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Heritage of Mount Mary Basilica: History, Devotion, and Centenary Celebrations

By Msgr. Francis Correa

Vol. 13September 2006pp. 229–232English

Summary

The book *Heritage of Mount Mary, Bandra* by Msgr. Francis Correa, published in 2004 to commemorate the centenary of Mount Mary Basilica in Mumbai, presents a historical and cultural narrative of Bandra, blending factual accounts with personal anecdotes. Structured into nine chapters, appendices, and notes, the work traces the origins of Christianity in Western Maharashtra, focusing on Bandra's transformation from a strategic village on Salsette Island to a vibrant suburb. It highlights the role of Portuguese missionaries, the establishment of the first parish (Santa Anna), and the evolution of the Mount Mary Oratory into a basilica. The basilica's iconic statue of Our Lady, its restoration, and its significance are detailed, alongside the cultural impact of the annual Bandra Fair. The book includes historical accounts of Bandra's diverse communities, colonial transitions, and the construction of the basilica, enriched with images, maps, and appendices such as papal documents and historical newspaper reports. A review praises its engaging, informative style, making it a valuable resource for understanding Bandra's religious and social heritage.

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Conclusion

This commemorative volume on the centenary of Mount Mary Basilica offers a comprehensive exploration of Bandra's historical and cultural evolution, blending factual history with personal narratives to highlight the transformative impact of Christianity on the region. The book meticulously traces the origins of devotion to the Mount Mary statue, the role of religious orders in establishing and sustaining faith, and the socio-cultural interplay among diverse communities in Bandra. It also documents architectural milestones, from the Oratory to the Basilica, and the enduring legacy of the Bandra Fair. While relying on secondary sources, the work serves as an engaging and informative guide, enriching understanding of Maharashtra's religious and historical heritage. The narrative's vivid style and historical insights make it a valuable resource for readers interested in the intersection of faith, community, and local history.

Key passages

Chosen by AI from the article's text. Each one is checked word for word against the text before it is shown.

  • “The book give us the story of the h o w the most revered Mother M a r y is venerated by visitations to the Statue with the Child Jesus in her arm”
  • “Chapter III exposes the beginnings of Christianity in this part of Western Maharashtra viz: Bacaim (Vasai), being the first base of the Portuguese Fathers, the launching pad for the Religious Orders as the Franciscans, the Jesuits the Dominicans and lastly the coming of the Secular Clergy.”
  • “The Jesuit Fathers m o v e d into Thana, Kurla and then m o v e d obediently into Bandra in 1573 with the first priest of their Order, Fr. Joao Diaz being appointed missionary, assisted by Brother (later Fr.) Manoel G o m e s .”

Works cited in this article

  1. Heritage of Mount Mary, Bandra, Msgr. Francis Correa, Published by Msgr. Nereus Rodrigues. Rector, Mount Mary's Basilica, Mumbai, 2004

Discussed in this article

People

  • Msgr. Francis Correa
  • Msgr. Nereus Rodrigues
  • Cardinal Simon Pimenta
  • Dom Sebastiao Jose Pereira
  • Fr. Joao Diaz
  • Brother (later Fr.) Manoel G o m e s

Places

  • Bandra
  • Mumbai 10
  • Mount Mary Basilica
  • Island of Salsette
  • Bandra Point
  • Bacaim
  • Vasai

Texts & works

  • Apostolic Brief of Pope Pius XII: for a Perpetual M e m o r y of the Event

Dynasties, sects & groups

  • Franciscans

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In this issue

Vol. 13
9–15Bhima Deula: Mahendragiri's Ancient Stone TempleR. C. Misra, B. Subudhi16–32South India's Contribution to Sanskrit Studies in AsiaP. Sankaran Kutty Nair33–59Reassessing the Horse in the Indus-Sarasvati Civilization: Archaeological Evidence and Methodological FlawsMichel Danino60–79Gender Aspects in Pallankuli in TamilnaduV. Bakmbal80–88Ancient Indian and Pre-Columbian Native American Earth Perception91–98Antiquity of Documents in Karnataka and Their Preservation ProceduresK. G. Vasantha Madhava99–120Trade and Urbanization in the Palar Valley During the Chola Period (A.D. 900-1300)V. Palanichamy121–129Bhattas as Teachers in Chola TimesS. Chandni130–148Aravidu Dynasty's Sri Rangaraya III: Copper Plate Grants AnalysisP. Sumabala151–17019th Century Gopalpur Port: Maritime Trade Dynamics with Overseas NationsN. P. Panigrahi171–183Cattle Breeds and Agricultural Economy in Madras Presidency (1920-1936)D. P. Sinu184–200Swadeshi Movement's Anticipation of Gandhian Techniques in Economic DevelopmentMadhumita Saha201–214Professor B.C. Ray's Contributions to Orissan History and CultureB. C. Ray217–222Muslims in the Deccan: A Historical Survey of Diverse GroupsOmar Khalidi223–225History and Culture of Tamil Nadu: Inscriptions and Socio-Political LifeChithra Madhavan226–228Christian Impact in South Kanara: History, Resilience, and ContributionsKranti Farias229–232Heritage of Mount Mary Basilica: History, Devotion, and Centenary CelebrationsMsgr. Francis CorreaCurrent article

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