Vol-1 / No.1 Secs. 14, 20 & 21. Sector 2 & 8 were still under development.
The construction of
Divya Kripa Church
Kasturi Villa, Plot – 44A, Sector 20, Kharghar,
Navi Mumbai - 410 210.
FROM INSURRECTION TO RESURRECTION :
A curious way to introduce a reflection on a subject
of a serious nature. We need reverting options.
For us Christians the week preceding Easter known
as Holy week is replete with high-drama, excitement,
chivalry and the reverberations of the annual Paschal
celebration. Amidst this atmosphere of mirth, laughter,
fun, entertainment, punctuated with religious fervour,
one senses a rising crescendo of violent verbal
denunciation from a motley crowd. “If you release this
man, you are not Caesar’s friend”.
The mumblings of an insurrection-people’s power
against Roman governance, baying for the blood of Jesus.
An outward display of the rabble-rousers anger, revealing
an inner insurrection of seething passions, unbridled
desires, and swerling impulses churching with human
heart, self-righteousness, prejudice, arrogance, power,
jealousy. In every insurrection some goals are achieved,
but there is a fall out as well. The rabble rousers put
Jesus to death, and with this died the tremors of the unsurrection.
Roman supremacy remained intact, religious conservation unscathed, but out of
this residue, by a strange logic, the one they killed arose from the dead.
He was resurrected. Mens knowledge catapitulates before God’s wisdom.
“ Unless a grain of wheat dies, it cannot give rise to new life”.
In dying Christ buried our unruly passions, and seething desires and arose offering
us a new life of Joy, Peace and Love.
Happy - Easter
– Fr.Gerry Fernandes
DOWN MEMORY LANE – DIVYA KRIPA PARISH
Looking Back – 2
During the latter months of 2004 the Indian economy
improved and building activity restarted in Kharghar.
Since then an average of 40 to 50 catholic families have
moved in. In 2006 we had 120 families. We then decided
to split the E zone into 3 smaller communities and
numbered them E1, E2 & E3.
Community E1 included Sectors 3, 4, 5. Community
E2 included Sec. 7, 11, 12 & 15. Community E3 included
1 2
Kharghar Railway Station, and Spagetti Complex was also underway.
We organized the first Nativity Novena to our Lady in September 2004, and with
the exception of a year we have continued this tradition. All 3 communities joined
together to put posters of the theme for each day of the Novena. Since there was
only one priest at St. Jpseph’s we could not have a mass each day. On the feast day
we had a get-together for the community. One year we had only vegetarian dishes,
as is done in many places on the Nativity feast day of our Lady, this every one
enjoyed the variety prepared by our ladies. The get-together not only helped build
up the community but also facilitated the newcomers too in making new
acquaintances and friends.
Since it was becoming very difficult for the Kharghar community to commute to
St. Joseph’s Church at Belapur, we had discussions with our parish priest, Fr. Ryan
Fernandes, regarding formation of a separate parish at Kharghar. Fr. Ryan agreed
that it needs to be done, we therefore decided to talk to Bishop Agnello Gracias, the
regional bishop of Navi Mumbai. We started a signature campaign and got prepared
an appeal. Three of our Kharghar parishioners met him when he came for instituting
the rite of confirmations at St. Joseph’s Church in April 2005. At that time Bishop
Agnello wasn’t in favour of a separate parish for Kharghar since a sum of nearly Rs.
1.10 crore had been spent on the St. Joseph’s Church building. He told us to send
the appeal to Archbishop’s house and he would go through it. We then decided that
the next time Bishop Agnello visited Belapur, he should be taken around Kharghar
to keep him abreast with the development taking place and the difficulty of traveling
to the church in Belapur. The next time Bishop Agnello came directly to Kharghar
and asked us to meet him at Prem Dan. After he was taken around Kharghar by us,
accompanied by Frs. Ralph and Ryan Fernandes and Sunder Albuquerque, his outlook
changed. He called the animators present for a meeting immediately and informed
us that we should work towards formation of a separate parish in Kharghar. Our
long cherished dream became a reality on June 1st 2009.
