Salvation of souls

Diagnosing Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chembur: Crisis and Hope in Christ

Our parish of over 5,000 faithful, served by seven priests, finds itself at a crossroads. On the one hand, there’s a rich legacy under the patronage of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. On the other hand, many core Catholic practices are presently unavailable, leaving souls hungry for grace. Yet in this desert, a hidden remnant keeps vigil before the Blessed Sacrament each day—a spark of hope we cannot ignore.

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Non-Availability of Catholic Practices

As outlined in my recent appeal, the following essential practices are currently lacking at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chembur:

– Confessions not available as announced, leaving penitents turned away 
– No consistent weekly Eucharistic Adoration or priestly presence during adoration 
– Absence of Bible study sessions or structured adult faith formation 
– Small Christian Community (SCC) groups disconnected and lacking pastoral follow-up 
– No visible RCIA program or evangelization outreach to non-Catholic visitors 
– No access to spiritual mentors or directors for ongoing guidance 
– Homilies that omit teaching on the Four Last Things: death, judgment, Heaven, and Hell 
– Ministries focused inward with no visitation or support for struggling souls 
– Distracting practices before and during Mass: loud music, cameras at the consecration, lack of reverent silence, and no modesty guidelines 

These gaps have led many to leave Mass confused, disheartened, and deprived of the sacraments they earnestly seek.

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Outward Signs of Spiritual Desolation

When sacraments fail and formation stalls, a parish drifts into spiritual famine. Confession times go unmet, adoration slots remain empty, and adult faith never receives nourishment. Ministries turn inward, and evangelizing zeal grows cold. This outward dryness reflects a field left untilled—where grace cannot bear fruit without faithful cultivation.

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The Hidden Wellspring of Grace

Each day, a handful of adorers kneel before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Their hour of prayer is the parish’s “secret hearth”—the living remnant that sustains Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chembur in its spiritual drought. Though unseen by many, their intercession draws down mercy and safeguards the Body of Christ, preserving hope for a full renewal.

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Theological Implications

Canon law entrusts the pastor with cura animarum, the care of souls, as his first responsibility. When sacraments and formation are withheld, the parish risks becoming a spiritual desert. Every act of adoration, confession, and humble witness now serves as a lifeline for wandering sheep, echoing St. Catherine of Siena’s vision of the Church’s battlefield of grace.

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A Wounded Body with a Hidden Heart

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chembur is a wounded Body of Christ—outwardly fatigued yet inwardly alive through hidden prayer. Without structural and pastoral renewal, the desert may widen and more souls could be lost. Yet the faithful few who keep vigil before the Blessed Sacrament bear the promise of resurrection and the spark for communal revival.

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Moving Forward in Hope

– Invite one more person each week to join the daily hour of adoration. 
– Share testimonies of encounters with Christ in both prayer and confession. 
– Pray St. John Vianney’s prayer for holy pastors: “Lord, give us pastors who burn with love for souls.” 
– Establish small-group gatherings centered on Scripture and Eucharistic devotion. 

By sustaining our hidden well of grace and praying fervently for renewal, we become both witnesses and catalysts. Christ, the Good Shepherd, will awaken His flock from slumber. Let us hold fast to this hope and labor together for the salvation of every soul.