MANKHURD, MUMBAI-400 088. ST. ANTHONY’S CHURCH VOL. VII /NO. 14 T O M F ES I N A (For Private Circulation Only) MARCH 2015 REFLECTION Easter is a feast to be regarded with great joy as we Christians remember and rejoice the event it commemorates, viz. Jesus Christ's victory over death. Jesus' Resurrection symbolizes the eternal life granted to all who believe in Him. Easter also recalls the complete verification of all that Jesus preached and taught during His three year ministry. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, if He had merely been crucified and had died and not risen after three days, as promised, then yes, Jesus would have been regarded as just another prophet and teacher. It is Jesus' Resurrection that gives irrefutable proof that He really is the Son of God and that He had conquered death once and for all. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, but when He rose from the dead, He gave us the gift of eternal life – the gift of living with Him forever, provided we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. Through our faith, we are spiritually resurrected with Jesus so that we walk in a new way of life. When we celebrate Easter, let us honour and recognize this truth. Laila D'Sa Fr. Rui, Fr. Michael and the Manifesto team wish all the parishioners of Mankhurd, a very blessed, joyful and grace-filled Easter. 1 CONGRATULATIONS JOHN KENNEDY… WEBSITE FOR OUR PARISH We congratulate John Kennedy of Trombay for recently successfully completing two courses conducted by RCHE (Red Hat Certification) wherein he has obtained certificates as “Red Hat Certified Engineer” and “Red Hat Certified System Administrator”. John has completed his B.Sc. in Information Technology. These two certificates will help John in his job of Systems Administrator, in which field he has over 15 years working experience. John is married to Elizabeth and has two children, Esther and Vivian. John Kennedy and P. Jaison (of Anushaktinagar) have been instrumental in designing and setting up a website for our parish. All information about St. Anthony Church, Mankhurd can be accessed at www.stanthonychurchmankhurd.org. At present, the website contains information about St. Anthony of Padua, a brief history of our church and links to cells and programmes in the parish. The website will be updated with current information. We congratulate and thank Kennedy and Jaison for their remarkable effort in putting our parish on the e-map of the archdiocese. Picnic by Our Lady of Peace SCC, Anushaktinagar. by David Peter Our Lady of Peace community, Anushaktinagar, decided to celebrate their Christmas party at Anand Resort, Virar. On 8th Feb., 69 members from the community went on a picnic to the resort. Games conducted by the youth, good food and much fun, made the picnic a great success. Check our the attached pictures to get an idea of the enjoyable time had by all… 2 MANKHURD SPEAKS… by Aditya Muckaden India’s Daughter, a documentary made by Leslee Udwin on the gruesome Nirbhaya gang rape case of December 2012 has been banned in India citing reasons like it shows India is bad light and is provocative to today’s youngsters. The documentary contains statements from one of the accused, Mukesh Singh (whose death sentence has been appealed in the Supreme Court) and their lawyers, who seem to believe that the women bring this fate upon themselves by roaming alone late at night or dressing provocatively. Is this the mindset of only a handful of men or, as the lawyer claims, a staggering 70% of them? The patrolling officer also said that there were around 30-40 people standing around, but not one came forward to help. What stops people from lending a helping hand? Is it not our duty to help someone in need? To get some answers to these questions, we asked the opinion of some of our parishioners on these topics. Here’s what we found: 1) What should be the punishment for rape? “Crucify Him, crucify Him” the mob shouted as Jesus was condemned to death. This seems to be the cry of most people in India today against the perpetrators of this horrific crime, though in this case the accused are guilty. Is this the best way to bring them to justice? “The death penalty should not be given for any crime, however gruesome. As a Christian, I believe there should be space for forgiveness”, says Eric D’Sa. Albert Machado agrees saying that 10 – 12 years in prison with proper counseling should make the person fit for society. Most interviewees seemed to believe that removing the tool used to rape will serve as the best punishment for the perpetrators – castrate them! The general consensus seems to be that whatever the punishment, it should instill fear into men. Well for now, as India debates and watches on, the ball is in the Supreme “Court” to decide the fate of the accused. 