services & Maintenance of Split / Window Air Conditioning,
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M. JAMES CHETTIAR
Authorised Dealers of
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SPECIALIST IN : REPAIRS SERVICES & MAINTENANCE OF
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B/6, CRESENT Apts., Opp. Kunti Park, Military Road, Marol, Andheri (E),
Mumbai - 400 059. • Tel. : 2859 0868, 56050956 • Mobile : 98216 09269
PALLOTTI NOTES 23
PARISHIONERS’
ADVTS.
Shop No. 1, C-Wing, Cosmos Park, Near Uttam Dhaba, Marol, Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400 059. Contact : Jyoti Paramban - Cell : 9867700072
We take great pleasure in announcing the
opening of Eva’s Beauty Clinic, a modern
specialty beauty parlor, the first of its kind in
Marol, exclusively for ladies. The beauticians at Eva’s are trained
from Clara International, Malaysia, a reputed institute in the world
of beauty & treatments. We have the latest hi-tech equipments.
Hygienes and cleanliness has given the top-most importance and
every measure is taken to achieve the same. We use only cottons
and tissues against the napkins, which is widely used in the
conventional parlors. The brushes, combs, scissors, etc. are
sterilized before it is being used for the second time. At Eva’s,
our ultimate aim is customer satisfaction and to achieve that we
have ensured that our beauticians are experienced, hospitable
and well mannered. We have made all these available to you at
an affordable cost.
We call ourselves a beauty clinic as we offer a variety of
treatments for your skin and hair. Our beauticians can analyze
your skin and advice you on the right facial you should go for,
depending on the structure of your skin. The various services
offered are as mentioned below :
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Head Massage, Body Massage, Back
Massage, Foot Massage, etc.
Other Services :
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wax, waxing, all types of facials like
gold ozone, thermae herb, aroma,
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PALLOTTI NOTES 24
PARISHIONERS’
ADERTISEMENT
ED
N
PE
O
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GREETINGS OF THE X’MAS SEASON
&
WISHES FOR A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
FROM
AC
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CONTACT NOS. : TEL. : 28506487, 9869081832