Bombay, India | March 25, 2025
The Archdiocese of Bombay marked the Solemnity of the Annunciation and Pro-Life Day with a special Eucharistic celebration at the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra. Over a 100 expectant couples along with other faithful gathered to reaffirm the Church’s unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life ‘from conception to natural death’, a cornerstone of Catholic teaching. Presided over by Archbishop John Rodrigues, the Eucharist blended spiritual reflection, pastoral solidarity, and a resounding call to embrace life as a sacred gift.
A Gathering of Hope and Faith
Celebrated for the first time in the Archdiocese of Bombay, the Mass was held at 8:00 a.m. on March 25, and drew families, parishioners, and pro-life advocates to the hilltop Basilica, which is deeply revered for its Marian devotion. His Grace, Archbishop John Rodrigues, was joined by con-celebrants Fr. Sunder Albuquerque (Vice Rector of the Basilica), Fr. Vincent Cruz (Director of Catechesis), and Fr. Cleophas Fernandes (Secretary of the Family Commission). Archbishop John Rodrigues opened the Liturgy by invoking Mary’s fiat as a model for all Christians; “In her ‘yes,’ we see the perfect surrender to God’s plan—a plan that begins with the smallest and most vulnerable among us.”
Homily: “Born for Greater Things”
Reflecting on the Annunciation, the Archbishop underscored Mary’s courage in accepting the Incarnation, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by modern families. “Like Mary, you are invited to say ‘yes’ to life, even when the world questions its value,” he told the expectant couples. “Your children are not accidents; they are divine invitations to participate in God’s creative love.” Addressing societal trends that prioritize utility over dignity, Archbishop Rodrigues critiqued cultures that “discard the unborn, neglect the elderly, and commodify human life.” He closed with a stirring reminder: “The Church must be a sign of contradiction- protecting life when it is weakest, just as Christ protected us.”
Blessings, Commission, and Community
Following the communion antiphon, Dr. Pascal Carvalho, from the Archdiocese Human Life Commission, outlined ongoing pro-life initiatives, including counseling services, material support for struggling mothers, and advocacy against abortion. He also highlighted the Commission’s annual “March for Life” and memorials for the unborn, initiatives that have drawn thousands since their inception in the early 2000s. The liturgy culminated in a solemn blessing for the expectant mothers and spouses. “I felt God’s grace in that moment,” shared Priya Fernandes, 28, expecting her first child. “This Mass reminded me that my baby is part of a larger story- a story the Church will always defend.”
Broader Implications: A Countercultural Witness
The Pro-Life Day celebration resonated beyond the Basilica walls. In a nation where abortion rates remain high and prenatal sex-selection persists, the Archdiocese’s public stance offers a counter-cultural testimony. The Mass also echoed Pope Francis’ recent appeals. In his 2025 Lenten message, the Pontiff lamented societies that “close doors to life,” urging Catholics to “open wide the gates to Christ, the anchor of hope.” Archbishop Rodrigues reinforced this, stating, “To be pro-life is to be pro-love, pro-hope, pro-future.”
Conclusion: Mary’s Legacy, Our Mission
The Pro-Life Day Mass served as both a celebration and a challenge. The Archdiocese of Bombay renewed its pledge to defend life- not merely in words, but through accompaniment, advocacy, and unwavering hope. Archbishop Rodrigues’ parting words lingered in the air: “May we leave here today as Mary did- hastening to bring Christ’s light to a world in need.” For the expectant couples and the Church they call home, that mission begins one heartbeat at a time.