2) Should the documentary ‘India’s Daughter’ be banned? The government believes that showing this documentary will cause law and order problems in India and show India in bad light. “It will leave a bad impression on the youngsters and give them ideas”, agrees Cleetus Fernandes. However, Wilson argues that if we can show all the corruption and other crimes that also show India in bad light, why hide the truth when it comes to rape. Let people understand what draws men to perform such hideous crimes. “If you must ban things, ban shows like CID which teaches youngsters how to break locks and perform robberies. These are the kind of shows that give youngsters ideas, rather than documentaries like India’s Daughter”, says Adozin Fernandes. Most people in India want to watch this documentary, but the only legal way that is possible, for now, is to go abroad on a holiday. 3) Are today’s girls too liberal and is their dressing sense provocative? Today’s girls love to party, enjoy late nights and are comfortable showing skin. But does this mean that they bring such a gruesome fate upon themselves? “Some girls like to draw the attention of others with the way the dress”, says Nora D’Souza. Andrew Almeida says that it is the mentality of the man, and not her dressing, that makes them want to rape girls. “Girls too have a right to enjoy night life”, he says. Albert Machado rightly points out that 5 year old girls do not dress provocatively, yet she is raped. As advice to girls, Derick Soares cautions them saying that even though provocative dressing may not encourage rape, considering the sick mentality of many men, it may be safer to dress more conservatively. 4) Is it ok to interview the rapists? While Jerry Marshall believed that the rapists should not be interviewed, most of the other interviewees felt that it is ok to interview them. “It is necessary to interview them for sociologists to understand the mindset of people. I appreciate their honesty”, says Martin D’Souza. “These interviews will help girls get into the minds of such criminals and understand how they think”, believes Irene Fernandes. 5) Why did people not come forward to help when they saw the girl bleeding on the ground? “It because of the ‘bloody’ Indian law”, says Cleetus. It seems to be a common feeling that people do not want to get involved in the police matters that follow such incidents. “There is too much questioning that follows”, says Rosario D’Souza. “I saw a man at Bandra station bleeding profusely”, says Crystalene Fernandes, “but no one stepped forward to help.” Do we have the law to blame for this unhelpful attitude, or as Adozine believes, is it that people today have become very selfish and have no time for others? This Lenten season, as we prepare ourselves for the resurrection of Christ by performing many sacrifices like giving up alcohol and non-veg food, let us introspect and ask ourselves “What would I have done in this situation? Would I be a good follower of Christ and help the needy?” 3 My Daughter Receives Jesus for the very first time. I recently received my daughter’s first Holy Communion photo album and was reminiscing the fine day that 25 Jan 2015 was. The two year preparation that the priests, catechist and we parents put in seemed to have borne fruit. The children looked marvelous and splendid in their chic formal best and all of them looked confident to let Jesus enter their hearts for the very first time. The days prior to the event was lined up with daily rehearsals, so that children knew their part in the Holy mass and participated in the proceedings whole heartedly. The entire mass was planned extensively with Fr Michael playing the main celebrant and the holy communicants playing lead roles in each sections of the mass, from the liturgy to the offertory and ending the holy mass with an action song appreciating Jesus whom they just received and promising that they would always ‘Let his light shine’. The simple but elegant decoration in the church, put up by the catechist, making the day special for the kids and the adding charm to the celebration was the overwhelming presence of family, friends and parishioners for the Holy mass. Whilst, most of the children did go back home to their own celebrations at home or otherwise, but years