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Explore the spiritual and emotional benefits of confession. Discover how this sacrament brings healing, forgiveness, peace of mind, and a renewed relationship with God Benefits of Confessing sins to a Priest The Catholic are seeking forgiveness the way Christ intended it to be sought. By confessing to a priest, the Catholic learns a lesson in humility which is conveniently avoided when one confesses only through private prayer. Don’t we all desire to escape humbling experiences? The Catholic receives sacramental graces that the non-Catholic does not get; through the sacrament of penance, not only are sins forgiven, but graces are obtained. The Catholic is assured that his sins are forgiven; he doesn’t have to rely on a subjective “feeling.” The Catholic can obtain sound and objective advice in analyzing his sins and avoiding sin in the future. The Catholic, by going to a recognized and trained confessor, is protected against the subjective dangers of such psychological tricks of the personality such as projec tion, rationalization, etc.

Discover why Catholics pray to saints and how this practice is deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition. Learn about the communion of saints, their role as intercessors, and how asking for their prayers strengthens our faith and draws us closer to God. Why do Catholics pray to Saints? Is it biblical to ask the saints in heaven to pray for us? Catholics say yes, since we are all part of the communion of saints. As the word suggests, the communion of saints refers to the bond of unity among all believers, both living and dead, who are committed followers of Christ. In Christ, we are made part of God’s family (1 Tim 3:15), children of God (1 John 3:1), joint heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17), and partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet 1:4). This family communion of saints is known to Catholics as the Mystical Body of Christ. We are joined in a supernatural union as members of Christ’s own body, and thus as members of one another. Each of us participates in the divine life of Christ Himself. INTERCESSORY PRAYER What we have said about the communion of saints gives us the biblical reasons why Catholics ask the saints to intercede for them: (1) All Christians are members of Christ’s body and one another (Rom 12:5 and many others). (2) Jesus has only one body (Eph 4:4; Col 3:15). (3) Death cannot separate Christians from Christ or from one another (Rom 8:35-39). (4) Christians are bound in mutual love (Rom 12:10; 1 Thess 5:11; Gal 6:2). We are members of Christ’s one body, united in His divine life even beyond the grave, and concerned for each other’s salvation and growth in God’s family. In that union, we call for help and support from our older brothers and sisters who have already won their crown of glory. Just as in our human families we naturally turn to our siblings for aid and example, how much more should we turn to our supernatural family for help and inspiration. Several objections are directed against the Catholic position on intercessory prayer. OBJECTION 1: The saints are dead. Catholics practice necromancy, communication with the dead, which is condemned (Dt 18:10-11). Answer: Necromancy means summoning forth spirits from the shadowy underworld (OT “Sheol”), in order to converse with them. By asking the saints in heaven to intercede for us, Catholics are not conjuring roaming spirits or communicating in any “spiritualistic” way. So prayer to the saints has nothing to do with necromancy. Nor are the saints dead. The saints in heaven are alive and with God: “He is not God of the dead, but of the living” (Mk 12:26-27). In Mark 9:4, Jesus is seen conversing with Elijah and Moses. Jesus tells the Good Thief: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk 23:43). In fact, the saints in heaven are more alive than we are. They are free from all sin. They enjoy the fullness of God’s life-giving presence. Flooded with God’s love, they care more about us now than they did on earth. Just as Paul asked fellow believers (saints) to pray for him (Rom 15:30; Co14:3; 1 Thess 5:25; Eph 6:18-19; 2 Thess 3:1), now we can ask Paul and the other saints in heaven to pray for us. We are not cut off from each other at death, rather we are brought closer through the communion we share in Christ. We know that angels and saints place the prayers of the holy ones at God’s feet (Tob 12:12; Rev 5:8; Rev 8:3-4), supporting those prayers with their intercessions. The martyrs underneath the heavenly altar cry out for earthly vindication (Rev 6:9-11), showing they are aware of, and concerned with, earthly affairs. The angels and saints in heaven will intercede for us before the throne of God if they are petitioned in prayer. OBJECTION 2: 1 Tim 2:5 says there is one mediator between God and man. Isn’t prayer to the saints in violation of 1 Tim 2:5? Answer: I Tim 2:5 must be understood in the light of 1 Peter 2:5: “let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” St. Peter says that Christians share in the one, eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is mediator between God and man because of His priesthood. Therefore, to share in Christ’s priesthood means to share in His mediatorship, both in heaven and on earth. 1 Tim 2:5 confirms that we share in Christ’s mediation, when we read it in context. In verses 1-7, St. Paul asks Christians to participate in Christ’s unique mediation by offering prayers and intercessions for all men: “this is good and pleasing to God.” We are called to unite ourselves to the one mediator Christ, “who gave himself as a ransom for all,” by praying for all men, through Christ. Because Christians share in the priesthood of Christ, we share in a lesser and dependent way in His unique mediation, interceding for all men. Fellow Christians on earth intercede for each other in prayer without contradicting the unique mediation of Jesus Christ. Likewise, there is no contradiction of I Tim 2:5 if the saints in heaven intercede for us with their prayers. All prayer, whether in heaven or on earth, is in Christ and through Christ, our one mediator and high priest. The principle is this: although God alone possesses all perfections, we can participate in God’s perfections by sharing in His divine life. For example, the Bible says only God is good (Mk 10:18). Yet we can share in that absolute Goodness: “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:23). Jesus shares many of His unique roles with Christians in lesser ways. Jesus is the Creator of all things (Jn 1:3; Col 1:16-17), and yet He shares this role with men and women in procreation. Jesus is the only Shepherd (Jn 10:11-16), yet He delegates his role to St. Peter (Jn 21:1546) and later to others (Eph 4:11). Jesus is the eternal High Priest, mediating His once-for-all sacrifice for our redemption (Heb 3:1, 7:24, 9:12. 10:12), and yet Christians are also ca1led to join in Christ’s priesthood, as we have seen (1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6, 5:10). Obviously, Christ is the unique and primary Creator, Shepherd, and Priest, but each Christian participates in these roles in subordinate ways. By sharing Christ’s divine life, Christians also share in Christ’s role as the only mediator. OBJECTION 3: The saints in heaven can’t hear us. Answer: Why not? Aren’t they more alive now than when they were with us? The medium of communication is Christ himself - the vine between the branches. We and the saints form one communion, one body of Christ, being members of Him and members of one another. Heb 12:1 tells us that we are surrounded by “a cloud of witnesses.” How could those watching be unconcerned about our welfare? Look at Rev 5:8 and Rev 8:3. The petitions offered as incense to God must be for those who still need help, the holy ones on earth. They are offered by those who can help the most, the holy ones in heaven. In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Lk 16:19-30), the departed rich man is able to pray to Abraham and intercede for his brothers. This implies that there can be communication across the abyss, and that fraternal charity extends beyond the grave. We are certain that the saints in heaven enjoy the face to face vision of God (1 Cor. 13:12; 1 Jn 3:2). It is in this vision that they are aware of our prayers to them. OBJECTION 4: How can saints hear all these prayers, from all different people, all the time? It must sound like a deafening babble. Answer: Heaven has no space or time. Everything appears to God as one eternal present. Like God, the saints are outside of the limitations of space and time. Our earthly way of knowing is limited and incomplete. “At present, we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then 1 shall know fully, as 1 am fully known” (1 Cor 13:12). Our heavenly way of knowing is full and perfect.

