Hundreds of Catholics gathered at the historic St. John the Baptist Church in Andheri (East), Mumbai, to celebrate the Feast of St. John the Baptist with prayer and devotion. The faithful took part in a 30-minute Eucharistic Adoration, praying for peace, unity, and a stronger faith.
The church, located inside the Santacruz Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ), was built in 1579 by Portuguese priest Father Manuel Gomes. Now 447 years old, it is one of Mumbai’s oldest churches. Although it was abandoned in 1840 after a local epidemic, its historic ruins remain a place of deep spiritual importance. A new parish, St. John the Evangelist Church in nearby Marol, now serves the local Catholic community, but the faithful return every year to celebrate the feast.
Parish priest Father Anthony J. Fernandes expressed hope that the Church would one day be allowed to celebrate Holy Mass at the historic site every month. Father Andrew Anthony Mukadom recalled that centuries ago, Catholics from Kanjurmarg, Powai, Sahar, and nearby areas gathered there for worship.
The Feast of St. John the Baptist, celebrated on June 24, honours the birth of the saint who prepared the way for Jesus Christ through his preaching and baptism. It is one of only three birthdays celebrated in the Catholic liturgical calendar.
The feast also coincided with the traditional São João Festival, celebrated in Goa and parts of Mumbai with music, dance, floral crowns, and joyful cultural activities. The celebration reflected the strong faith of Mumbai’s Catholic community and its commitment to preserving centuries-old Christian heritage and traditions.