on; what these twelve communicants will remember is the flawless holy mass, which they were an integral part of and the blessed moment when they received ‘JESUS’ for the first time at St Anthony’s Church, Mankhurd. God bless them. Jose Thomas CONFIRMATION IN ST. ANTHONY CHURCH…. st On 1 February 2015, twelve candidates from our parish were confirmed by Bishop Percival Fernandes. The Holy Eucharist was con-celebrated by Bishop Percy and our parish priest Fr. Rui Comelo. There was a children’s choir for the Mass and the readings were done by the Confirmation students. All the Sunday school children were present for the Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Ingle were selected to be godparents for all the students. Candidates had written their commitments which were offered during the Mass. Every student contributed money as an offering which was given to the Jan Kalyan Kendra. In preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, all the students had to attend catechism classes every Sunday, taken by Anne teacher. We were taught about the Bible, the sacraments and many moré things about our faith. The candidates were also prepared to make a good confession and parents of the candidates were encouraged to make their confession. After the Confirmation Mass, the candidates had a meeting with Bishop Percy and certificates were given to them. The morning concluded with a photo-session and all the candidates went back home filled with a new spirit of God’s love. Benita Marshal. 4 Parish News..... st On 1 February, Bishop Percival Fernandes released a DVD entitled “Dharmacharan” by Fr. Michael D’Costa . In Marathi, the DVD has an eye-catching video and simple sermons. As put by The Examiner, “If one is looking for a spiritual experience this Lenten season, then one must watch and hear ….this DVD” Valentine’s Day Themed SCC Meet th St. Jude’s Small Christian Community, Govandi, had decided to have their SCC Meet on 11 February in a unique way and keeping the spirit of Valentine’s Day alive in the Community was thought to be good way to share that spirit. It was decided in advance that all the participants would endeavour to literally paint the town red by dressing up in Red. The Meeting was hosted at the residence of Annie Dsouza. There was a surprise in store for all the Members as the Hall was tastefully decorated in huge Heart shaped Red Balloons, stuck to all the walls and doorway. The Gathering was a sea of red colour. Each one decked in their red clothing which included red accessories like purse, ribbons, footwear and red watch straps too! All the participants were given a long stemmed Red Rose, by the Hostess which truly set the mood for a Valentine Evening. . Elanor Rebello, one of the Participants had brought along cute heart shaped stickers, which were stuck on the face and cheeks of those gathered. She, had also brought heart shaped chocolates with a Lucky Winner slip in one of the chocolates. Mary George was the Lucky Winner and was crowned “The Sweet – Heart of the Year” with a dummy chocolate and more stickers on her face. It was a really a Kodak moment and was captured by everyone on their Mobiles. There was a competition for the Reddest dressed Valentine of the Evening. This was easily won by Lily D’costa, who was in red from head to toe, with even a matching red long cap. The Evening was rounded off with Annie serving steaming Appams with chicken stew, heart shaped cutlets, Smileys and Pudding for Dessert. And if you are wondering about the Prayers and the Meeting, that took place at the beginning of the above activities. Finally, everyone was reminded that Valentine is not only about Lovers, but the deeper significance of Love in all aspects of Human Life and especially “Love” among all the Members of our SCC. Brian D’souza 5 St. Jude – Small Christian Community – Way of the Cross St. Jude’s SCC, Govandi, conducted the Way of the Cross at the residence of Lily D’costa on Friday, 27th February 2015. The Prayers and Reflections were prepared by Brian Dsouza. The Prayer Meeting called to reflect on the Way of the Cross was attended by most of the Members. With the Crucifix in the Centre, the Members recollected Christ’s suffering as he wound his way to Mt. Calvary. HIS pain and suffering was highlighted in the Reflections that followed each Station to HIS crucifixion and death. Brian D’souza Agnes Monis and Anisha Lobo attended a session conducted by Fr. Felix Rebello of St. Francis Xavier parish Panvel, on “How to conduct a SCC meeting”. At the March PPC