The inauguration and blessing of the SVD Centre-UCDC on 14th Road, Bandra took place on June 8, 2024. This significant event marked the official opening of a new facility of the SVD INM Province, dedicated to fostering community development and spiritual growth, especially among the marginalized and the migrants in and around Bandra.
A large number of dignitaries and Provincial Superiors and members of various Religious Congregations in and around Bandra, SVD Confreres from Mumbai, Kerala, Goa, Mangalore, Architect, Structural Engineer, Contractor who were closely connected with the construction of the Building, Holy Spirit Sisters (SSpS), members of DDW – Bandra and Andheri, UCDC staff and a few more invitees were present.
We were blessed to have Mr. Johny Joseph, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary to Maharashtra Government, former Collector of Mumbai City and former Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai as the Chief guest, who inaugurated the Building by cutting the ribbon, in the presence of the invitees for the function, in the Lobby. The rest of the Programme took place in the newly built and air-conditioned hall on the fifth Floor. The programme consisted of Prayer Service: Lighting the lamp by Mr. Johny Joseph, Fr. Tomy Thomas -the Provincial Superior of INM, and few others; Garlanding the Bust of the St. Arnold Janssen; Garlanding the Bible; Prayer by Fr. Tomy Thomas, followed by the Blessing of the Building.
As part of the Felicitation Programme, the Plaque “SVD Centre –UCDC blessed by Rev. Fr. Tomy Thomas SVD – Provincial Superior –INM, Inaugurated by Mr. Johny Joseph, IAS (Retd.), former Municipal Commissioner, BMC” was unveiled by Mr. Johny Joseph and Fr. Tomy Thomas amidst thunderous applause by the audience. A short history of the development of UCDC since 1971 and its activities at the old building were presented by Fr. Lawrence Correa SVD, the present director. After this, a group of UCDC staff members together with Fr. Cosmos (Programme Coordinator –UCDC), UCDC chairperson Mr. Sanjay Rego, Mr. Ernest Fernandes the man with UCDC since its inception inaugurated the updated UCDC Webpage. Fr. Paul Vattathara, the former Director of UCDC and the man fully involved in the redevelopment and construction of the New Building expressed his sentiments and the challenges faced to complete the building. This was followed by Felicitation of various people who were responsible to complete this project. Fr. Richard Mathias SVD the previous Provincial was also thanked and felicitated.
In his speech, Mr. Johny Joseph was very appreciative of the noble work done by the SVDs in general, and the importance they are giving to the Social and charitable dimension through UCDC, concentrating on the marginalized and the migrants. Fr. Tomy Thomas SVD thanked everyone present, especially the Chief Guest.
The event was well choreographed by Fr. Donald D’Souza SVD the Provincial Treasurer. He did a marvelous job as the Master of Ceremony. The programme was nicely captured by Fr. Cosmos Ekka SVD and his team.
And finally, the people were invited to go to the entrance area and enjoy the live counters of Chat, Dosa, Fruit Juice and Ice cream. The invitees spent time relishing them and interacting with one another.
Dr. (Fr.) Lawrence Correa SVD
