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140th Anniversary Celebrations

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The Holy Cross Oratory is a Religious Landmark in the heart of Matharpacady Heritage Village in Mazagaon, Mumbai.  A kind lady, late Mrs. Buthello, donated the land.  Our ancestors donated generously to construct the Oratory, Their families gathered at the Oratory to pray and worship together.  When Mumbai was ravaged by the scourge of the Great Plague in the 1896, our forefathers and their families assembled at the Holy Cross Oratory and prayed.  They  beseeched Jesus and Mother Mary to save them from this deadly pestilence that had led to the deaths of scores of people all over the city.  Our forefathers most gratefully recorded that not a single life was lost to plague in Matharpacady Village as their fervent prayers to the Lord, His Blessed Mother and St. Roque – patron saint for pestilence,  had protected and saved the lives of all  resident families.

Generations of families in Matharpacady Village, down the decades of time,  have sustained and continued the traditions of praying and worshipping at the Cross Oratory. Traditionally, every year, the Managing Committee of the Holy Cross Oratory organizes the nine days Novena Services which are held in the late evening from 22nd April to 30th April.  The Cross Feast Mass  is celebrated at 7.00 P.M. on 1st May, followed by Veneration and  Kissing of the Relic of the True Cross at the Oratory. The helpful volunteers then serve boiled gram and light refreshments to the large gathering of around 300 people.  An entertainment program follows with skits, song and dance.
We shall celebrate the 140th Novena Services and Feast Day this year.  The Novena Services will start at 7.30 P.M.  on Wednesday, 22nd April 2015 to Thursday, 30th April 2015. On Friday, 1st May 2015 at 7.00 P.M., His Lordship Bishop John Rodrigues, Rector of St. Pius College, Goregaon,  will celebrate the Eucharistic Sacrifice.  Our Parish Priest – Rev. Father Frank Fernandes and his Assistants are invited to concelebrate. The Provincial of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, Rev. Fr. Jegaraj [based at Eymard Cottage, 22 Matharpacady Village] and his Assistants are also invited to concelebrate.  Catholic resident families, their relatives settled in other parts of Mumbai, India and abroad,  and well wishers are invited to  attend the Feast Mass and festive celebrations.  The Managing Committee will organize kissing of the Relic of the True Cross after Holy Mass, refreshments and an entertainment program.

We are posting our humble and earnest appeal to you on our website www.Matharpacadyvillage.com to assist our Managing Committee by donating generously towards the major repairs and renovation of the Holy Cross Oratory prior to the 140th Anniversary Celebrations on 1st May 2015.  Your monetary donation may be sent in cash or cheque in the name of our Treasurer,  Mr. Stanislaus Baptista or our President – Mrs. Carole Viegas, stating behind the cheque the purpose of the donation towards the 140th Anniversary Celebrations.   We cordially invite all of you to visit Matharpacady Village and participate in our 140th Anniversary Feast Day Celebrations.  Your generosity and participative prayers in sustaining the Catholic faith and devotion at the Holy Cross Oratory will surely be rewarded by showers of divine blessings from God.
{ Tyronne Concescio ]                                                 [ Stanislaus Baptista ]

SECRETARY                                                                  TREASURER

 Note : Some photographs of last years Cross Feast celebrations have also been uploaded

Christmas in Matharpacady Village – December 2023

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

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

Along with its unique ambience best experienced during Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Cross, Matharpacady Village has an active residents’ association fighting hard to adapt and accommodate into the fast changing city around, to survive the onslaught of urbanisation and salvage one of the few remnants of Old Bombay.

We want the government to see the potential for heritage tourism here. In this context, the Residents Welfare Association has submitted suggestions to the Mumbai Heritage Committee for the up gradation, protection, and maintenance of our unique Heritage Village Precinct and safeguarding this cultural gem.

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

Urban Sketchers, Mumbai – 24th December 2023

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

148th Anniversary Cross Feast in Matharpacady Heritage Village

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urban Sketchers, Mumbai – 26th February, 2023

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



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

Thanksgiving Service – 30th December 2022

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Party – 29th December 2022

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

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

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

A big THANK YOU to all the Volunteers for making this event a grand success.

The Thanksgiving Service will be held on Friday, 30th December 2022 in front of the Holy Cross Oratory. Kindly make it convenient to attend.

Cultural Day – Rosary Church – 8th October 2022

As part of the Rosary Church Parish Feast Celebrations – Cultural Day, we were part of the evening’s celebration of Unity amidst diversity on Saturday. 8th October 2022.

Over the years, our city has evolved into a cosmopolitan hub, around which life sprouts in myriad colours of varying hues and shades.