meeting they showed the SCC co-ordinators how to maintain typed reports of activities and also accounts for the community. They also shared tips on how the SCC should function. Report on Meeting held at Our Lady of Salvation Church, February 28, 2015 Contributed By Suzan Machado A program was organized by Bombay Archdiocese at Our Lady of Salvation Church with an objective of spreading awareness about “Lineamenta (means questionnaire) for the Ordinary Synodal Assembly on the Family” on February 28, 2015. Bishop Agnelo Gracias welcomed the gathering with an opening prayer and conveyed the gratitude of the Church towards the family for its wonderful contributions to humanity. Family in the present time faces crisis both socially and spiritually as it struggles with issues like break-ups, domestic violence & abuses, dependence of social media, addictions, work related migrations, etc. Church would like to acknowledge that the difficult phase thorough which the family passes and would like to extend its support to it. Fr. Cajetan D Menezes’ Director, Snehalaya, gave an overview of major outcomes of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of the Bishops held in October, 2014 with the theme “The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization”. Lineamenta is a set of questionnaire aimed to generate working guidelines for the forthcoming XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World scheduled to be held from October 4 – 25, 2015 on the topic “The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and in the Contemporary World”. This is also marks a paradigm shift in the stand of the Church as Pope urges the laities to “speak their minds” while answering the “Lineamenta”. Subsequently, a team of recourse persons guided the participants through the questionnaire. They added that least one lakh questionnaires are targeted to send from India and Bombay Archdioceses would like to contribute to it by sending 10,000. The meeting urged the participants to get feedback from people of all walks of life from their respective parishes and send the questionnaire so as to reach Snehalaya latest by March 31, 2015. From St. Anthony Church, Mr. Cleatus Feranadez, Mr. Suzan Machado, Mrs. Betsy and Mr. Jaison 6 THE PLUS FACTOR - Bernadette D’Aguiar Johnny was just plain trouble in school. He would not behave and his grades were terrible. His parents decided to send him to a Catholic school, so that maybe the nuns would give him a little discipline. After a few weeks, his teacher sent a letter home, saying that he had become a model student, and was excelling in math. Now Johnny had never voluntarily done his math homework his whole life, so his parents told him, “we’re very proud of you for starting to do what’s required and especially for studying math so hard.” Johnny answered, “Well, when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign I knew they meant business”. We may have laughed aloud everytime someone cracked this joke., the CROSS not exactly a PLUS SIGN though, But come think of it, Mathew 18:3 “unless you change and become like little children , you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven”. So let us look at the cross from a childs view point. In mathematics the plus sign is used for addition. So what could the CROSS probably add to our lives: In moments of suffering and pain- strength and fortitude In moments of dejection and despair- courage and hope In moments of happiness- joy In moments of loneliness-true ,loyal everlasting companionship In moments of rejection and hate- love unsurpassed In decision making- wisdom and right judgement In conflict- understanding and patience. And the list can go on and on……… Symbols for Lent and Holy Week Contributed By Karen Rego What does such of these pictures symbolize? Choose from the words in the box and write your answer on the line. Then decide why it is right symbol and write the letter of your answer in the blank after because. Symbol of: prayer Easter Sunday Good Friday Palm Sunday Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) Holy Thursday Why: a. At the Last Supper Jesus gave his followers the gift of himself in the Eucharist. b. They are like the tomb of Jesus that held new life within. c. It looks like arms folded. A monk gave these as treats to children who had memorized their prayers during Lent. d. It is blessed during the ceremonies on this night. e. On this day Jesus endured suffering and death. f. The people of Jerusalem used them to welcome and honor Jesus. 