Many of our community members worked on Saturday’s and found it difficult to
attend 7.00p.m mass at Kharghar. They attended the 8.30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s on
Sundays. This kept the community divided and planning various activities difficult.
We therefore requested for the mass at Kharghar to be changed to Sunday morning
at 10.00 a.m. We also said we would provide transport for the priest but Fr. Ryan was
not in favour of the change due to activities of the church during the same time.
Mass at Kharghar was not celebrated on major feasts days, the two big holiday
period, Holy Week and Christmas. The laity at Kharghar found it difficult to travel
to Belapur due to lack of buses and rickshaws, especially in the morning. Many
walked 10 Km. back to Kharghar even late at night. Hiring a bus was out of question
as no contractor was available at Kharghar. When the laity from Kharghar attended
mass at Belapur the crowd overflowed on to the road at the rear creating a traffic
problem. Soon only those having vehicles and a few staying near the bus stops were
attending mass at Belapur. Rickshaws charged up to Rs. 150 from Kharghar to St.
Joseph’s and back. Many of the laity decided to attend mass at Belapur only on big
feast days.
We decided to speak to Bishop. Agnello regarding these problems and see if he
could help in getting the mass timing at Kharghar or appoint another priest at
Belapur to help out at Kharghar. Bishop Agnello said that it will be difficult to appoint
a 2 nd priest due to shortage but he will get the mass timing at Kharghar changed to
Sunday 10.00 a.m.
(to be continued...)
– Clifford D’Souza.
WOMEN’S VOICE :
An Evening for Couples
On Sunday, 7 March 2010, the Women’s Cell organised a
special day for the couples of our parish. 35 couples came
together at 5.30 p.m. at Prem Dan to participate in the
special Eucharistic celebration. The meaningful liturgy
prepared with appropriate inputs from Fr. Gerry created
a beautiful ambience, and invoked in us a feeling of
nostalgia as we reminisced the special moments of our wedding day. The renewal
of our marriage vows also felt special as we gazed into the eyes of our beloved spouse
and re-declared our love for each other. On the wedding day, we were overwhelmed
by the excitement and cheers of felicitation from friends and relatives. In the wake
of all the merriment some of the messages from the liturgy and homily were forgotten
as we left the Church hand-in-hand as one. But here, after years of togetherness,
we were blessed with an opportunity to re-affirm our feelings for each other and
acknowledge our appreciation. As the gifts of flowers, candle, incense, and bread
and wine were brought in procession during offertory we were reminded that family
life is made fragrant with the sacrificing love of couples. Appropriate hymns
centering on the theme of love between couples were chosen and they further added
meaning to our renewals and reflections. The Eucharist was followed by an
interactive session conducted by Fr. Gerry, who with the help of visual aids
highlighted the emotional differences between husbands and wives further widening
our vision. Enlisted below are the highlights of the session:
Six primary love needs of a woman/man-
 She needs CARING/ He needs TRUST
 She needs UNDERSTANDING/ He needs ACCEPTANCE
 She needs RESPECT/ He needs APPRECIATION
 She needs DEVOTION/ He needs ADMIRATION
 She needs VALIDATION ( feelings)/ He needs APPROVAL
 She needs REASSURANCE/ He needs ENCOURAGEMENT
We left that evening feeling more enriched, and amidst gratitude and appreciation
a radiant hope sparkled in our hearts-a hope to witness and participate in many
more celebrations of the kind.
– Mrs. Fatima Godinho
Secretary (Women’s Cell)
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
My First Holy Communion
The greatest and most momentous event of my life
was when I received my First Holy Communion on 28
February 2010. We were 12 candidates-3 boys and 9 girls-
who stood before Fr. Gerry, the parish community, our
catechists, parents, relatives and friends as we received
the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We are also proud to
be the first batch of Holy Communion candidates in our
newly formed Divya Kripa Church, Kharghar.
3 4
Our preparations started from June 2009. We were indeed blessed to be initiated
and prepared for our First Holy Communion by our catechists Fr. Gerry, Sr. Cresence,
Sr. Elsa and Miss. Preethi. During our preparatory course we were helped, encouraged
and supported by many people. We were often lovingly referred to as ‘the twelve disciples
of Jesus”. At home our parents guided and instructed us on the basic prayers.
