St. Peter's Church - Ladies Sodality (estd. 1888)

Annual Report of the Ladies’ Sodality -2010

HISTORY
The Ladies’ Sodality under the patronage of Our Lady’s Assumption was established on 15th Aug 1888 and affiliated to the Prima Primari of Rome on the 8th Dec 1888. It is probably the oldest functioning Association of the Parish.

In 1938, the Golden Jubilee Year, there were 577 members on the roll who did much for the Church and Parish: training the choir, donating gold vessels for the services, a harmonium, and vestments and also undertook several spiritual and social projects: a bourse was started for a Jesuit in the name of late Fr Soler, as also the Study Classes for the less fortunate children.

In 1942 with plans for the new church afoot, members went all out to raise funds for the new building: organizing fetes, sacrificing their Annual Assumption Social, etc. Besides the regular works undertaken – both spiritual and social, in order to enrich themselves and others. They organized Catechism classes for 55 catholic students studying in non-Catholic schools.

During the World War, they helped with the War Gift Fund – yet continuing to help annually at the Retreat House Stall at the Mount. They raised funds for the new Seminary building, Cheshire Home and others.

In 1965, some Sodalists assisted the Men’s Sodality at the Medical Centre and the Study Classes for domestics was started with 120 domestics attending the Literacy section and 30 attending the Needle work section. A fund was also started for them with the aim of teaching the girls the value of ‘saving’ and was really appreciated at the time they were to be married. A special section for the door to door sale of Catholic Literature in English and the vernacular was started.
Spiritual life was enriched by 3 day Closed Retreats, Recollections, Night Adoration for the ladies, pilgrimages and talks – highlighted with audio/visuals by Fr Benji.
On the lighter side, the members participated in the Pageant of the mass and arranged socials, whist drives and picnics, not forgetting the sports, together with the other 3 sodalities – men’s, young men and ladies.

In 1988, the Centenary Year, there was a spurt both spiritually and socially. The Sodality sponsored a Choral group, “The Living Voices”, in preparation for Christmas – a treat for the Parish. The centenary coincided with the alterations to the main altar and the Sodalists once again did their bit by donating the cost for the new main altar and an altar cloth and lights for the Grotto and a new bourse for a Jesuit. A Scholarship each was donated to St. Joseph’s and St. Stanislaus for a deserving student. A Marian Poster Competition was also organized with a response of 68 entries. All this was possible because of the dedication and zeal of the Sodalists through the years.

Pictures of the Centenary Celebrations

On the 15th Aug 1988, Cardinal Simon Pimenta (then Archbishop) celebrated a solemn High Mass which was con-celebrated by the Jesuit Provincial, some of our ex-directors and other priests. This was followed by a fun filled evening with song and dance depicting some aspects of Our Lady's life and ending with a sumptuous dinner.

Activities
Our activities included regular visits to the Leper Home at Borivali but is now restricted to visiting hospitals, homes and the housebound, the Annual visit and treat to the Clergy Home and the Parish Team. We also help in cash/kind to deserving causes.

COMING UP - 120 years
Unfortunately, with the new associations catering to the ever changing needs and charisms of the Parish, our number has now dwindled to approx 28 active and 30 housebound members. YET, we are confident that with Our Lady at the helm, we will complete 120 years in the service of the Parish in 2008.