HISTORY
The Ladies’ Sodality under the patronage of Our
Lady’s Assumption was established on 15th
Aug 1888 and affiliated to the Prima Primari
of Rome on the 8th Dec 1888. It is probably the oldest
functioning Association of the Parish.
In 1938, the Golden Jubilee Year, there
were 577 members on the roll who did much for the Church
and Parish: training the choir, donating gold vessels
for the services, a harmonium, and vestments and also
undertook several spiritual and social projects: a bourse
was started for a Jesuit in the name of late Fr Soler,
as also the Study Classes for the less fortunate children.
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In 1942 with plans for the new church
afoot, members went all out to raise funds for the new
building: organizing fetes, sacrificing their Annual
Assumption Social, etc. Besides the regular works undertaken
– both spiritual and social, in order to enrich
themselves and others. They organized Catechism classes
for 55 catholic students studying in non-Catholic schools.
During the World War, they helped with
the War Gift Fund – yet continuing to help annually
at the Retreat House Stall at the Mount. They raised
funds for the new Seminary building, Cheshire Home and
others.
In 1965, some Sodalists assisted the
Men’s Sodality at the Medical Centre and the Study
Classes for domestics was started with 120 domestics
attending the Literacy section and 30 attending the
Needle work section. A fund was also started for them
with the aim of teaching the girls the value of ‘saving’
and was really appreciated at the time they were to
be married. A special section for the door to door sale
of Catholic Literature in English and the vernacular
was started.
Spiritual life was enriched by 3 day Closed Retreats,
Recollections, Night Adoration for the ladies, pilgrimages
and talks – highlighted with audio/visuals by
Fr Benji.
On the lighter side, the members participated in the
Pageant of the mass and arranged socials, whist drives
and picnics, not forgetting the sports, together with
the other 3 sodalities – men’s, young men
and ladies.
In 1988, the Centenary Year, there
was a spurt both spiritually and socially. The Sodality
sponsored a Choral group, “The Living Voices”,
in preparation for Christmas – a treat for the
Parish. The centenary coincided with the alterations
to the main altar and the Sodalists once again did their
bit by donating the cost for the new main altar and
an altar cloth and lights for the Grotto and a new bourse
for a Jesuit. A Scholarship each was donated to St.
Joseph’s and St. Stanislaus for a deserving student.
A Marian Poster Competition was also organized with
a response of 68 entries. All this was possible because
of the dedication and zeal of the Sodalists through
the years.
On the 15th
Aug 1988, Cardinal Simon Pimenta (then Archbishop)
celebrated a solemn High Mass which was con-celebrated
by the Jesuit Provincial, some of our ex-directors and
other priests. This was followed by a fun filled evening
with song and dance depicting some aspects of Our Lady's
life and ending with a sumptuous dinner.
Activities
Our activities included regular visits to the Leper
Home at Borivali but is now restricted to visiting hospitals,
homes and the housebound, the Annual visit and treat
to the Clergy Home and the Parish Team. We also help
in cash/kind to deserving causes.
COMING UP - 120 years
Unfortunately, with the new associations catering to
the ever changing needs and charisms of the Parish,
our number has now dwindled to approx 28 active and
30 housebound members. YET, we are confident that with
Our Lady at the helm, we will complete 120 years in
the service of the Parish in 2008.
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