Learn how to make a meaningful confession with our step-by-step guide. Discover tips for preparation, examination of conscience, and embracing God’s forgiveness through this sacrament HOW TO MAKE CONFESSION BEFORE GOING TO CONFESSION: 1. Pray. Ask God to give you the grace to make a good confession. 2. Examine your conscience. Reflect on your life, trying to recall all the times you sinned against God since your last confession. Use an Examination of Conscience to help you. 3. Be truly sorry for your sins. 4. Make the resolution to avoid committing these sins in the future. DURING THE CONFESSION: Confession begins with the (1) Sign of the Cross and the penitent greeting the priest with the words (2) “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was ….” (weeks, months, years). (3) The penitent confesses sins to the priest, who stands in the name of Christ and the Church. The priest will help you make a good confession. If you are unsure or uneasy, ask the priest to help. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you. Following the confession of sins, say (4) “This is all I can remember. I am sorry for these and all my sins.” (5) The priest will assign you a penance. The penance takes into account your personal situation and supports your spiritual good. It may be a prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service, or sacrifice; whatever the penance, the individual is joined in some way to Christ and the cross. (6) The penitent will then pray an Act of Contrition prayer. This prayer expresses true sorrow for the sins confessed. This prayer may be expressed in one’s own words or one may use one of the formal prayers of sorrow. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, will absolve you from your sins by saying the prayer of (7) Absolution. As the prayer is ending, the penitent makes the (8) Sign of the Cross and responds, “Amen.” (9) The priest will express some words of praise and blessing. (10) The penitent leaves, completing the assigned penance. An Act of Contrition Prayer My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. AFTER CONFESSION 1. Say a prayer of thanksgiving. Give thanks to God for the gift of his infinite mercy and for the sacrament you have just received. 2. Do your penance. It is advisable that you do your penance as soon as possible so that you will not forget to do it.

