Community Building : Our Lady of Rosary

Our Lady of Victories Church, located near Sitladevi Mandir Road in Mahim, is a historic Roman Catholic church known for its spiritual significance and beautiful architecture. Established in 1948, the church has been a place of worship and community gathering for decades, offering solace and blessings to its parishioners. It stands as a symbol of faith and devotion, attracting both locals and visitors who come to seek the grace of Our Lady. The church plays a vital role in the religious life of Mahim, hosting regular Masses and community services.

The Lady of Victory Church parish operates with the vision statement: “To make our parish family a vibrant and holistic community, rooted in Christ, that feels, loves, cares, and serves.” Each community within the parish has a Core Group, consisting of a Coordinator and several Animators, depending on the size of the community, along with a Priest and a Sister. These Coordinators are part of the Parish Pastoral Council, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across the parish. The church is home to 18 Small Christian Communities, one of which is Our Lady of Rosary. Together, they work to foster spiritual growth, service, and unity within the church and the wider community.

Today, the Our Lady of Rosary community organized a heartwarming get-together at the Victoria High School Hall, where over 50 members gathered to celebrate unity and fellowship. The objective of this community is rooted in three core values: loving, caring, and sharing. These values reflect the spirit of togetherness that binds the members, making them not just neighbors but an extended family.

During the event, Fr. Calistus Fernandes beautifully expressed the importance of these Small Christian Communities, emphasizing that they function as extended families. He explained that in moments of joy, such as births, marriages, and church ceremonies, as well as in times of sorrow like death, the entire community should come together to offer support. He encouraged members to visit each other at least once a week for community prayers and to check on the well-being of fellow families. This practice ensures that everyone feels cared for, both spiritually and emotionally, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

The evening was filled with joy and laughter, beginning with a variety of games that brought members closer together. Snacks were served as the group enjoyed fun activities, including a “Know Your Neighbor”, which helped everyone learn more about each other and Quiz. The event culminated in a delicious dinner, leaving all attendees with a sense of warmth and connection.

As we emerge from the pandemic, communities like these have become even more vital. In an editor’s note, it was highlighted how important it is to create and nurture such bonds. After the isolation experienced during the pandemic, forming close-knit, supportive groups has never been more necessary for maintaining both social and spiritual health.

Team Maverick.

Mavericknews30 has launched a series of articles on community building, sharing insights and success stories. Stay tuned for the next article as we explore how to create stronger, more connected communities!

Log on : www.mavericknews30.com
Follows us on : Twitter @mavericknews30
YouTube : @MarvickNews30