Vision Dec 2015
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Vol. 31 No. 7 November - December 2015 Extraordinary Jubilee Of Mercy Fr. Bernard Rodrigues, SVD Pope Francis has declared an extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy from Dec. 8th, 2015 to Nov. 20th, 2016. The opening words of the Bull of Indiction, Misericordiae Vultus (The face of Mercy), state that Jesus Christ is the “face of the Father's Mercy”. Pope Francis himself explained the reason for declaring a special year of Mercy. He said “At times we are called to gaze even more attentively on Mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father's action in our lives. For this reason I have proclaimed an extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy as a special time for the Church, a time when the witness of believers might grow stronger and more effective” (The Face of Mercy, no. 3) The proclamation of Jubilee is also meant to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. Jubilee is an opportunity for us to enter into a season of special grace, to encounter God of Mercy and become merciful like the Father. If there is mercy in our hearts, there will be peace in the world. God was introduced to Moses as “a God of Mercy and graciousness, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex 34:6). When faced with sin, God responds with fullness of mercy. The life of Jesus is a reflection of God's abounding mercy. The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal Son (Lk 15:1-32) are clear examples to illustrate the love, mercy and forgiveness of God. Jesus was compassionate to the woman caught in the act of adultery. The many sinners and outcasts who encountered Jesus experienced his merciful love. Mercy is at the very foundation of the Church's life. The time has come for the Church to take up the call of mercy to those facing injustice and atrocities of various kinds. Every Christian should be an oasis of Mercy. During this holy year of Mercy let us reach out and open our hearts to those living on the outermost fringes of our Society. Wishing you all a grace filled Advent and a joyful Christmas Annette Fernandes ADVENT Waiting for the Lord ST. THERESA’S CHURCH, BANDRA As 2015 draws to a close, the Universal Church begins a new Liturgical year with its first season of Advent. PARISH PRIEST: Christmas comes Fr. Bernard Rodrigues SVD What is Advent? Advent derives from the Latin word meaning ASST. PARISH PRIESTS: A fter our children but flew oncethe nest, a I year…was tempted to 'coming'. The Lord is coming. For us Christians, the season of Fr. Jolly Mudakkampurath SVD hibernate into the New Year and skip the yuletide Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different Fr. Nicolau D’Costa SVD (Principal) season. This would mean no sending of cards, no Fr. Dinesh Damor SVD (Asst. Principal) perspectives. The general norms for the Liturgical year bring out Fr. George Crasta SVD anxiety about finding the perfect gifts, no soaking of those raisins for the fruitcake, no decking the halls and this two-fold division of the Advent season. EDITORIAL TEAM: Sheila Fernandes (Editor) no stirring the milk cream and marzipan. Leaping over 1. It is a time of preparation for Christmas when the First Coming of God's son is recalled. Yorick Fonseca (Co-Editor) this stressful season, I thought, would give me a shot at experiencing peace on earth, good will to all and ARTWORK: Kevin Ambosta PRINTER: St. Paul’s Press, Bandra. maybe even a silent night. But is it easy - or even 2. It is also a season when minds are directed by this memorial to the Second Coming at the end. possible - to skip this supposed, most wonderful time PUBLISHED: of the year? Much to my chagrin, I discovered my Psalm 40: 31 says “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Advent is thus a time Fr. Bernard Rodrigues, SVD on behalf of St. Theresa’s Church, Bandra (W), resolve crumbled faster than the Rose Cookies. My of waiting, a time of expectation, a time of hope, and a time of preparation for him who is to come Mumbai 400 050. Tel: 26407891, 26511901 husband sarcastically chimed, “It's all talk. As if you again. Advent comes each year to remind us that the Second Coming of Jesus is a reality, just as His Email:[email protected] would ever forego the shopping, the to-ing and fro-ing First Coming was. WEEKDAY MASSES: from shop to shop, the Christmas tree, the carol English: 6:15am, 7:00am, 8:00am & 7:00pm. singing, the lights, the decorations, the sweets.” So as we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord whom we expect to come again at the end of time, let this SUNDAY MASSES: That tongue-in cheek remark made me ponder about Advent be a season to honestly evaluate our lives. English: Saturday: 7:00pm. what all our festive-frantic activity was about? Was I, Sunday: 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am & 6:00pm. in the hustle and bustle of celebrating the festival, Malyalam: 11:00am. May the Word of God and the Sacraments be channels of bringing His abundant grace into us, so Hindi: 4:30pm. essentially missing out on rejoicing in the birth of that we become the bearers of His kingdom in the broken world. Sunday School, Confirmation Class, Christ? I began to realize that a real Christmas had First Holy Communion Class nothing to do with the dress I wore, or with the variety every Sunday after the 8:30am Children’s Mass. of sweets I made, or the imported Christmas tree and Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour: decorations. Wednesdays after 7:00am & 7:00pm Mass. Online I turned to the Bible for help and it told me plainly, 'turn Readers are advised that this Vision publication is now available CONFESSIONS: your eyes upon the true Creator and Christ of Wednesdays: 6:45am & 6:30pm, Christmas – the light of the world.' And like the o n l i n e i n f u l l c o l o u r ! P l e a s e v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e a t First Friday: 6:30pm & Saturdays: 6:30pm. www.sttheresasbandra.org and look under the “News” tab to access. shepherds in Bethlehem all those centuries ago, I saw BAPTISMS: the light. Christmas gives us a wonderful opportunity If you wish to get on our mailing list and obtain an e-format copy, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 10:00am. Mass to open our hearts to His gifts of forgiveness and please send in your e-mail ID to [email protected] with a OFFICE TIMINGS: righteousness. It celebrates living in harmony with the request, specifying your Parish Community and Zone. 9:00am to 11:00am & Lord and our neighbours, enjoying all of God's 5:00pm to 7:00pm. creations while caring for our natural resources and Closed on Sundays & Bank Holidays helping the poor and the powerless. MARRIAGE: Regarding marriage formalities meet So this Christmas as you put your up your crib, Crib Contest the priest on duty well in advance. decorate the tree, make Kuswar, get that new dress Bring your latest Baptism Certificate t h tailored and prepare the big Christmas meal for the St.Theresa's announces its annual Office starting 10 December. (issued not more than six months earlier) family, don't miss this opportunity to focus your th and copy of Marriage Preparation Course Crib Contest! The theme this year is Judging will take place from 26 Certificate. attention on the coming of Emmanuel. If you miss it, you'll be skipping that one special, “Mercy.” Prizes will be awarded December onwards and prize- BURIAL: Copies of Death Certificate & spiritual time of year. Don't skip in two categories: Individual winners will be announced Municipal Burial permission required. Christmas. Rejoice at the coming and Community. Entry forms during the New Year's Eve of our Saviour. Come, let us www.sttheresasbandra.org adore Him. will be available at the Parish Thanksgiving Mass. Send in your suggestions / feedback to us at Sheila Fernandes the parish office or at [email protected] November - December 2015 3 November - December 2015 Annette Fernandes ADVENT Waiting for the Lord ST. THERESA’S CHURCH, BANDRA As 2015 draws to a close, the Universal Church begins a new Liturgical year with its first season of Advent. PARISH PRIEST: Christmas comes Fr. Bernard Rodrigues SVD What is Advent? Advent derives from the Latin word meaning ASST. PARISH PRIESTS: A fter our children but flew oncethe nest, a I year…was tempted to 'coming'. The Lord is coming. For us Christians, the season of Fr. Jolly Mudakkampurath SVD hibernate into the New Year and skip the yuletide Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different Fr. Nicolau D’Costa SVD (Principal) season. This would mean no sending of cards, no Fr. Dinesh Damor SVD (Asst. Principal) perspectives. The general norms for the Liturgical year bring out Fr. George Crasta SVD anxiety about finding the perfect gifts, no soaking of those raisins for the fruitcake, no decking the halls and this two-fold division of the Advent season. EDITORIAL TEAM: Sheila Fernandes (Editor) no stirring the milk cream and marzipan. Leaping over 1. It is a time of preparation for Christmas when the First Coming of God's son is recalled.