By Nirmala Carvalho

Mumbai, Nov. 9, 2019: The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, Mumbai, has marked the 65 years of its dedication.

The current structure was built in 1904, but the devotion to Our Lady in the chapel goes back over 400 years

Bishop John Rodrigues, rector of the basilica, on November 7 presided the Eucharist with Monsignor Nereus Rodrigues, the former rector, as concelebrant.

Bishop Rodrigues explained that rite for the dedication of a church and an altar is considered among the most solemn liturgical services which include anointing of the altar and the walls with oil, use of incense and light. Dedication signifies that the church is a place of worship, place of prayer, house of God.

Lighted candles on long brass stands were placed in the basilica at the locations where the walls were anointed.

In his homily, the prelate reflected on the dialogue Jesus has with the Samaritan woman. “Jesus emphasizes the inner attitudes of worship in spirit and in truth – seeking truth, being guided by the Spirit of God,” he added.

“God dwells in the community and in us. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We must live worthy of God’s presence and become a house where God dwells,” the bishop said.

Reflecting that ‘So many people of different religions come to this basilica” the bishop prayed, ” May this be a house where all people encounter God as they seek Mary’s intercession with great devotion and fervor. We thank God for his invitation to all people.”

“There are many who experience the presence of the Lord as they seek the guidance of the Spirit in their life. Surely we too find joy and strength with every visit and every Eucharist we participate in. May this lead to us being more convinced disciples of Jesus who worship the Father in spirit and in truth,” he added.

At the offering of the gifts, Bishop Rodrigues shared that the chalice being used was gifted to the basilica by Pope Paul VI -now a Saint-when he visited the basilica in 1964.

Father Warner D’Souza, director of the Bombay Archdiocesan Heritage Museum, shared the details of the pontiff’s visit to the Marian shrine, “Pope Paul VI was in the city to attend the International Eucharistic Congress.

On December 5, 1964, the Holy Father visited the basilica and gifted the gilded chalice on a base of Onyz and a collar of precious stones’ and a rosary kept in the Archdiocesan Heritage Museum and a stole.