Blessed Sacrament Ashram – Kholapurwadi, Agashi, Virar.
This SSS community at Kholaprwadi, Agashi, Virar was originally envisaged as the Novitiate training centre for the SSS Region of India and was ready for occupation in 1987. Since then, it has functioned mainly as the Novitiate, but also offered facilities for Retreats to individuals and groups from time to time. For over twenty-five years the place has been the home of the novices for their two-year period of formation and the majority of SSS working today in India have been trained here. However, in 2012, it was decided to shift the novitiate training to the newly erected house at Santa Cruz, Alto, Goa and since then this place at Agashi has catered mainly to retreat groups.
History
Situated almost at the very heart of the little Catholic village of Kholapurwadi, Dhobitalao, the Ashram forms an almost ideal place for a spiritual retreat and renewal programme especially for those having to face the hustle and bustle of city life in the nearby metropolis of Mumbai. In its own little way, the Ashram has contributed to the spiritual growth of the area, particularly by fostering organized Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, first of all to the Catholics of the surroundings but also reaching out further to groups that sought a deeper spiritual life. The focus in all our simple apostolate, of course, has always been on the Eucharist as the source and centre of Christian living. Our Fathers and Brothers have consistently made valiant efforts to learn enough Marathi to be of service to the people and in general, the Ashram is well-known in the area for its spiritual ambience and updated Eucharistic impact.
Efforts at Present
Retreat work now forms the bulk of the apostolate done at the Agashi Ashram and on an average we get about two to three retreat groups each month. Of course, there are lean days and days of plenty but on the whole the place is used reasonably well. However, most of the groups that come at present are from among the new-born Christian assemblies and their presence is felt here mostly at weekends and during public holidays. A few Catholic Charismatic groups also frequent the place from time to time while individuals to make good use of the place at regular intervals. All in all, the place provides a useful and prayerful ambience for time spent in prayer not only to such established groups but also to individuals and smaller gatherings on a personal basis. Spiritual guidance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are also available for those who seek it.
While reaching out to groups coming from outside, we have not neglected or forgotten the people of the village itself, particularly the youth. We maintain a regular contact with them and assist them in their studies and other needs as required, guiding them to seek a better future for themselves. We are glad to note that in the twenty-five odd years we have been in this place, the surroundings have witnessed a marked improvement economically, academically, and also culturally. Several of our younger people work abroad while almost all who have remained behind are doing well in life in a variety of fields and have much to be proud of. As in most of the other places also in this Virar-Vasai area, traditional farming is very much on the decline! Our presence here has been a real ‘win-win’ for the local residents as also for us. This Institution celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the Province in 2012.
Apostolate in the Neighborhood
Besides this work done at the base (Ashram), our priests and novices also rendered valuable service to the parish of St. James, Agashi, especially for a Sunday English Eucharist catering to the influx of English-speaking people from the Mumbai area. Our contribution in this area has been growing keeping pace with the increase in the English-speaking population. Our SSS priests continue to help out with Recollections and other spiritual requirements like Confessions when approached and on the whole, the SSS have blended amicably with the overall apostolate of the diocese.
Hopes for the Future
Though formation work is down to short-term emergency courses for special groups of candidates that do not fit into the regular sections and retreat work relegated mainly to the weekends, yet the place is alive and vibrant in its efforts to cater to a spiritual renewal of all who have the time and the desire to avail themselves of what it has to offer. Our hope is to move in the direction of making this place a more clearly Eucharistic Animation Centre where short-term courses in different languages would be offered to select (though somewhat limited in number) groups seeking to plumb the depths of the Eucharistic mystery and benefit more from its riches.
Purpose
Given the quiet atmosphere of the place and its surroundings, we gradually hope to develop it further into a place that offers spiritual renewal at a level not easily available elsewhere. There are already quite a few such Retreat Centres in the Diocese and so we would aim at offering something distinctive especially with regard to the Eucharist. While this is yet a ‘dream’ and we know it will possibly take quite some time to materialize, yet we realize that it is mainly in this area that we would be able to make a worthwhile contribution in keeping with our charism. For as our Rule of Life states quite emphatically, “our ideal is to live the mystery of the Eucharist fully and to make known its meaning so that Christ’s reign may come, and the glory of God be revealed to the world.” (Rule 1). Drawn and guided by this ideal we move ahead slowly yet steadily, and we look to the future with hope and enthusiasm.
Presently, the community is consisting of Fr. Michael Adaicklam sss – Superior & Tr, Bro. Moses- Administrator, Fr. Justin – Residence.
Blessed Sacrament Community Bambolim, Goa
Blessed Sacrament Community, H.No: 1509/7, C – 19, Rego Bagh, Alto Santa Cruz, Bambolim Complex P.O, Ilhas, Goa 403 202. Mobile No.9403058079 and 9405329862.
Goa, an important holiday destination for tourists within India and outside, is known for its ‘Churches and Beaches’ and all the more for St. Francis Xavier, whose mortal remains are reposed at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, old Goa. Following the footsteps of our founder who wanted to set fire to the four corners of the world, a deep desire existed for a long time to open a SSS community in the Christian dominated State of Goa that has contributed immensely to the Church in India. Our community in Bambolim started with the shift from Siolim in the year 2003. Thereafter we were trying to build the community house by staying nearby our land for rented house.
History
The formation house in Bambolim took years to build and the house was ready for use in the year 2009. The first batch of the English year students came to Bambolim with Fr Michael, and they began their formation in the newly built house. This house served as the first impression for the aspirants about our way of life. In the year 2011, Fr. Sebastine was appointed as the superior and given the job to complete the chapel work which was started by Fr Bismarque. Fr Santiago was appointed as the Director of the English year students. In the year 2012, the chapel was completed, and it was inaugurated by the Archbishop of Goa. In the year 2013, the house was elevated as the novitiate house with the approval of the General Superior. Fr. Nathan was the Novice Master at that time and the novitiate community shifted from Agashi to Bambolim. Again, in the year 2017, the novitiate was shifted from Bambolim to Badem for making use of the Badem donated property. Then Bambolim house became a retreat house to be used for the various other purpose of the congregation. In the year 2019, it was again made as the house of formation for the aspirants.
Purpose
This formation becomes the foundation for any candidates who enter the congregation for the first time. The important purpose is to make the students learn the English language. Then they have to develop the love for the religious way of life and to know about our founder and Eucharistic spirituality.
Presently, Fr. B.A. Raj sss – Superior and Fr. Vinay Joseph –Tr & Director of Aspirancy in Language year are the community members with aspirants.