OUR JOURNEY OF FAITH

The History of Holy Spirit Church, Kalamboli

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From humble beginnings in 1985 with a small gathering of Catholic families, Holy Spirit Church, Kalamboli has grown into a vibrant and faith-filled parish community under the Archdiocese of Bombay — built on prayer, perseverance, unity, and the grace of the Holy Spirit. 

The Humble Beginnings (1985 – 1991)

In 1985, when Kalamboli was still in its early stages of development, the Catholic community was very small. The first Holy Mass was celebrated by Late Fr. Peter Lewis from Khopoli Parish at the residence of one of the parishioners, attended by nearly ten Catholic families. This marked the beginning of organized Catholic community life in Kalamboli.

As the number of faithful slowly increased, Eucharistic celebrations began at St. Joseph’s High School, Kalamboli in 1986. Visiting priests such as Late Fr. Dominic Fernandes SJ and Late Fr. Fredrick Sopena SJ guided and supported the budding faith community.

In 1989, Fr. Ignatius D’Souza SJ was appointed as the first resident priest, helping establish stability and pastoral direction for the growing Mass Centre.

By 1991, the community was officially named Holy Spirit Church, becoming the only parish in the Archdiocese of Bombay dedicated to the Holy Spirit.

Formation & Growth of the Parish Community (1992 – 2002)

The year 1992 marked an important step in governance and organization when the Holy Spirit Parishioners Association was registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act and the Societies Registration Act.

Under the pastoral leadership of priests including:

• Late Fr. Gregory Pereira

• Late Fr. Larry Pereira

the parish continued to grow spiritually and structurally. Efforts were initiated to secure land for a permanent church building for the Latin Rite Catholic community.

Despite several challenges and rejected applications, the community remained steadfast in prayer and determination. In 1996, CIDCO allotted land for a Christian cemetery, and a renewed application process for church land began under the Holy Spirit Trust.

By 1997, the New Bombay Deanery was formed, with the parish priest serving as the first Dean. The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) was also introduced, strengthening parish administration and lay participation.

In 1998, the parish launched its quarterly bulletin, “Parishscope,” creating a platform for communication, spiritual reflection, and parish engagement.

As the congregation expanded, worship services shifted to Carmel Convent High School in 2000 to accommodate the increasing number of faithful.

In 2002, after persistent efforts and continuous follow-up, CIDCO finally approved a 1000 sq. meter plot for the Community Centre.

Building a Living Parish (2003 – 2011)

A major turning point came in 2003 under the leadership of Fr. Sunder Albuquerque, who inspired the entire parish community to actively participate in fundraising and parish-building initiatives.

During this period, several parish cells and ministries were formed to strengthen the spiritual, social, and pastoral life of the community, including:

• Small Christian Communities (SCC)

• Youth Cell

• Women’s Cell

• Family Cell

• Health Cell

• Political & Civil Cell

• Finance Committee

• Faith Formation Cell

• Senior Citizens’ Association

• Lectors’ Ministry

• Community Prayer Groups

These initiatives transformed Holy Spirit Church into a dynamic, participative, and service-oriented parish.

In 2008, CIDCO allotted a 500 sq. meter plot in Kalamboli for the construction of the Community Centre and future church premises.

The foundation stone was blessed by His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias on 1st November 2009 at Holy Name Cathedral. Construction work began soon after under the leadership of:

• Fr. John Baretto

• Fr. Colman Carlos

whose dedication helped fulfill the long-cherished dream of the parishioners.

Finally, on 2nd October 2011, the new church was blessed and formally inaugurated by His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay.

Expansion to Kamothe

As the Catholic population in Kamothe rapidly increased after 2005, Holy Spirit Church extended its pastoral outreach to serve the faithful there.

A sub-centre was formed for nearly 200 Catholic families, and St. Andrew’s Trust was established to support community activities and future development.

Sunday Masses began in Kamothe on 13th March 2011, initially celebrated in rented halls before the community gradually expanded into a vibrant faith centre of its own.

Leadership Through the Years

The parish continued to flourish under successive parish priests.

Each contributed uniquely toward strengthening parish spirituality, pastoral outreach, youth participation, and community harmony.

Holy Spirit Church Today

Today, Holy Spirit Church stands as a vibrant parish family with:

• Over 300+ families

• More than 1200 parishioners

• Active ministries and associations

• Strong youth and family participation

• Rich liturgical and spiritual life

The parish continues to grow as a beacon of faith, peace, service, and unity — carrying forward the mission of the Holy Spirit in Kalamboli and beyond.

From a humble prayer gathering in a family home to a flourishing parish community, the journey of Holy Spirit Church remains a living testimony to God’s providence and the unwavering faith of its people.

“Come, Holy Spirit”

From an embryonic community to a flourishing parish, Holy Spirit Church continues to be a beacon of faith, peace, harmony, and service in Kalamboli.