Number of families – 118
History
An integral part of Bandra’s history lies in the area of D’Monte Street and Chinchpokli Road. In the good old days when the pace was leisurely and people had the time to stop, when the village atmosphere meant greeting each other on the way to Church, work place or the daily market visit, the atmosphere was always of joyful exchange. People would stop, greet each other and even discuss the day’s menu with the details of the ingredients used in the day’s East Indian Curry. That was the real Bandra that the older generation fondly remembers, and misses; those times have sadly been lost to progress.
D’Monte Street was named after the Great Dr. D’Monte, the original residents who owned most of the property along D’Monte Street even extending to the Bazaar Road. Chinchpokli Road on the other hand was lined with many Tamrind & Bora Trees especially the Gonsalves Compound (better known as Gonsalves Wadi).
Chinchpokli Road was in fact the arterial link for the people visiting Mount Mary’s Basilica and the Bandra Fair. During the eight days of the Bandra fair there was so much gaiety and fun in the small cottages along D’Monte street and Chinchpokli Road that people from outside Bandra who passed by would be pleased to stop and take a peep at the music and dancing in the cottages. The Gonsalves House which would reverberate with East Indian Songs was always an attraction for residents from the area.
Times have changed, development progress has given rise to tall buildings but even the AB’s (earlier Aunty Bela’s compound) has retained the Mayflower, gold Mohur trees, Mango trees and Coconut trees. Thanks to the fertile soil along Chinchpokli Road.
Activities
Today the Holy Family Zone has a vibrant core group headed by Mafilda Athaide with a team of ever-willing volunteers. Together they plan and implement a number of activities all intended to create a bond of harmony and friendship.
During the months of May and October there is a daily recitation of the Rosary at the wayside Cross on D’Monte Street. This cross has been there for a Century and was renovated around ten years ago.
On the 2nd of October every year, the members of the zone go on their annual pilgrimage to the Basilica on the Mount. This is followed by light refreshments and fellowship.
During July, Parent’s Day is observed the school-going children are encouraged to do something for their parents.
At the start of the New Year the members have their annual get-together where they participate in an evening of fun and games. We usually end this with a delicious dinner.
During the Lenten season, Stations of the Cross are held for the housebound and some movies pertaining to the season are screened.
We also hold a special gathering for all students appearing for their board exams and then hold a felicitation ceremony for the successful ones.
Outreach Programs
We also hold a number of outreach programs. One is a cafeteria service around mission Sunday to collect funds for the parish-adopted Mission station.
The Zonal area includes fifteen Gujarati families who participate in all the activities. Their needs are attended to by the Sister in charge.
For further details contact:
Coordinators: Michelle D’Souza, Prakash D’Souza
Priest: Fr. Assis Rodrigues
Sister: Sr. Heather Aranha