Read an inspiring testimony of miraculous healing through faith. A journey from unbearable pain to divine restoration, showcasing the power of prayer and trust in Jesus Healed by His Grace: A Testimony of Faith and Healing Struggling with Unbearable Pain In 2020, I was experiencing severe pain in my leg, which made it incredibly difficult to carry out my daily routine. The pain was so unbearable that I often asked my daughter to stand on my leg to relieve the discomfort. While this provided some temporary relief, it was far from a solution. One day, by accident, my daughter stood on my knee instead of my leg. The pain that followed was excruciating—it left me unable to move and brought me to tears. This incident happened at 2 p.m., and I spent the next few hours in unbearable agony. Seeking Medical Help Without Relief At 6 p.m., my friend and her family came to visit me. Seeing my condition, they kindly accompanied me to see a doctor. The doctor prescribed some medication, but even after taking it, my pain persisted. That night, the pain was so intense that I couldn’t sleep. By midnight, overwhelmed and desperate, I cried out to the Lord with tears streaming down my face. I begged Him for healing and told Him, "Please heal me, or take me away." Exhausted and broken, I eventually drifted into sleep. A Divine Encounter in a Dream At around 2 a.m., I had a dream that changed everything. In my dream, I saw Jesus standing before me. He spoke to me lovingly, saying, “Get up, my girl. You can stand and move. Hold my hand. ”When I woke up, the room was silent, and I saw no one around. I looked at the altar in my room and said to Jesus, "You told me to get up, and I will try. Please hold my hand." With courage and faith, I made the effort to stand and move. The Miracle of Healing To my amazement, the pain was gone! I could move without any discomfort in my leg. It was a miracle—a moment of divine healing that filled me with immense joy and gratitude. Gratitude and Praise I am deeply thankful to Jesus for this incredible healing. This testimony is my way of praising and thanking God for His mercy and love in my life. Praise you and thank you, Jesus! Perpeth Prashant Fernandes Parishioner of St. Louis Church Dahisar, Mumbai Share your story If you are inspired by Perpeth Fernandes' story, feel free to share your own story with us Email to us your story at: jy2025withvincent@gmail.com In this Jubilee Year let us share God's love and mercy by sharing our faith or vocation stories Leave a comment below to share anything that inspired you about Perpeth Fernandes' Testimony comments debug टिप्पणियां एक टिप्पणी लिखें एक टिप्पणी लिखें Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Discover the importance of confession in the Catholic faith. Learn about its purpose, spiritual benefits, and how it brings reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace with God RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Confession is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in His love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses committed against God. At the same time, sinners reconcile with the Church, because it is also wounded by our sins. Also known as Confession or Penance, the sacrament of Reconciliation is seen as an opportunity for renewal and can be done as often as needed. Some Catholics participate weekly before receiving the Eucharist , whereas others may seek the sacrament only during the penitential seasons of Lent or Advent . Reconciliation is a means of obtaining pardon from God for sins for which the sinner is truly remorseful and brings the sinner back into communion with God and the Church. The sacrament is an opportunity for self-reflection and requires that the person take full responsibility for his or her sins, both those in thought and in action. During the rite, sins are recounted privately to a priest, who is seen as a healer aiding the process, and the priest commonly assigns acts of penance, such as specific prayers or acts of restitution, to complete in the following days. A prayer of contrition is offered at the end of the confession, and the newly absolved Catholic is urged to refrain from repeating those sins. HOW TO MAKE CONFESSION BY FR. VINCENT BARBOZA BEFORE GOING TO CONFESSION: 1. Pray. Ask God to give you the grace to make a good confession. 2. Examine your conscience. Reflect on your life, trying to recall all the times you sinned against God since your last confession. Use an Examination of Conscience to help you. 3. Be truly sorry for your sins. 4. Make the resolution to avoid committing these sins in the future. DURING THE CONFESSION: Confession begins with the (1) Sign of the Cross and the penitent greeting the priest with the words (2) “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was ….” (weeks, months, years). (3) The penitent confesses sins to the priest, who stands in the name of Christ and the Church. The priest will help you make a good confession. If you are unsure or uneasy, ask the priest to help. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you. Following the confession of sins, say (4) “This is all I can remember. I am sorry for these and all my sins.” (5) The priest will assign you a penance. The penance takes into account your personal situation and supports your spiritual good. It may be a prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service, or sacrifice; whatever the penance, the individual is joined in some way to Christ and the cross. (6) The penitent will then pray an Act of Contrition prayer. This prayer expresses true sorrow for the sins confessed. This prayer may be expressed in one’s own words or one may use one of the formal prayers of sorrow. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, will absolve you from your sins by saying the prayer of (7) Absolution. As the prayer is ending, the penitent makes the (8) Sign of the Cross and responds, “Amen.” (9) The priest will express some words of praise and blessing. (10) The penitent leaves, completing the assigned penance. An Act of Contrition Prayer My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. AFTER CONFESSION 1. Say a prayer of thanksgiving. Give thanks to God for the gift of his infinite mercy and for the sacrament you have just received. 2. Do your penance. It is advisable that you do your penance as soon as possible so that you will not forget to do it. Benefits of Confessing sins to a Priest The Catholic are seeking forgiveness the way Christ intended it to be sought. By confessing to a priest, the Catholic learns a lesson in humility which is conveniently avoided when one confesses only through private prayer. Don’t we all desire to escape humbling experiences? The Catholic receives sacramental graces that the non-Catholic does not get; through the sacrament of penance, not only are sins forgiven, but graces are obtained. The Catholic is assured that his sins are forgiven; he doesn’t have to rely on a subjective “feeling.” The Catholic can obtain sound and objective advice in analyzing his sins and avoiding sin in the future. The Catholic, by going to a recognized and trained confessor, is protected against the subjective dangers of such psychological tricks of the personality such as projec tion, rationalization, etc.