Our catechesis was arranged into four units. In the first unit, we learned about
our loving Father, and on the feast of St. John the Baptist, we were accepted to the first
Eucharistic programme. We were then presented ‘the Lord’s Prayer’ on 1st October, the
feast of the Guardian Angels, at the Community mass.
The theme of our second unit was ‘With Jesus in the Holy Spirit’. On the feast of
the Presentation of our Lord we were presented ‘The Creed’.
In the third unit, we were introduced to the Sacrament of Reconciliation through
lessons from illustrious stories of the Bible such as that of the Prodigal son, the sinner
woman and the woman of Samaria among others.
With the guidance and fatherly love of Fr. Gerry, we then entered into the fourth
solemn stage of preparation for our first Confession. Through his various inspiring
sessions, he took away our anxieties and worries. And on 27thFebruary, we, the First
Holy Communicants along with our parents made our confessions. We prepared our
hearts to receive Jesus.
And finally our most anticipated day, 28thFebruray, dawned. We awoke with great
eagerness in our hearts and prepared excitedly for our Communion mass. All dressed
serenely in garments of white, we entered the church in procession with our parents
followed by the Eucharistic ministers and Fr. Gerry. The presence and active
participation of our parents, relatives, friends and our dear parishioners gave us a
feeling of unity and acceptance. We participated whole-heartedly in the Liturgy
beautifully prepared by Sr. Cresence. We took up various parts of the Liturgy which
included the Readings from the books of Exodus and 2 Corinthians, and an Offertory
procession accompanied with reflective prayers on our symbolic gifts of offering.
And then that memorable moment arrived when we all received the consecrated
Host in a ceremonious and symbolic manner from Fr. Gerry. Our hearts were bursting
with joy as we beheld our most sweet Jesus, our dearest friend who loves us ‘as we are’
and always walks besides us. We then professed our gratitude and love for Jesus by
singing the hymn ‘I just thank you Lord, for making me ME’. We are convinced that
this Holy Sacrament of Communion constitutes a solid moral foundation for our future
and will always guide us to live a virtuous life.
– Joel Justine
Jeevan Jyoti Ashram –
A Beacon of Light in the Darkness of Human Suffering
At the mention of Jeevan Jyoti Ashram, we all envisage the Missionaries of
Charity Brothers, bearing expressions of joyous humility and tranquility, and living
lives of simplicity devoted to loving kindness. As parishioners of Kharghar, we
ourselves bear witness to the selfless service they offer to those who are often
shunned and abandoned by family and society, thereby living the vision of their
foundress Mother Teresa. These messengers of God’s love live a joyous adventure
of charity and faith each day as they embrace and share the trials of those in misery
and need. Their works of love and service are strengthened by their life of prayer,
which includes daily mass and an hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
We interview Brother Emmanuel, Superior of Jeevan Jyoti Ashram (Kharghar),
to learn more about their vocation of service and love.
Brother Emmanuel, could you give us a brief idea of the history of your
Order and also Jeevan Jyoti Ashram?
Inspired by a need to find men who would work among the poor with the same
zeal and spirit, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity Brothers in
1963. She appointed a young Jesuit, Ian Travers Ball, whom she met when he
came to Calcutta for his Tertianship, as the Spiritual Director and Superior for the
Brothers. With permission from the Jesuits, he joined the Brothers and humbly
led this small group of men to serve the poorest of the poor. He took the name of
Brother Andrew, a name that we now know him by. Under his leadership and Mother
Teresa’s gentle guidance, we grew in numbers, and have been able to reach out to
our sick, lonely and rejected brethren. We seek to do small things, but infused
with love for our fellowmen.
On 31 May 2009, we started Jeevan Jyoti Ashram at Kharghar, a home for
destitute persons (adults and children) diagnosed with HIV or tuberculosis, a place
where they are loved and accepted, and where they can be cared for and nurtured.
