Nativity of Our Lady at St John Bosco Church, Borivli

The Nativity of Our Lady was celebrated at St John Bosco Church, Borivli this year in a unique manner.

The preparation for the celebrations started on 30^th August 2008, the first day of the nine day Novena and culminated with a concelebrated High Mass on 8^th September 2008 at 7.30 pm.

Being the year of St Paul, a special theme was selected for each of the nine novena days, and each novena day was animated by an association of the parish. Every day, special offerings were made by the parishioners which were distributed to the poor and needy. The themes and offerings for each day were as follows :

Day 1 – The Personality of Paul – (Onions and Potatoes)

Day 2 – For me to live is Christ – (Sugar and Tea Powder)

Day 3 – Paul, the Preacher – (Notebooks)

Day 4 – Paul, the man of prayer – (Dal, Pulses and Cereals)

Day 5 – From the Law of Moses to the Law of Christ – (Edible Oil and Hair Oil)

Day 6 – Poverty and Riches according to Paul – (Detergent Powder, Bathing and Washing Soap)

Day 7 – Love in Paul – (Stationery, Pens, Pencils and Erasers)

Day 8 – Family life according to Paul – (Rice and Wheat)

Day 9 – Paul’s program of Mission and Ministry – (Pulses)

The Feast Day Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Ronnie Menezes, Fr. Bosco D’Mello and Fr. Alwyn Misquita. More than a thousand parishioners packed into the church, the choir loft and the area outside the church.

After the Eucharist, all the parishioners were offered cake and the children were offered special milk chocolates.