January 1, 2025

Today, Fr. Rony joyfully celebrates his Golden Birthday, marking a milestone in both his life and his service to the Lord.

The members of the Community of Bengaluru came together to offer heartfelt thanks to the Lord for the gift of Fr. Rony’s life and the innumerable blessings he has received throughout his years. His leadership, love, and devotion have been a guiding light to all who have crossed his path, and this momentous day is a celebration of his Pauline vocation and service to the Lord.

In a beautiful show of unity, the parishioners of St Paul’s Church, Bengaluru, also came together to honor their Shepherd on the eve of the New Year 2025. The celebration took place during the Eucharistic Adorationand Holy Mass, where the community gathered in prayer, offering thanks for Fr. Rony’s faithful ministry and asking God to continue blessing him abundantly in the years ahead.

We wish Fr Rony God’s choicest blessings as he embarks on another year of his journey with Christ. May he continue to grow in His grace, radiating God’s love and compassion to all those he encounters.

Mumbai, 27 December 2024 — The Christmas celebrations at St Paul’s, Mumbai, were marked by a series of heartfelt, community-driven events that united everyone in the spirit of faith, hope, joy, love, and togetherness. The festivities began with the Novena—a nine-day period of prayers, devotion, and reflection leading up to the joyous occasion of Christ’s birth.

Novena in Preparation

In keeping with the congregation's traditions, the Novena was observed with great fervour and devotion. Beginning on 16 December, the community gathered each evening in the Studio Chapel of St Paul’s for prayers, hymns, and spiritual preparation. This cherished practice brought members closer to the true spirit of Christmas, setting a reflective and joyous tone for the events that followed.

A Grand Christmas Crib

One of the most anticipated highlights of the season was the grand Christmas crib. Displayed in front of the “Title Waves”, the beautifully crafted crib depicted the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Created by community members and staff, the crib showcased their artistic talent and attention to detail, becoming a focal point for reflection on the holy night.

Adding a unique touch to this year’s festivities, Fr Sajith designed a novel crib for the Jubilee Year 2025. His creation symbolised life’s journey as a ship navigating the sea, guided by the lighthouse where Christ is born. This thought-provoking depiction was well-received, offering a meaningful perspective on life’s spiritual voyage.

Cake, Sweets, and Gift Distribution

In the days leading up to Christmas, the spirit of giving was alive as cakes, sweets, and gifts were distributed to the staff of St Paul’s and neighbouring communities. This heartfelt gesture expressed gratitude for their dedication throughout the year and embodied the season’s joy and generosity.

On 23 December, a special get-together was organised for the staff. The event featured festive snacks, cakes, and carol singing led by SPICE under the guidance of Principal Fr Plavendran, spreading cheer and friendship.

Midnight Mass: A Unifying Celebration

Most of the community members joined in the much-anticipated Midnight Mass held on 24 December at St Theresa's Ground. Beginning at 10:00 PM, the solemn service culminated at midnight with the joyous proclamation of Christ’s birth. Hundreds of parishioners, friends, and relatives participated in the celebration, which deepened their faith and strengthened the bonds of fellowship.

Christmas Day Mass and Festive Lunch

On Christmas Day, the community gathered for a special Day Mass at 11:00 AM in the Studio Chapel to offer prayers and gratitude for the birth of the Saviour. During his homily, Fr Sunil, the community superior, expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone for their unwavering support and dedication, which made the event a resounding success. The celebration continued with a festive lunch, where members shared the joy of the season and strengthened their sense of togetherness.

Pauline Family Outing to Arnala Resort

The Christmas season concluded with a Pauline Family Outing to Arnala Resort on 26 December. This day-long outing offered the members of the Pauline family (SSP, FSP & PDDM) in Mumbai an opportunity for relaxation, bonding, and the joy of Christmas. It was a perfect end to a beautiful and enriching Christmas celebration.

The celebrations at St Paul's, Mumbai, beautifully captured the essence of Christmas—a time of prayer, community, generosity, and joy. Through heartfelt traditions, meaningful gatherings, and a spirit of togetherness, the community reflected on the significance of Christ's birth while strengthening their bonds of faith and family.

Br. Leo Kocheelath: A Faithful Pauline Disciple

Br. Leo Kocheelath, a true Pauline Disciple as envisioned by Blessed James Alberione, the Founder of the Pauline Family, was called to his eternal reward on Monday, 16 December 2024, at 7:00 AM in the community of Vijayawada, India.

Born as Varghese Kocheelath on 26 October 1945 in Elemgdi, Changanacherry (India), he was the fifth of ten children to Ephrem Abraham and Aley Elisabeth. He entered the Pauline community in Bombay on 21 May 1964, began his Novitiate on 16 July 1967, and made his First Religious Profession on 16 July 1969, adopting the name Leo. He perpetually consecrated himself to the Lord on 20 August 1974. Throughout his life, Br. Leo rendered generous and selfless service in various communities of the Indian Province.

Blessed Alberione once stated that the highest tribute to a Pauline is to recognize him as “observant.” By this standard, Br. Leo undoubtedly earned the highest recognition. He embraced the essentials of religious life with a genuine and profound spirit, endearing himself to all with his friendly, humble, and prayerful nature.

What truly defined his life was his unwavering dedication to the Pauline apostolate, prayer  life and  his cheerful disposition, which he upheld until his final days.

In loving memory of Br. Leo, a Requiem Mass was celebrated on 21 December 2024, at 6:30 AM in the community of Mumbai. The Mass, presided over by Fr. Joby Mathew, the Provincial, witnessed a large gathering of Paulines who came together to pray for him and give thanks to the Lord  for the life of his faithfulness to the Lord  till the end of his life. 

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his life of dedication to the Lord inspire others to follow in his footsteps with the same zeal and devotion.

On Friday, 13 December 2024, His Eminence Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera, Bishop of the Diocese of Eluru, together paid a fraternal visit to our community in Mumbai and a few apostolic departments on the same campus.

Fr. Joby Mathew, our Provincial, welcomed them warmly. In his address, he emphasized that the Society of St Paul is grateful to these esteemed visitors for choosing to spend time with us. He added that the members of the Mumbai community are indeed fortunate to meet them on our campus.

After a brief interaction with the members, the two prelates visited our book centers in Bandra: Title Waves and St Pauls Book and Art Centre. They appreciated the careful selection and orderly arrangement of books.

They then proceeded to visit St Pauls Institute of Communication Education (SPICE). Both were of the opinion that our media institute is equipped with excellent infrastructure necessary for conducting professional media courses. “Thanks to Blessed James Alberione, your founder,” said Rev. Bishop Jaya Rao, “you are focusing on your specific apostolate of spreading the Word through media and communication.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to these ecclesiastical authorities for visiting St Pauls, Mumbai.