Most of them had the streets or railway stations as their addresses. They are brought
into our care by the police, social workers, non-governmental organisations and
the Missionaries of Charity Sisters. We ourselves make regular rounds of railway
stations and major hospitals such as J.J. Hospital, Sion Hospital and KEM Hospital
to look for destitute persons living with HIV or tuberculosis who would need our
attention. Here at the Ashram we are able to provide them the security of a home
and an environment of love and peace. We are able to help them improve their
health by providing palliative care and assisting them to complete their course of
medical treatment accompanied with access to routine medical examination at
the hospitals. We also run two dispensaries, one each for treatment of HIV and
tuberculosis.
Are the medications aided or subsidised by the Government?
Yes, the medicines specific for the treatment of HIV and tuberculosis are
completely Government-aided and we collect them from government centres at
Irla and Vashi. However, we have to purchase medicines to treat other ailments
that affect our brethren.
What is the usual daily routine for the residents of Jeevan Jyoti Ashram?
Dependent on their health, the residents are encouraged to participate in simple
daily activities. In the mornings, they engage themselves in making rosaries and
cleaning. Time is dedicated in the early evening for outdoor games. This is followed
by a session of prayer and devotion. We are also planning to introduce candle-
making. Every Wednesday, we conduct awareness programmes in the form of oral
presentations to help clarify their doubts and misconceptions.
What is the response you receive from the residents under your care? Do
you witness any changes in their interactions?
Yes, each day, we are witnesses to small miracles of change and healing—not
just of their bodies but also their wounded and bruised spirits. The constant
assurance that there is somebody to look after them and care for their needs has
helped blossom their faith. The renewed faith gives them the courage to endure
life’s sufferings and tribulations. We are happy to notice a change in their
behaviour—from one of indifference to a healthy participation in the activities at
Jeevan Jyoti Ashram and interaction with others.
How would you describe your mission of love?
We believe in preaching the Word of God through works of love, reaching out to
those deprived of acceptance and companionship. To serve the poor, we believe in
first humbling ourselves and living a simple life. By being one with the poor, we
can identify with their sufferings, and they find it easier to approach us with their
inadequacies and broken spirits. We do not make distinctions based on religion,
caste or creed; with our hearts open to people from all faiths, we embrace them
into the circle of our love. We give freely what we receive in abundance from God.
In what ways can we contribute to Jeevan Jyoti Ashram?
5 5
Our main sponsorship is from our Mother House at Kolkata. Your acts of charity,
however, will definitely aid our work. Apart from volunteering time, you can also
sponsor the daily meals through our booking system, and provide monetary
donations, clothes and food supplies. We would appreciate enquiries regarding our
other immediate requirements before you volunteer to make further donations.
You can also help strengthen our mission by your simple act of encouraging your
fellow brethren to come forward to our aid. Most importantly, keep us always in
your prayers
We are indeed deeply touched by your works of reaching out to our less fortunate
brethren. You strive zealously to restore dignity to the rejected, abandoned and ostracised,
transcending the barriers of race, creed, physical attributes, social class and health
status. You feed their hunger for love, clothe them with acceptance and dissipate their
loneliness. Thank you, Brother, for sharing with us your visionary ideals of doing the
smallest of things with the greatest of love.
In order to contribute to Jeevan Jyoti Ashram, you may contact Brother
Emmanuel at Jeevan Jyoti Ashram.
– Jacinta George
Prem Dan –
The Gift of Love that every Child Deserves and Yearns for
Nestled at the foothills around Kharghar lies a place that embodies the spirit of
love, service and goodwill, a place where we gather together every Sunday to celebrate
the Eucharist, a place that has carved a place in the warm niche of our hearts, a place
we all know as Prem Dan. Every visit to this home renews our appreciation of the
beauty and homely atmosphere of this wondrous place. We revel in the generosity of
the Congregation of Jesus and Mary under whose guidance and administration this
institution has flourished. The grace and poise exuded by the resident girls during
prayers and daily interactions never fails to amaze us.
Yet, many aspects of their lives are unknown to most of us. And, so one evening,
I sought the help of Sister to find out more about the institution and its work. With a
serene smile and a warm embrace, she welcomed me to their home and humbly agreed
to provide answers for my questing mind.
