The History and the Mystery of the Holy Family Chapel, Lohegaon begins before 1957. When all the people had to go the Papal Seminary to attend Mass, a Civilian cook Mr. David John with the grace of God had a great dream of having built a Chapel at Lohegaon. Though such an enterprise was a Herculean task he started collecting money in small amounts like fifty paise and one rupee. His Hindu friends Mr. Arunachalam, Mr. Jagannath and others played a key role to realize this dream. As the journey of thousand miles begins with a single step Mr. Arunachalam offered his house for the celebration of Sunday Mass. Fr. Amalraj of De Nobili College was kind enough to offer Mass for the faithful

As the number of people increased and the room was inadequate, Mr. David John and his Hindu friends erected a makeshift tent outside their building to accommodate the congregation. The tarpaulin used to be draped on the erected poles every Saturday and dismantled after the Mass. A portion of the tarpaulin is in use even today. Gradually, a group of likeminded people desired that a Chapel must be built. Therefore, they went house to house to raise fund towards the building of the Chapel. When the then Bishop of Poona Rt. Rev. Andrew D'Souza recognized the Lord working through the people financial assistance was extended to purchase a piece of land to construct a Chapel. The construction started in 1962 and the dream of one man Mr. David John for the good of many was completed in 1964. After the construction of the Chapel, it was entrusted to the spiritual care of Papal Seminary. Rev. Fr. Kaiser was placed in charge of the Chapel. From 1975 the Chapel was under the care of Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada.

In 1990, Rt. Rev. Valerian D'souza, the Bishop of Poona, entrusted the Holy Family Chapel to the Fransalian Fathers and which comes under St. Francis De Sales Parish at Shaanwadi. Over a period of time the active involvement of Fr. Perry D'silva msfs and late Fr. Archie Fernandes msfs brought the chapel to its present state equipping it with a bore well, a house to stay in for the priest. The Chapel has come a long way from its modest beginning. Many individuals of other religious have contributed to make this Chapel a reality.

At this point I greatly remember Fr. Perry D'silva, msfs, Late Fr. Archie Fernandes msfs, Fr. Mario D'souza msfs, Fr. Alphonse Irudyaraj msfs and Fr. Christopher Rajamani who have worked tirelessly for the spiritual nourishment of the people of Lohegaon. During the last one year a beautiful stage for the Altar and Crucifix has been installed. I also remember and pray for God's blessings upon the parish people of Lohegaon who as one family came forward to build the stage. I also thank Mr. Israel John and Family, Mr. Hendry John and Family, Mr. Robin and Family, Mr. Arpudaraj and Family, Mr. Michael Lobo and Family and all the parish people of Lohegaon who took special initiative in realization of a beautiful Crucifix. I specially thank Mr. Richard and Mrs. Bheena from Vasai who voluntarily supported our project.

Now the Chapel is in great need of a new roof. We are in the process of collecting funds for the same purpose. With the providence of God and the support of each of you nothing is impossible. May God continue to bless us.

YOURS IN CHRIST

Fr. Jayaseelan, MSFS
Priest in Charge, Lohegaon.
Mobile: +91 98607 13109
jaymsfs@gmail.com