The parishioners of Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar, popularly known as the Portuguese Church in Mumbai, western India, launched their parish theme for 2026–27, “Word Fed, Spirit Led,” during a solemn Eucharistic celebration on June 20.
The initiative marks the beginning of a year-long spiritual journey aimed at renewing the community’s love for Sacred Scripture and deepening openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The celebration began with a solemn entrance procession, during which parishioners carried Bibles into the church. The Scriptures were later blessed, symbolizing the community’s desire to place the Word of God at the center of personal, family, and parish life.
In his homily, parish priest Fr. Michael Pinto reflected on the challenges of contemporary society and the growing need to return to the Word of God as a source of nourishment and direction. He noted that while modern technology offers unprecedented access to information and connectivity, it often leaves people feeling isolated and spiritually unfulfilled.
Fr. Pinto invited the faithful to rediscover their spiritual roots by being deeply formed by Scripture. He also challenged the congregation to examine whether they are truly “Spirit-led” or “self-led” in their daily decisions and actions.
He encouraged families to invite priests to share reflections on the Word of God during family celebrations and gatherings, saying such practices would help transform homes into “domestic churches,” strengthen parish life, and animate small Christian communities and associations as living centers of faith and service.
As part of the ceremony, the parish community renewed its commitment to ground its meetings, ministries, decisions, and daily life in Sacred Scripture and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all endeavors. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Salvation, the parish pledged to foster unity, love, and service while remaining rooted in God’s truth and mission. Around 100 parishioners publicly took part in the pledge.
The initiative has already inspired many within the community.
Parishioner Cheryl Rodrigues shared: “Having the Bible at home is having the Lord in your house. Even during disagreements, it reminds us of God’s presence and helps us recognize our mistakes and seek reconciliation.”
Another parishioner, Maria Cajetan Fernandes, said: “As a busy mother, I do not always find time to read the Bible, so I rely on the priest’s homily. It gives me strength and lifts my spirit whenever I feel low.”
Founded by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century, Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar, remains one of Mumbai’s oldest and most cherished Catholic parishes. Deeply rooted in Marian devotion and a rich Christian heritage, the parish continues to be a vibrant center of faith, uniting generations of believers in prayer, worship, and service.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
