August 2025.....coming up
July 2025
June 2025
On the 78th Independence Day, the Parish held a special adoration on 15th August 2024 from 7pm to 8pm in the Cathedral for our beloved country, India. The Young Catholic Students (YCS) members took the initiative to spend an hour is pray before the blessed sacrament. They organised a bi-lingual service for the benefit of all the laity to participate whole heartedly. They asked for God's abundant graces on our country praying for the Unity among religions, caste, creed, political parties and gender identity in our country, for independence to reach every sector of our society, For the owners of industries and their labourers, For daily wage and sessional wage workers, For the citizens of our country who live in the public eye (our politicians, heads of major corporates, sportspersons, actors and actresses, social media influencers), For all the social work societies, For the safety and security of the women in our nation and For the common man living in our great country. We pray that God may guide us to let the dreams of our founding fathers and the values of our Constitution—equality, liberty, and fraternity—be always held in highest esteem. - Correspondent, Techno Ministry
On Sunday 11th August, 2024 the Parish conducted the Initiation Ceremony for all the children receiving their First Holy Communion and Confirmation this academic year. This will be followed by special prayers in the respective BEC Units of the children and regular Catechism Classes to help prepare our young children to receive God's grace through the Sacraments. This year the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be imparted on Sunday 19th Jan 2025 and Confirmation will be imparted on Sunday 12th Jan 2025. - Correspondent, Techno Ministry
The laity of the parish witnessed the Renewal of Commitment of the members who have answered God’s call to serve the Lord at His altar this Sunday 11, August 2024. All the Altar Servers of the parish from classes 5 to 10 wholeheartedly took part. The evening began with Mass which was Animated by the Altar Servers who also took up the Choir for the day. This followed an evening of song, dance and games with all the children and their parents. We that the parents for encouraging the children to donate their time to this Ministry. May God bless these young children who have come forward to serve the Lord.. - Correspondent, Techno Ministry
We Congratulate all the SFS youth members who have won the 1st prize at the National level video competition organised by ICYM India. Special thanks to Noel Francis, Johnson Anthony, Arron Daniel the team behind the camera, who made our video so wonderful. Really you all did a fabulous job. Also thanks to everyone who were part of it. Keep up the good work.
The Annual Crowning of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the winner of the Bishop's Test was held on 26th May 2024. Ms Matilda Aranha not only came first in the Sunday Catechism Classes for the year 23-24 but also did well at the Archdiocese level Bishop's Test. We congratulate her and all the 10th class students and pray for God's grace on them as they embark on a new journey in life. The crowning was followed by Mass and a procession marking the end of the May Devotion in the Parish. - Correspondent, Techno Ministry
SUMMER CAMP "AAGAZ" was conducted by the Youth of the Parish for all the Catholic Students from 16th May to 25th May 2024. It is an event that the children look forward to throughout the year. The camp includes morning rosary, praise and worship session, catechetical session by youth, activities, games, action songs and friendly competitions followed by a hearty breakfast. The 10 days have been an experience of growth in faith with enjoyment for all the children from ages 5 to 15. - Correspondent, Techno Ministry
FAREWELL
The farewell of Fr Joy, OCD (6 Years), Fr Nikesh D'Souza, OCD (1 year) and Fr Anbu (2 years) was held on 28th and 29th April 2024. The parishioners along with the Altar Servers, Young Catholic Students and Youth of the parish showed their appreciation and gratitude towards the Fathers for their years of service in the Parish. Two evenings of Dance, Songs, loving dedications and memories were shared by all for the Fathers. We assure the Priest of our prayers for their health and success in their new mission. - Correspondent, Techno Ministry
VEILING OF THE CRUCIFIX
For the first time in the Archdiocese a special prayer service was held on the Saturday before Palm Sunday for the Veiling of the Crucifix. The Young Catholic Students (YCS) organised an hour of meditation on the holy wound of Jesus while contemplating on their own sinfulness adding to the pain Christ felt on the days leading up to his crucifixion. After the meditation and examination of conscience they received Christ in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. The students organised this service as a preparation for the Holy Week to come. They then deepened their preparation before the Tridum by organising an hour of reflection in front of the Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday night at 9pm. We are pleased to see our Young Students grown in their faith and love for Christ our Saviour. - Correspondent, Techno Ministry
The annual fancy fete at SFS Cathedral took place on November 4th and 5th, 2023, with the support of parishioners. The event featured new games and stalls, with various religious nuns, elderly people, youth, and children running stalls. The Archbishop of Nagpur, Most Rev Elias Gonslaves, released a brochure during the fete, titled "A great symphony of prayer." The brochure was presented to Fr. Sebastiraj, Rector of SFS Cathedral, and Fathers Anbu Xavier and Nikesh D'Souza OCD, assistant parish priests. The 2024 year will be dedicated to a great Symphony of Prayer, inaugurated on November 26th, 2025, on the occasion of Christ the King. The fete concluded with the announcement of raffle winners. - Melissa Hirekan, Techno Ministry
On December 3rd, 2023, the Parish' Young Catholic Students (YCS) held their inaugural Mass at 9:30 am. The YCS, a branch of the Parish Youth, includes students who have graduated from school and are pursuing studies in colleges or universities. They aim to grow in their knowledge and love of God, dedicating their time and effort to the work of the Church. YCS members animated the Mass, participated in choir and took their oath wherein they were given badges. Fr Nikesh DSouza blest packets of salt and candles which was then given to the young members to remind them that they are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The event was a day of prestige and celebration for these young Catholic students. -Rea D’Souza, Techno Ministry
St Francis de Sales Cathedral held the Annual 40 Hours Adoration in preparation for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The event began with Mass by Fr. Anthony D'Souza, Vicar General, and ended with the final hourly adoration on Sunday, November 26. Fr. Anthony gave the final blessing in the presence of Most. Rev. Archbishop Elias Gonsalves. The church was filled with prayers from various clergy, religious and laity groups across the Archdiocese. The parish fathers expressed gratitude to all parishes, schools, youth groups, religious congregations, and seminarians who participated in the Solemn Adoration. -Tobit Hirekan, Techno Ministry
CHILDREN'S DAY
On November 19th, the Daughters of St Paul Sisters and their young lay associates organized a Children's Day program for Sunday school children at the Catholic institute Club. The event began with an opening prayer, followed by action songs, games, and quizzes. The children participated actively and won prizes. The program concluded with a prayer and a special Mass by Fr Anbu Xavier. Snacks were distributed to the children thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Franswah. - Joylyn Lawrence, Techno Ministry
TREE PLANTATION DRIVE
Nature is God's most beautiful creation. It felicitates the growth, development and nourishment of all its creatures. Under the PPC unit and SFS Parish Youth initiative, a "Tree Plantation Drive” was organized In Jaripatka graveyard Nagpur on Friday, 6th August 2023. The campaign's main aim was to direct our mind in constructive activities with the positive outcome through the facilitation of contributing to the society.