Sister, it would be wonderful if you could help us find out more about Prem
Dan. I will commence by asking you to elaborate on the vision behind your
Congregation and the establishment of this institution.
In 1818, the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary was founded by
Saint Claudine with the apostolic aim of providing young and deprived children affected
by the French Revolution with a solid religious and moral formation along with
imparting elementary education and working skills. She always urged the Daughters
of the Congregation “to be mothers to the children, true mothers of body and soul”.
And true to the visionary ideals of our foundress, Saint Claudine, Sister Felicity
Morris, a Religious of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, has been working
undauntedly towards the upliftment of the underprivileged girl child.
Prem Dan is the outcome of Sister Felicity Morris’ long-cherished and deep desire
to gift the underprivileged girl child with the security of a loving, caring and appreciative
environment. She initiated the child care project in 1975 under a tree in Mumbai.
Her small steps of embracing a few girls then took the form of a home, and the tree is
the now site of the Thévenet Garden School, Prem Dan at Fort, Mumbai. In order to
provide a full-fledged home where the girls could be cared for, in 1998, Prem Dan at
Kharghar was conceived of and established. It provides a platform to the underprivileged having Fr.Gerry Fernandes in charge of the Parish has made us more eager to be
girl child offering them a firm education, both formal and moral, and an opportunity to here every weekend. The various initiatives for Community building and bonding,
explore and develop their potentials with the constant assurance of a safe and loving fund raising drive has been inspiring. The breaking of the WORD at the Eucharist
environment. help us through the week in our desire to live a Christian life, the Choir helps lift
Our home is open to girls of all faiths. We offer them formal education and residential our hearts in praise and offering to God.
facilities till they complete their Secondary School education. We seek to impart a Truly each weekend stay at Kharghar fills us with breath of fresh air to live
value-based education to help the girls coming from disturbed environments develop for Him and serve all those God brings our way.
their inner selves and equip them with etiquette, poise and grace that would help – Janet Pinto
them in their future. We hope they gain something worthwhile to take back through Bhumiraj Woods- Christ the King Community.
our actions and teachings of Gospel-based values.
It gladdens our hearts to see many of our girls doing well in various careers. They
only need a little boost, small encouragements and an assurance of love and support to BIBLE QUIZ FOR KIDS – NEW TESTAMENT
excel in their unique fields of specialisation. 1. Where was Jesus born?
Was the Convent of Jesus and Mary High School an initiative to aid this cause? 0 Nazareth 0 Bethlehem
Yes. Though we founded the school in 2002 to ensure that our girls would receive 0 Jerusalem 0 Capernaum
a continuous and impartial formal education, we also wanted to impart the same 2. How many disciples did Jesus have?
education to the children of the parish and the society. This is in keeping with the 7 10 12 20
philosophy of Saint Claudine who believed in devoting our charism in service to the 3. What is the name of the disciple
church and society at large. who betrayed Jesus?
We understand that congratulations are due to you and all the sisters for the Simon Peter Andrew
recognition the school has gained in 2009. Bartholomew Judas Iscariot
Thank you, dear. It is indeed a joyous wait for us as we anticipate the meritorious 4. How did Jesus die?
passing out of our first batch of SSC students this year. He was flogged to death
We have also heard about the Vocational Centre situated here at Prem Dan. He was crucified Joseph Jesus
Could you tell us more about the courses offered at the Centre? He was stoned Jairus Paul
The building adjacent to our residence on this campus is the Vocational Centre, He was burned outside the city wall 13. What is the collective name of the
where we offer courses of tailoring, catering and computer-training to women from the 5. Who gave Jesus gifts when he was stories Jesus told?
vicinity, school dropouts and those seeking help. Janashikshan Sanstha, Worli, a born? Miracles Poems
government-recognised organisation, provides tutors for these courses and confers The wise men The shepherds Parables Psalms
certificates at the end of the training period. Mary The innkeeper 14. Who wanted to kill Jesus when he
Your selfless and giving nature has impacted us all; your works of kindness 6. W i t h w h a t d i d J e s u s f e e d 5 0 0 0 was born?
and unconditional love has touched us deeply. How can we contribute to your people? Caesar Herod
mission? Loaves and fishes John the Baptist The wise men
Corn and roast lamb 15. What did Simon Peter do for a living?