Know how to get attestation of Church issued Marriage Certificate from Marriage Registrar How to get attestation of a Church issued Marriage Certificate by a Christian Civil Registrar of marriages (Government of Maharashtra, India) This information applies specifically to the process of attesting Church-issued marriage certificates by the Registrar within the Archdiocese of Bombay Procedure to be followed: 1. Get a latest (not more than six months o ld) Marriage Certificate from the Church where the marriage was solemnized. 2. Check for accuracy of spellings of names of all those mentioned in the certificate. Pay particular attention to the identity proofs of both husband and wife . 3. A photograph of the husband and wife (8 x 5 cm printed on matt finish paper) is to be posted on the rear of this Church Marriage Certificate 4. Get the Marriage Certificate attested by the Chancery of the Archbishop’s House, Fort. 5. This certificate is also to be attested (on the reverse side) by any authorized Public Notary 6. Get this certificate photo-copied on both sides after completing the above steps Next, the certificate needs to be countersigned by the Christian Registrar of Marriages appointed by the State Government of Maharashtra, New Administrative Building, 9th floor, Opp. Mantralaya, Churchgate. He is available in the office ONLY between2.00 pm and 4.00 pm. 7. After this, you need to get the certificate attested by the Officer appointed by the Home Department, Government of Maharashtra who is on the same floor. 8. Please carry with you original identity proof with one copy of each of the following documents: Passport, PAN card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License. The identity proofs should have the same names with the same spelling as on the marriage certificate. 9. In case the name of either/both the spouses have been changed subsequent to the marriage, please take along a copy of the Govt. Gazette to that effect 10. In case you bring along the certificate of your deceased parent to be attested, you will have to bring along an Affidavit stating you are the daughter/son of the names mentioned on the certificate and carry relating proof of documents. 11. If the certificate to be attested belongs to a relative/close associate please ask the person concerned to provide a Letter of Authority stating the name, address, contact number of both sides. Note: The procedures outlined here are specific to the Archdiocese of Bombay and may vary in other dioceses.

Discover the profound significance of the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life. Learn about its meaning, spiritual nourishment, and the grace it brings through communion with Christ EUCHARIST The Eucharist , or Holy Communion, is another sacrament of initiation and can be received daily if desired. It is the central rite of Catholic worship. A baptized child's First Communion is usually celebrated in Archdiocese around age nine and is preceded by their first confession (the sacrament of Reconciliation). During the mass the priest consecrates bread and wine, the elements of the Eucharist, which are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ . As a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and in a reflection of his Last Supper with his disciples, the congregation then shares in the sacred meal. Special lay ministers (i.e., non-priests) are trained to bring the consecrated elements to the ill or otherwise homebound so that all Catholics can participate. Fr. Vincent Barboza celebrating First Holy Communion Mass at Our Lady of Forsaken Church, Malwani Colony, Malad West first holy communion Welcome to this important time in your family’s life with Jesus Christ and His Church. This preparation time for First Communion marks a new chapter in your family’s faith life as Catholics. Your child will be able to participate fully in the worship life of your parish by receiving Jesus in the Eucharist each week. So, this preparation is not just for his/her “first” Communion; it is preparation for a lifetime that only begins with First Communion.

