INAUGURATION OF INFANT JESUS CHURCH, GORWA
February 19th, 2017 will go down in the history of Carmelites in India as a memorable day, because their long-cherished dream to have a Church in Gujarat was finally fulfilled, with the inauguration of the Infant Jesus Church, Gorwa in the Diocese of Baroda. It was in November 2004 that the first Carmelite priest of the Karnataka-Goa Province, Fr Alwyn Aranha arrived in Baroda, with a vision to establish the Carmelite presence in Gujarat, and now, it has finally been accomplished. The day began with the faithful of the parish gathered at the Church premises at 8:30 am in their traditional attire. They lined the road leading to the Church, to welcome the dignitaries – His Grace Archbishop Thomas Macwan, Archbishop of Gandhinagar, His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Stanislaus Fernandes, Apostolic Administrator of Baroda, and Rev. Fr Charles Serrao, Provincial Superior of the Carmelites. The liturgy began at 9:30 am with the priests walking in procession to the main entrance of the Church where the whole congregation had already gathered. After the initial greeting by Archbishop Thomas, Rev. Fr Charles cut the ribbon and opened the main doors. The Archbishops, followed by the priests and the congregation, solemnly entered the new Church in procession. Archbishop Thomas presided over the liturgy with Archbishop Stanislaus by his side. Along with them at the Eucharistic Celebration were the Provincial and Vicar Provincial of the Carmelites, former Provincials, the Carmelite friars who had worked in the Gujarat mission in the past, other Carmelite friars from various communities in the Province, priests and religious of the diocese, and the faithful from different parishes and even from different parts of the country. It was overwhelming to see such a huge crowd gathered to witness the elevation of this building into God’s dwelling place. Many of the faithful expressed their joy in being present to witness this special liturgy which involved the blessing of the water that was later sprinkled around the Church and on the people, the proclamation of the word for the first time from the newly-blessed ambo, the anointing of the altar and walls of the Church with Holy Chrism, the blessing of the incense later used to sanctify the Church building and all the faithful, the blessing of the two statues of Infant Jesus and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the breaking of the Bread for the first time on the holy altar, and finally the blessing of the Tabernacle, after which the Parish Priest Fr Sunil Monis OCD was solemnly handed the Key to the Tabernacle as a sign of being the custodian of this sacred place. Rev. Fr Jitu D’Monte SJ helped the faithful participate meaningfully and devoutly in the whole liturgy with his commentary. After the Mass, all gathered before the grotto of Infant Jesus near the main entrance, and Archbishop Stanislaus blessed it. The beautiful life-size statue of Infant Jesus moves one to prayer and devotion. The Eucharistic Celebration was followed by a Felicitation Programme where the dignitaries present, the friars who served the Gorwa Community, the benefactors and all those who contributed towards the construction of the Church were felicitated. The programme began with a prayer dance by the students of Convent of Jesus and Mary, Fatehgunj. The students of Auxilium High School, Makarpura, presented an inspiring skit titled, “Church is nothing without you.” Archibishop Stanislaus Fernandes, the Provincial Rev. Fr Charles Serrao OCD, the former Provincial Rev. Fr Archibald Gonsalves OCD, and the Mayor Mr Bharat Dangar, expressed their feelings on this occasion. Fr Sunil thanked everyone for being instrumental in their own special way in the construction and dedication of the Infant Jesus Church. The celebrations of the day concluded with a fellowship meal for all present. As one looks back to that memorable day, one can’t help but recognize the miraculous presence of the Infant Jesus, not only throughout the Inauguration event but also every single day of the past years the Fathers toiled to bringing to completion this beautiful dwelling place of God. May Infant Jesus continue to bless all those who come to seek Him in this holy place.