Archdiocese of Bombay Official

As we celebrate our country’s 80th Independence Day, we pray that she may be truly free from the many social, economic, and political shackles that continue to keep her bound.

The Assumption of Mary is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Church. In 1950, Pope Pius XII solemnly proclaimed this dogma, affirming that the Blessed Virgin Mary received eternal incorruptibility of the body together with her Son Jesus, and was assumed body and soul into heaven. Parishes in the Archdiocese: Kandivali

Today we remember St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan priest who gave his life for another at Auschwitz. When a fellow prisoner was chosen to die, Fr. Kolbe stepped forward and took his place. Even in the face of death, he led those around him in prayer and hymns, bearing witness to God's endless love. May his courage and selfless faith continue to inspire us.

St Lawrence, a Roman deacon under Pope St Sixtus II, is remembered for his valour, sense of humor, and especially his generosity towards the poor. Legend has it that he was burnt to death on a griddle during Emperor Valerian's oppressive regime. His example inspires us to live our faith boldly even in times of trial. Parishes in the Archdiocese: Thane

Today, thank your priests for the countless invisible and often unnoticed efforts they put in to enrich your life as a Catholic, through the celebration of the Sacraments and the other aspects in the life of the Church to which their ministry extends.

The Feast of the Transfiguration reminds us to lift our eyes to Heaven. On the mountain, the disciples caught a glimpse of Christ's divine glory. This is a promise of the eternal glory we are all called to share. May this feast renew our hope and strengthen us to follow Him with faith each day.

The Basilica of St. Mary Major is the oldest and largest church in the world dedicated to Our Lady. Tradition tells us that Mary appeared to Pope Liberius in a dream, foretelling a miraculous snowfall in August, and asking that a Church be built there in her honour.  Every year, this miracle is remembered with a beautiful shower of white rose petals released from the Basilica's dome.

St. Jean Marie Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, is the perfect example of a true minister who served God's people with prayer, humility, and perseverance. Today, we thank our parish priests for their faithful service and pray that through the intercession of St Jean Marie Vianney, they may be guided to emulate him and grow more fruitful in their ministry.

St Peter Julian Eymard, in his deep love for the Eucharist, dedicated his life to promoting a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, and founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. May we too grow in deeper love of the Eucharist.

Pray with the Pope: For evangelization in the city | August 2026 In his prayer intention this month, Pope Leo invites us to pray for the evangelization of the city so that the Church might know how to reach out to everyone, offering comfort, community, and the joy of the Gospel in every corner of the city. Video source: The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network

The theme for Archdiocese of Bombay Calendar for August invites us to live a life rooted in God's love and truth by using the Ten Commandments as a guide for our daily choices and our lifestyle as Christians, that we may grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus.

St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, was a moral theologian. He was originally a lawyer who, on receiving a vision to consecrate his life to God, left the practice of law to dedicate his life to preaching, writing, and service especially to the poor.

From a soldier recovering on a battlefield who discovered his faith, to becoming the founder of the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius of Loyola’s life was marked by deep reflection, service, and a passion for education. Even today, his Spiritual Exercises and the various Jesuit institutions continue to transform lives. The Archdiocese of Bombay wishes the Society of Jesus, the parishes in Mandvi and Jacob Circle, and all Jesuit institutions and parishes worldwide, a happy feast!

July 31 St Ignatius of Loyola The first reading brings out the contrast between Jeremiah – God’s Chosen Prophet – and the people of Israel – God’s Chosen People. The people go astray, and Jeremiah is tasked with bringing them back in line – a job no one covets. As the chosen prophet, Jeremiah is expected to be faithful to God, speaking “all that (God) commands” and “omitting nothing”. The people, on the other hand, refuse to listen and, worse, accost him. Like Jeremiah, Jesus’ prophetic message is met with ridicule and suspicion - “Where did this man get such wisdom and power?”. The people regarded Jesus as the son of a carpenter who didn’t have access to learning, and were not open to the truth that His wisdom and power came from being obedient and listening to God. We celebrate, today, the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the co-founder of the Society of Jesus, popularly called the Jesuits. A prophet for his time, Ignatius’ writings and teachings still help millions around the world to live lives centred on Jesus. His wisdom and knowledge came not from worldly philosophies, but from listening intently to God.

July 30 Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time While we often search for spirituality in books and sacred writings, it often lies just under our noses. A case in point is that of Jeremiah who is told to “go to the potter’s house” and God would “speak (his) word” there. In observing the mundane act of the potter at his work, Jeremiah receives God’s word – O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done? God invites Israel to yield to his guidance just like clay in the hands of the potter. Jesus, while addressing ordinary folk, spoke to them using examples from their daily life and compared them to the Kingdom of God. Paying attention to the little things, makes a big impact on our receptivity to God’s gentle voice. The people who came to Jesus had the knowledge of everyday things, but in their encounter with Him they are able to get new insights into mundane realities. Our encounter with Jesus helps us bring out of our “storehouse” of knowledge “things both, new and old”.

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were friends of Jesus, who not only welcomed Him into their home, but also listened to Him and served Him. They set us an example of hospitality and devotion to Jesus, through love and service.

July 29 Sts Martha, Mary and Lazarus We all value our friendships very much. However, at times (with every good and noble intention), we tend to bring to such relationships what we feel is the best for the other. In doing so, we disregard the needs and feelings of the other. In the Gospel today, (as well as the alternate Gospel provided for the celebration of today’s memorial of St Martha), we see Martha do exactly this. In the Gospel according to Luke, Martha feels that taking care of Jesus’ material needs, and therefore preparing some food, is important; but Jesus would rather have her sit beside Him and listen to the Word that He is sharing with Mary, her sister. In the alternate Gospel according to John, Martha approaches Jesus who, on hearing of the demise of her brother, has arrived late. She says that if He had been there earlier, Lazarus would not have died. Jesus then reveals the real reason for His delay. Perhaps we could ask ourselves, today, if we are guilty, at times, of not really being sensitive to the felt need of the other in our relationships with our friends and even with God.

As the first woman saint of Indian origin, St. Alphonsa Muttathupadathu bore a life of severe illness and hardship with silent, joyful love for the Lord. Embracing her trials as gifts to grow in grace, she remains a model of endurance for all of us.