NASHIK ROAD - ST. XAVIER’S COMMUNITY
- Fr. Aubrey A. Mascarenhas, S. J.

The Feast of the Shrine of the Infant Jesus was celebrated as usual on the third Saturday of February. The theme of the Novena (11th-19th February) preceding the Feast was Jesus: Light of the World. Suitable sub-themes with appropriate Scripture Readings, Homily Hints, Mass Prayers and relevant Hymns were formulated by Fr. Bernard D’Souza and Fr. Rudy Fernandez – who was also responsible for appointing and inviting the Priests (Jesuits, Salesian, Diocesan) to celebrate the Eucharist and preach the Homily at the five Novena Masses each day – two in Marathi, three in English. Thanks to Fr. Rudy’s readiness to meet the Press, local Marathi newspapers and TV Channels gave wide publicity to this Bal Yeshu Yatra. Fr.Emil D’Cruz who returned after his refreshing study of Ignatian Spirituality in the States, added his special spiritual dimension to the celebrations. The pilgrims were happy to receive the blessings of the previous Chaplains, Fr. Maurice Henriques and Fr. Simon D’Souza, during the Novena and the Feast.

The Feast commenced on Saturday, 20th February at 6.00 a.m. and closed at 1.00 p.m. on Sunday, 21st February. Bro. Owen Caston, Fr. Vincent Vaz, Fr. Anthony V. D’Souza, the Jesuit Novices of Sadhanalaya, the Pre-Novices (guided by Deacon Brian D’Souza), the Seekers (led by Sch. Vinay Kantela), all played an important role in the organizing of the Celebrations. Special assistance was provided by our Jesuit Scholastics doing studies in Mumbai who came for the Feast with due encouragement from their Superiors, Fr. Errol Fernandes and Fr. Joaquim Tellis, who also accompanied his scholastics from St. Mary’s, Mumbai. Scholastics manned the Public Relations Office for the guidance of the pilgrims. Jesuits from Mumbai and the Districts played an important role in the Eucharistic celebrations and in administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Stephen Ghosal and Fr. Linus D’Mello conducted the Marathi Feast Masses with the special choir invited from St. Roque’s Church, Gokhivare. The Province Vocation Team, led by Fr. Anil Pereira, was active in promoting the challenge of the Jesuit way of Life and received a good response.

Lay-collaboration was at its best – with the important Departments headed by competent Lay-Directors-of-works – under the supervision of Bro. Vincent D’Souza - and with the advice and assistance of numerous Sisters from Nashik and Ahmednagar Districts. The Staff and PTA of St. Xavier’s School provided a cafeteria for the benefit of the pilgrims under the guidance of the Principal, Sr. Rufina Toscano. Young men took up the ushering of the crowds during the Novena and the Feast and their dedication was commendable. First Aid was provided by qualified Staff Nurses. The Nashik Municipal Corporation (for Water Supply, Fire-Brigade, Ambulance Service), the Commissioner of Police, the Traffic Police, the State Transport Corporation, etc. all offered their ready collaboration due to the persevering reminders and contact maintained by Mr. B. A. Swami. Thanks to all the Jesuit and Lay-collaborators, the Shrine of the Infant Jesus could be at the service of the thousands of pilgrims who came to experience purification and healing, peace and joy in the presence of the Infant Jesus.