Sobo churches tap suburban flock for funds

Several south Mumbai churches are gearing up to celebrate their centenary year. However, with their parishioners having relocated to northern parts of the city, the churches are having trouble raising funds.

Several south Mumbai churches are gearing up to celebrate their centenary year. However, with their parishioners having relocated to northern parts of the city, the churches are having trouble raising funds.

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Last week, Aubrey Menezes, 64, stood with a collection box outside a Borivli church along with 20 other volunteers from Byculla's Gloria Church. “We met several parishioners who were either baptized, married or continue to have grandparents in Byculla. They donated generously,” Menezes said. The Byculla church's centenary celebrations begin in November.

“Since most of our young parishioners migrated to the suburbs, we have been finding it very tough to raise funds,” said Father Rocky Banz, parish priest, Gloria Church.

Centenary year celebrations at St Ignatius Church, Jacob Circle are also facing funding issues. “Most of our local parishioners are retired citizens, making it difficult for us to ask them for donations. By reaching out to other parishes, we are calling out to parishioners, who once attended Christmas mass in our parish,” said Father Joe D'souza, parish priest at St Ignatius Church.