7 Contributed by Alsiha Fernandes & Aditya Muckaden 10. The Foods we deny ourselves are usually tasty. 8 Freedom … toasted and roasted by Vernon D'Souza Pahlaj Nihalani, the newly appointed chairperson of the Indian film Censor Board created a hue and cry with his decision to ban expletives and essentially, what constitutes vulgarity in films. Creative freedom is being violated, shouted everyone else. Really? In truth, the films that we see today have become obnoxiously crude in its language and humour, whatever justification you may want to give the reality slice of life that the film depicts. The veil of ‘U/A’ and ‘A’ certification that the censor board draws up to ensure restricted viewership to certain age categories is almost laughable because of the easy access to such films. So why do we make such a clamour of mocking such initiatives instead of supporting them? The AIB Roast is another such example. I have not seen it, but can safely say that I probably would have laughed my guts off despite the supposedly improper content of the show. But why does humour have to be so sexually driven? It is as if we cannot crackup on a joke without a sexual point of reference. If we analyze the popular ‘Comedy with Kapil’ show, at a microscopic level, it too betrays portrayal of women which can be deemed demeaning. But we are okay with it because akin to this type of humour or banter tinged with sexual undertones is what drives our casual conversations with friends and colleagues as well. It is also why I find it a tad hypocritical when we express our indignation at the violence against women. If we do not find it in ourselves to respect boundaries while speaking to and about women, then how can we expect that not to trickle down to the outrage that women are subjected to daily. Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical newspaper, lampooned the Muslim prophet, Mohammed, in many of their cartoons addressing their right for freedom of speech. Given the sensitivities of religion in particular, and the increasing intolerance levels, the satire was tactless and inconsiderate. Jesus, too, was not spared at the AIB Roast. Are people so bereft of ideas or does controversy make for better copy? But as many have pointed out, there are far more important things in the world to worry about than what a satirical newspaper publishes or a stand-up comic’s indulgence. True, but if let it be, then we would be creating an avalanche of such naïvete that it is okay to offend. The reason I am bringing this up is the right of freedom that we have to speak and to express, and yet, we choose to convey our thoughts in ways that are not necessarily appropriate, be it under the guise of creativity, the refuge of friends, or freedom of speech. Profanities have become a way of life, so have our sensibilities of what is ok. This definitely needs to change, because neither is the sensibility of what is okay acceptable, nor is the indulgent way we speak. Even as I express the above thoughts, I realize that we cannot be censoring everything we do, because then, we close ourselves to everything around us, to debates, to judgment, and allow this very freedom to smother us. A terrifying prospect could be that because of the controlling boundaries we seek, we may end up with no voice at all, and that, my friends, would be the indictment of everything we do wrong today with the freedom we have. 9 ß,d EgkrkjkÞ iyhdMP;k bekjrhr leksjP;k cWyduhr fnlr gksrk ,d Egkrkjk ! psgÚ;koj lqjdqR;k Fkdysys FkjFkj.kkjs gkr A dq.kh R;kP;k toG tkr ukgh rjh rks vLoLFk gksr ukgh psgÚ;koj dlysp Hkko ukghr d/kh >ksiysyk d/kh clysyk d/kh f{kfrtkdMs n`’Vh ykowu ikgr mHkk vlysyk A Åu] ikÅl] FkaMh] okjk cWyduh R;kpk fuokjk jLR;kojph jgnkjh gkp R;kpk osG xqtkjk !! dejsyk /kksrj vaxkr lnjk feYVu lj cksykZ xksoaMh PARISH CLOCK Compiled by Irene Fernandes Baptism: 1. 10 January, 2015 Joy Dhiwar, son of Rajkumar and Reema Dhiwar. 2. 10 January, 2015 Reema Dhiwar, daughter of Moolchand and Heerawati. 3. 10 January, 2015 Rajkumar Dhiwar, son of Devi Prasad and Jayshree. 4. 18 January, 2015 Cyrena Pinheiro, daughter of Anselm and Bertilla Pinheiro. 5. 30 January,2015 Laxmi Jingi, daughter of Kashappa and Durgamma. 6. 15 February,2015 F. Anto Starline, son of Francis Xavier Selvaraj and Mathalai Mary. Funeral: 1. 08 January, 2015: Mr. Anthony Manuel Coutinho of Our Lady of Rosary- Trombay, aged 77 years. 2. 