Individual Christian may face difficulties in doing their offical work as some of the authorities refused to accept the church issued marriage certificate if it not attested by the Marriage Registrar. Why Church-Issued Marriage Certificates Need Registrar Attestation? A marriage is a sacred and joyous occasion, and for many couples, the Church-issued marriage certificate is a cherished symbol of their union. However, in practical terms, this certificate often falls short when it comes to legal recognition. Many individuals face challenges and delays in completing official tasks because certain authorities and institutions do not accept Church-issued marriage certificates as valid legal documents. This can lead to complications in areas such as visa applications, legal disputes, and financial transactions. To avoid such issues, it is essential to have your Church-issued marriage certificate attested by the Registrar, ensuring it is recognized under civil law. What is Registrar Attestation? Registrar attestation is the process of legally validating a Church-issued marriage certificate by having it recognized and endorsed by a civil authority. This ensures that the certificate complies with the legal requirements of the government and is accepted as a legal document for official purposes. Why is Registrar Attestation Necessary? While a Church-issued marriage certificate is an important document within the religious context, it is not considered a legal document by itself in many situations. Here are the main reasons why attestation is required: Legal Recognition of Marriage: Registrar attestation serves as proof that your marriage is legally recognized under civil law. Without this validation, the marriage might not be acknowledged by government authorities. Visa and Immigration Applications: Many countries require a government-validated marriage certificate when applying for spousal visas, permanent residency, or immigration. A Church-issued certificate alone may not suffice for these applications. Official Documentation: For updating marital status on official records such as passports, Aadhaar cards, or driving licenses, an attested marriage certificate is mandatory. Financial and Legal Transactions: Banks and financial institutions often demand a legally recognized marriage certificate for processes such as opening joint accounts, applying for loans, or claiming spousal benefits. Legal Disputes and Claims: In cases of inheritance, property disputes, or alimony claims, courts require an attested marriage certificate as a valid legal document. Conclusion While the Church-issued marriage certificate holds profound spiritual value, obtaining Registrar attestation is crucial for ensuring its acceptance in legal and official matters. Whether you are planning to travel abroad, update personal records, or handle financial and legal transactions, an attested marriage certificate is a vital document. Taking the time to complete this process will save you from potential complications and ensure that your marriage is recognized both spiritually and legally.

Discover the Catholic understanding of Marriage as a sacred sacrament which is a reflection of Christ love for his church What is the Catholic understanding of marriage? In Catholicism, marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred sacrament. It is a divine covenant in which a baptized man and a baptized woman administer the sacrament to each other through their marriage vows and lifelong partnership. For Catholics, sacramental marriage mirrors the union of Christ with the Church, his mystical body, and is therefore regarded as an indissoluble union. The marriage rite typically takes place during a Mass, where a priest serves as the minister of the Eucharist and a witness to the couple’s mutual consent. This sacred union is not only a commitment between the husband and wife but also a means of sanctification. Through marriage, the couple is drawn into a deeper understanding of God’s love, fostering spiritual growth and holiness. M oreover, Catholic marriage is inherently ordered toward fruitfulness. The couple is called to welcome and raise children within the teachings of the Church, ensuring that the family becomes a living reflection of God’s love and grace.

"Get in touch with us! Reach out for inquiries, support, or to share your thoughts. Use our comments box to share your ideas, suggestions, or questions—we’d love to hear from you!" Contacts पता: ईमेल: अवर लेडी ऑफ फोरस्केन चर्च ब्लॉक नंबर 7 मालवानी कॉलोनी मलाड वेस्ट मुंबई 400095। vincentbrbz7@gmail.com एक सवाल है? कृपया नीचे दिए गए फॉर्म को भरें और हम जल्द ही आपसे संपर्क करेंगे नाम फ़ोन उपनाम ईमेल आपका संदेश अब भेजें सबमिट करने के लिए धन्यवाद!

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What are the documents needed before Marriage What are the Documents needed before Marriage? 1. Baptism Certificate (not older than 6 months) including entry regar ding Confirmation 2. Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form duly filled (in the presence of a priest) 3. Results of Banns/Assurance of banns published (issued by a priest) 4. Oath of Free State (if for some reason Banns are not published) 5. Certificate of Freedom of State (issued by a priest saying that subject is free to marry) 6. Civil Certificate of Marriage, if civilly married 7. If widow or widower getting married: Death/Burial Certificate of the previous spouse 8. If a person is getting married after annulment: Marriage Certificate Church Certificate of Annulment/Dissolution Decree of Civil Divorce or Nullity 9. If the Marriage is between Catholic and Christian/Non-Christian Dispensation from Impediments/Permission for Marriage Proof of age/address and also an affidavit from Non-Christian Promises to be signed by the Catholic