And we were there to show some of those shades and colours of a community whose culture is steeped in historical facts, and whose culture is a rainbow of rites, rituals and revelry.

The East Indians – Now, who exactly are the East Indians and why such a name ? After all, don’t we find them on the West and East. Perhaps, history could help resolve this confusion, this misinformation. The East Indians – history reveals – are the original Catholic Community of the regions around Bombay, Salsette and Bassein – hence their culture is basically Indian, more specifically Marathi and of course a generous sprinkling of Western traits.

History also tells us, that this Community owes its origin, not so much as to natural growth – did it exist earlier ? No.  Then how did the Community come about ?

It was due to a change of Religion – but how did this happen ?

Well, the Portuguese landed in North Konkan in the year 1534. Why did they come ? They came to trade in spices… but their clergy soon realised, they were in the land of the infidels – who needed to be converted, evangelised.

And that is when the Portuguese Christian Missionaries converted our ancestors to the Christian faith. And so with a change of Faith, followed a change of names and surnames.

However, earlier in these areas lived people of diverse cultures, creeds, castes and social ranks. The Portuguese managed to mould these different peoples into one homogenous society who were held together by their Christian Faith – glue that bound was Christian Faith.

Besides evangelisation – the Christian Missionaries were also concerned about the social upliftment of its new converts – and so  to ensure this they initiated the process of education – and so beside Churches came up Schools – a feature we observe even today. Thus, the local Catholic community received Education because of the Portuguese missionaries.

History tells us that in the year 1661, the Portuguese ceded Bombay to the English – the new masters were now the English.

The English soon realised that if they were to control these areas, they must develop the areas, Bombay Harbour – roads and bridges, a fast mode of transport – they needed a workforce who would understand their plans – people with an educational background who could man the administrative and clerical tables of their set up. This is when the new local Christians, educated earlier by the Portuguese found jobs in this new English set up.

As trade and commerce between the English and India increased a multinational company by the name “The East India Company” found its way on Indian soil, playing a major  role in the plans of the English masters.

Going back in time, we learn that there were descendants of an old Christian Community in these areas. Also, Christians of other parts of India lived in Bombay.

The newly converted local Christians were at a loss as to identify themselves – what name should they be known by….. And hence in order to distinguish themselves from the other Christians, they adopted the name East Indians – this was around 1887, which coincided with the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

This evening we would like to showcase to you a culture that is in touch with its traditional image.

And what better traditional image can we enact than the traditions that centre around an East Indian wedding ceremony. A ceremony that gets the entire village or settlement involved – a truly community affair.

We have the Moya Ceremony followed by the Saivar ceremony or the Umbrache pani.

The Portuguese did instill a deep sense of faith and communion with the Almighty with the early converts And this faith has come down the ages, hence these ceremonies always began with prayers at the Village Cross / Chapel / Grotto.

Here the faithful will pray for the couple to be married, for the new relationships that would arise from this union and for the welfare of all.

Moya ceremony – Moya is also known as the shaving ceremony. It is performed on the wedding eve before dinner. It marks the groom’s first shave (earlier custom/ tradition). Flowers are dipped in rose water and smeared over the face of bride. The Mama and Godparents give their respects to the bride/groom respectively. The Mama gives the barber his ‘Dasturi’ (fee) by giving coconut and flowers.

Soopra– Lynette holds each item in her hand while Lyra explains the items in the Soopra – Coconut, Betel nuts, Betel Leaves, Mango leaves, Rice, Marigold flowers.

Saivar Ceremony – The Saivar ceremony is when we go to get the Umbaracha Paani. It is performed by unmarried girls carrying ‘brass khalshis’, singing and dancing till they reach an ‘Ambar’ (Mango) tree. They pluck the leaves and proceed to the Village well. Umbar is the wild fig tree that grows on the walls of the well. The water collected is now called ‘Umbracha Paani’. In certain communities of the culture, people recite prayers at the well for the souls.  This water is carefully stored for the ‘Purification Bath’ on the morning of the wedding.

The kalshi is decorated with Mango leaves and the mouth of the khashi is covered with a coconut to keep the water safe of the purificatory bath on the wedding day.

East Indian Delicacies – The various East Indian delicacies – Varias, Fugias, Papris and Khimad are shown and explained to the audience. The same are also shared with the audience.

Photographs : Courtesy – Stanislaus Baptista

Matharpacady Holy Cross Novena – Day 9 – Saturday, 30th April 2022

The Feast Day Mass on Sunday, 1st May 2022, will be celebrated by our Parish Priest, Fr. Nigel Barrett at the Holy Cross Oratory at 7.00 pm.