St. John the Evangelist Parish, Andheri, Mumbai, Hosts Joyful Evening for Elderly Parishioners

Mumbai, June 26, 2025: St. John the Evangelist Parish in Andheri, Mumbai, hosted a vibrant evening of prayer, celebration, and community on June 26, 2025, at the church premises, bringing together over 150 elderly parishioners. Parish priest Rev. Fr. Anthony Fernandes organised the event as a pastoral initiative to foster companionship, health, and dignity among the parish’s senior members.

The event commenced with Rev. Fr. Dr Christopher Vimalraj, the special guest for the evening, leading all the elderly parishioners in reciting the Angelus prayer. After this, Fr. Christopher addressed the gathering with a moving exhortation, drawing from the wisdom of Pope Leo XIII. He exhorted the elderly to cherish their families, become active bearers of prayer, and pass on values of compassion and faith to their grandchildren.

Fr. Anthony Fernandes shared an insightful talk based on his ongoing research on ageing, cautioning against sedentary lifestyles. He reminded all the attendees that “an active life is a holy life”. He also warned them that muscle mass can decline rapidly with extended periods of inactivity.

“If you can’t walk, stand. If you can’t stand, sit — but don’t lie down,” he said. He encouraged the elderly parishioners to stay active through simple daily tasks such as cutting vegetables while standing or walking — even slowly — for at least 45 minutes every day.

Following the talks, participants enjoyed a variety of refreshments, including chicken rolls, herb-infused lemon juice, and home-baked cakes. 

The highlight of the evening was an exuberant line dancing session, where even those with walking sticks joined in, tapping their feet with joy. 

The evening concluded with a lively game of tambola, sparking hearty cheers and evoking fond memories of youthful gatherings among the elderly participants. Rev. Dr. Vimalraj and his dedicated core team personally handed out prizes to the winners of the tambola competition.

This monthly initiative by St. John the Evangelist Parish serves as a powerful example of pastoral outreach and intergenerational care. At a time when many elderly individuals face isolation or neglect in their homes, these gatherings actively rebuild human connection and also demonstrate the Church’s steadfast commitment to honouring the dignity of every person at every stage of life.

Parishes across India can replicate this simple yet transformative model by organising regular gatherings for their elderly faithful. These gatherings could include a prayer, a shared meal, a game, and a song. Such initiatives require no elaborate resources but yield a profound emotional and spiritual impact. Such gatherings for the elderly bear witness to the enduring truth: that no one is ever too old to be loved, to belong, and to dance again.

By Catholic Connect Reporter