By John Singarayar
Mumbai, Jan 10, 2025: In the heart of Maharashtra’s Raigad district lies a testament to unwavering faith and community spirit.
The Sacred Heart Church in Roha stands not just as a physical structure, but as a monument to an extraordinary journey that began with three families and a dream.
“We had nothing but our faith,” recalls Mani Mandapathil, his eyes twinkling as he remembers those early days in 1963.
Fresh from Kerala, Mani had arrived in Roha, some 125 km south of Mumbai (then Bombay) to work in a paper mill, unknowingly becoming the pioneer of what would grow into a vibrant Christian community.
The story of Roha’s Sacred Heart Church breaks from the traditional narrative of missionary-led evangelizations. Instead, it’s a grassroots tale of laypeople who refused to let distance and difficulties dim their spiritual flame.
By 1965, Mani had found kindred spirits in V D Joseph and Jacob. Together, they formed what he fondly calls “the first Christian triangle” of Roha. Every Sunday, this determined group would travel 35 km to Korlai for Mass – a journey that tested their resolve but strengthened their bonds.
“Sometimes we weren’t sure if we’d find transportation back,” Mani chuckles, “but we never missed a Sunday.” These weekly pilgrimages caught the attention of priests in Korlai, who began visiting Roha to celebrate Mass in family homes.
As industrialization swept through the region in the 1970s, the community grew. P P Bardeshkar joined in 1976, followed by Antony Fernandes in 1977. What started as intimate prayer meetings in living rooms began to evolve into something larger.
A pivotal moment came in 1989, in the wake of devastating floods. The Archdiocese of Bombay, recognizing the need for structured spiritual guidance, assigned the Jesuits to minister to Raigad’s faithful.
Jesuit Father Gussi Frederick Sopena emerged as the mission’s pioneer, working closely with the growing community of 40 families spread across Roha, Kolad, Bhira, and Kolety.
“Fr. Sopena understood that we needed more than just a priest – we needed a community center,” says Bardeshkar, who opened his home for the celebration of Holy Week in 1990. That same year, the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus arrived, marking the beginning of organized social outreach.
The dream of a proper church took shape in 1991 when the parish acquired land in Varse. The construction phase became a community affair, with members of all faiths contributing time, resources, and support.
On June 26, 1992, Bishop Thomas Dabre inaugurated the new church building before a crowd of 200 people – a moment that many old-timers still describe with tears in their eyes.
“It wasn’t just about building a church,” reflects Fernandes, who supported the parish even during his 25-year stint abroad. “We were building a community, a family.”
The church’s impact extended far beyond its walls. The Handmaids, and later the Jeevandhara Sisters, reached out to over 70 tribal villages, focusing on education, women’s empowerment, and healthcare.
Under successive leadership – from Father Robin Dias to the current Pilar FatherRudolph Andrades – the parish has evolved into a hub of social and spiritual activity.
Today, Sacred Heart Church serves as more than just a place of worship. Divided into seven zones, it hosts weekly prayer meetings, youth activities, and community programs. The parish youth group, embracing the motto “to educate, represent, and serve,” leads initiatives ranging from choir service to social outreach.
As the sun sets behind the church spire, Mani, now in his twilight years, often sits in the garden he helped plant. “When I first came to Roha, I never imagined this,” he says, gesturing toward the bustling parish complex. “But faith can move mountains – or in our case, build churches.”
From three families to a thriving parish, from home Masses to a beautiful church, the story of Sacred Heart Roha stands as a powerful reminder that great achievements often start with small acts of faith.
As the community looks toward the future, they carry forward the legacy of their pioneers – a legacy built not just on stone and mortar, but on unwavering faith and the power of fellowship.