Bombay Brothers Family Day 2025 (5th January)

On 5th January, the Solemnity of the Epiphany, the family members of the Bombay Brothers came together at St Pius X Seminary for the celebration of the Family Day.

The celebration began with the Eucharist celebrated by His Eminence, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay and also the Patron of the Seminary, and the Rector and staff members con-celebrating. In his homily, the Cardinal spoke about how the Magi were guided to Christ by the star, we too are called to the ‘guiding star’ to those in darkness and those seeking the truth. The vocation that each one receives is itself a ‘star’ to guide us to Christ.

After the celebration of the Eucharist, the seminarians and their families gathered together in the Seminary Auditorium games and fellowship organized by the Seminary Fathers. The games and activities organized kept everyone entertained and, on their feet, and filled the auditorium with joy and laughter. The Cardinal too joined in the celebration.

Fr Gilbert de Lima, the Rector addressed all the families present emphasizing how the we through the coming of Christ are messengers of hope to those who find themselves in situations that they consider hopeless. He also thanked the families of the seminarians who have supported their sons in their vocation and vocational journey. The final address was by Cardinal Oswald Gracias where he stated that like the Magi who offered precious gifts to the Infant Jesus, the families of seminarians have offered their sons to Christ for the service of the Church. The Cardinal too thanked the families for attending the program and for their constant love and unwavering support for the seminarians. The program ended with each seminarian along with his family meeting the Cardinal and a fellowship meal.

The Family Day provided an avenue for the families of the seminarians to meet not just the staff of the seminary and see where the seminarians lived, but also an opportunity to meet and mix with other seminarians and their families. It provided an occasion to know and foster bonds of friendship with the seminarians and their families.

As we have entered into the new year, let us pray for the perseverance of the vocation of the seminarians and also for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the Archdiocese and in the Universal Church.