Financing of the institution and the education of our children is dependent on the
Almonds and figs Fisherman Shepherd
donations from our ardent supporters. Individual sponsoring is also beneficial and Basket maker Trader
appreciated. Most of all, we seek volunteers who can help the children with their Herbs and fruits of the fields
7. W h a t i s t h e n a m e o f t h e p r a y e r 16. What happened to Jesus after the
academic curriculum. Individual attention to each child will assist and improve their resurrection?
academic performances and promote their self-confidence. We have been fortunate to Jesus taught to his disciples?
The Prayer of Jesus He went to live with Mary and
receive support from people of various faiths residing in the vicinity of Kharghar, who The Prayer of Peace Martha
feel it is their social duty to encourage such works of service. The Lord’s Prayer He made himself king
Oh, that is indeed wonderful. Thank you, Sister, for helping us understand and The Righteous Prayer He went to live in Jerusalem
truly appreciate your vision and mission. 8. Who was the religious leaders who He ascended to heaven
And so, with a glow in my heart, I left Prem Dan that evening. My mind, however, continually tried to trap Jesus with 17. What did the holy spirit look like
continued to dwell on the charisma, dedication and tenacity with which the Daughters of the their question? when the disciples received it ?
Congregation of Jesus and Mary strive to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged Stoics Phariseers A rushing wind Tongues of fire
children, whose conditions of life deprive them of the opportunities to bloom. Their tender Epicureans Galileans White doves Billowing clouds
attention and appreciation provides the nourishment that would allow the children in their 9. What is the name of Jesus’ 18. Who went on missionary journeys
care to blossom and attain their full potential. mother? to preach to the Gentiles?
– Jacinta George Mary Salome Peter Paul
BREATH OF FRESH AIR Joanne Martha James Jude
10. What did Jesus do for Lazarus? 19. How did Paul escape from
Come Saturday, my husband Brian and myself are Cooked him dinner Damascus?
in Kharghar.In fact we look forward to every weekend Took him for a walk Through a tunnel under the city
when we can come to Kharghar to spend exclusive Healed him from a fever Disguised as a soldier
time with each other and meet/worship with/ and Raised him from the dead On horseback through the rear
serve the Kharghar Parish Community. 11. What job did Jesus’ earthly father, gate
I recollect that when we decided to invest in a Joseph, do? In a basket down the city wall
second home, Kharghar became a right choice not only Fisherman Carpenter 20. What is the last book of the New
in terms of what the place has to offer but also in terms Tentmaker Shepherd Testament?
of the emerging Parish Community. And the fact that 12. Who wrote a lot of letters to churches Acts Corinthians
Kharghar was declared a Parish in June 2009 and in the New Testament? Revelation Romans

7 8
UP LIFTING FINGERS
It is surely worth making the 5 finger
prayer a part of our lives.
1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So
begin your prayers by praying for those
closest to you. They are the easiest
to remember. To pray for our loved
ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a
“sweet duty”.
2. The next finger is the pointing finger.
Pray for those who teach, instruct and
heal. This includes teachers, doctors
and ministers. They need support and
wisdom in pointing others in the right
direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next is your tallest finger. It
reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the
president, leaders in business and
industry and administrators. These
people shape our nation and guide
public opinion. They need God’s
guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger.
Surprising to many is the fact, that
this is our weakest finger, as any
piano teacher will testify. It should
Please send us your views, suggestions on the issue of this bulletin.

9 10
remind us to pray for those who are
weak, in trouble or in pain. They need
your prayers day and night. You
cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger- the
smallest finger of all which is where
we should place ourselves in relation
to God and others. As the Bible says,
“The least shall be the greatest
among you.” Your pinkie should
remind you to pray for yourself. By the
time you have prayed for the other
four groups, your own needs will be
put into proper perspective and you
will be able to pray for yourself more
effectively.
“I asked God for strength that I might
achieve-
I was made weak that I might learn
humbly to obey”