Various saplings were brought including Neem, Ashok and many more. All who participated in the drive enthusiastically and helped each other in planting the saplings. All the saplings were planted in the Graveyard premises by members of the PPC group as well as The Youth Group along with our Parish priest Rev Fr Sebastiraj.
The main aim of this activity is in fostering strong mental and social health amongst today's youths so that they connect with their peers, their elders, their community and their environment. -Rayzelle Rodrigues, SFS Techno Ministry
National Youth Sunday Celebrated
National Youth Sunday is a day observed by the Church in India as an opportunity to celebrate young people, recognizing the young as a gift in the Church and affirming their contribution to the Church and those who collaborate with them. This year National Youth Sunday was celebrated in the Parish on Sunday, 13 August. The day began with Mass at the 8:00 am celebrated by Fr Anbu Xaviour, Priest-in-charge which was followed by an afternoon of activities, music and enlightenment by Rev Fr Anthony Xaviour, resource person. The youth director of the archdiocese was pleased to see over 40 youth actively participating and encouraged them to set an example of unity and action.
The youth wish to express their thanks to Fr Sebastiraj, Rector and Fr Anbu, the Youth Animator for their constant guidance and surprise lunch for all. – Joylyn Lawrence, SFS Parish Techno Ministry
The feast of St John Berchmans, Patron of Altar Servers celebrated
Altar server’s day was celebrated on 13th August at the Children’s Eucharistic celebration. The Mass was animated by the altar servers and was celebrated by Rev Fr Nikesh D’Souza OCD, Priest-in-charge. After the mass a small celebration was organised at CI Club for the altar servers. The program began with cutting of the cake followed by an afternoon of games and lunch. -Melissa Hirekan, Altar Servers Animator & SFS Parish Techno Ministry
Adoration for peace in Manipur
The weekly adoration every Friday at 7:30 pm in the Adoration Chapel is being organized by the youth. It has become a regular part of Youth activity in our Parish. The young are building a greater awareness of, sense of reverence and love for the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
On Friday 16th July, 2023, a special eucharistic adoration was conducted wherein the youth joined by the children of the parish prayed for peace to prevail in Manipur and for a miraculous healing of the victims. A procession was held in the Church premises conveying a strong message of solidarity and support in the suffering of the people of Manipur.
The organizers of the prayer service expressed their gratitude to all those who participated and extended their heartfelt prayers for the people of Manipur. Another evening of prayer for peace in Manipur is being organized on Friday 11th August, 2023 after the evening Mass wherein all parishioners are requested to join. It is through these concerted efforts that we can pave a way for a peaceful and harmonious future. – Joylyn Lawrence, SFS Parish Techno Ministry
SFS Cathedral celebrates the Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
On 23rd July 2023, SFS Cathedral honored all the elderly of the Church on the occasion of the ‘3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly’.
This celebration was an ode to all grandparents and the elderly, highlighting their role in their respective families and the entire community. It took place soon after the 9:30 am Mass, beginning with a short introduction that led into a prayer.
Grandparents from SFS Cathedral spoke about this celebration and their gratitude towards it in a beautiful speech. They shed light on crucial topics regarding the elderly in today’s modern world and spoke about their importance in families.
To conclude the celebration, all the grandparents and elderly present were given a Rosary by the Church, as a token of appreciation, on behalf of the people. The elders of the community truly are a blessing to this generation. Their advice and guidance will always be priceless, because, they have seen the world and experienced it like no youth can. -Rea D’Souza, SFS Parish Techno Ministry
Education Aid to the Needy of the Parish
"A Child without education is like a Bird without wings" . A well said Tibetian Proverb. Keeping this in mind, The Parishioners of SFS Cathedral parish under the Guidance of the Rector, Rev.Fr Sebastiraj contributed towards the Education Aid Scheme of the Parish. 35 students where provided with education aid such as books, stationery, uniform, etc. We thank all those who contributed towards this generously. - Tobit Hirekan, SFS Parish Techno Ministry