14 February,2015: Mr. Gregorio Peter Pontes of Divine Mercy – Mandala, aged 64 years. First Holy Communion: On Sunday 25th January,2015 11 of our children received their First Holy Communion. Confirmation: On Sunday 1st February,2015 12 of our youngsters were administered the Sacrament of Confirmation by his Lordship Bishop Percival Fernandez. JKK INVITES CONTRIBUTIONS FOR EDUCATION AID FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-2016. CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE HANDED IN AT THE PARISH OFFICE. RECEIPTS FOR THE SAME WILL BE ISSUED. 10 ALL TRY MY RECIPE! – Karen Rego When it comes to Chocolate who wouldn’t get crazy? So I tried making Chocolate Mousse and it turned really lip-smacking. Chocolate Mousse being a very delicious yet expensive dessert can be made easily at home by these simple steps: Ingredients: 200 gms Chocolate 8 Oreo Cookies 3/4 tsp Gelatin 1 tbsp Caramel Syrup or Vanilla Essence 3/4 cup Amul Cream 1 & 1/2 tsp Melted Butter 2 tbsp Water 1 cup Whipped Cream Method: - In a bowl put dark chocolate and cream and microwave it - Whisk the melted chocolate and cream and let it cool - Grind the oreo cookies into a fine powder - Add melted butter to oreo cookie powder and mix it well - Make a thin layer in the base of the serving glass and refrigerate it 1 hour. - Soak Gelatin in water for at least 5 mins and add it to the chocolate mixture - Add caramel Syrup or Vanilla Essence and whisk it and refrigerate it for about 30 mins. - Add whipped cream to the chocolate mix and mix it well with a spatula - Pour the chocolate mousse onto the oreo cookie base serving glass - Set for another 15 mins in freezer - Garnish it with whipped cream, chocolate piece or any dessert sprinkles. So friends for this festive season how about some Chocolate Mousse instead of Easter eggs? With Best Wishes From : BRITTO UNDERTAKERS & SCULPTORS Official Undertakers & funeral directors for all faiths. We supply coffins, brand new hearse and ambulance, imported lowering device, church truck (coffin stand), wooden cross, gloves and socks, floral tributes, rosary beads, etc. Dispatch of mortal remains within the country and abroad. We also supply Portable Refrigerator Coffins, a very compact piece, which can be kept at home using regular power-supply. CUSTOMISED RATES TO SUIT EVERY INDIVIDUAL. MINIMUM RATE OF Rs.3,000/- ONWARDS. 4, AGRA MAHAL, AGRA ROAD, BETWEEN KALPANA & SHEETAL THEATRE Mr. Bellar Britto 9867064000 OPP. HOTEL SKYWAY Mr. Nikhil Britto: 9870483583/ L.B.S. MARG, KURLA (WEST) Mr. Kailash Gutale: 9867641470/ 8108474000 MUMBAI 400 070 11 LENTEN MISSION & HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2015 st Saturday, 21 March After 7 p.m. Mass, Inner Healing Prayer service till 9 p.m. nd Sunday, 22 March At 8.15 a.m. Mass, Induction of Parish Priest by Fr. Felix D’Souza, Episcopal Vicar, who will also give the Homily. Palm Sunday, th March 29 8.30 a.m. Blessing of Palms in Padua School followed by procession to the church and Holy Mass in the church. There will be no Mass at 9.30 a.m. th st 30 & 31 March Maundy Thursday 2nd April Confessions in the church 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30 p.m. Followed by Holy Hour in the Church after the service At the Service, SCC co-ordinators will bring Lenten offerings at the Offertory. Good Friday 3rd April Way of the Cross at 8.30a.m. Liturgical service at 6.30 p.m. Holy Saturday 4th April Easter Vigil at 8.30 p.m. (Please bring your own candle) Holy Water for blessing your home can be collected after the Mass. Easter Sunday 5th April Only one Mass at 8.15 a.m. DIVINE MERCY NOVENA rd The Novena will commence on Good Friday (3 April) before the evening service. Thereafter it will be conducted every day at 3 p.m. in the church till 11th April. SUNDAY APRIL 12 TH FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY Forthcoming events….. • Mandala Hill Feast on Sunday May 3 . Procession will leave the church after the 7 a.m. Mass. No 8.15 a.m. Mass. Those wishing to participate should give their names and ID photo at the church office by April 20 . rd th • During the month of May, there will be no morning Mass on weekdays. Recitation of the rosary at the grotto every evening followed by Mass at 7 p.m. • Forms for education aid for the academic year 2015‐2016 will be distributed in the JKK office from June 2 until June 12 . nd Published by Editorial Board Printed at: th Fr. Rui Comelo, St. Anthony Church, Mankhurd, Mumbai 400-088 Laila D’Sa, Vernon D’Souza, Bernadette D’Aguiar, Karen Rego, Premila D’Souza, Aditya Muckaden, Alisha Fernandes Crassants Print Shop, Vidyavihar, Mumbai 400-086. Phone 9819035484 12
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