Vincentian Ashram
504, 12th Road, Chembur
Mumbai 400071
Maharashtra
Ph: 022 25215816
      09892655227

The Establishment of the House
It had been a cherished desire of the St. Joseph's Province of the Vincentian Congregation to start an Ashram in Mumbai, the Gate of India.   In 1992 a flat was bought in Kurla West but was sold since ministries could not be begun there due to technical reasons.   A second attempt to buy a plot near the Chembur over bridge with the assistance of Mr. Jacob, the owner of Kerala Stores etc. also could not succeed.   Efforts were still continued and     Mr. Jacob and Mr. C.C. Antony found out a suitable place for the Ashram at Chembur and Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Thoyalil blessed the new House of the St. Joseph's Province on May 18, 1997, the then Provincial Superior.   Rev. Fr. Jose Vettiyankal, the one who took the initial pursuits for a Bombay House was appointed here as the first Superior of the Vincentian Ashram, Chembur.   The auspicious occasion of blessing was solemnized by the adoration led by Rev. Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil and the preaching of the Word of God by Rev. Fr. Mathew Elavunkal and by the honourable presence of Rev. Fr. Thomas Madathinal, the then Provincial Procurator, Rev. Fr. Jacob Purathur, the Procurator of the Diocese of Kalyan and many others.

Location of the Ashram
The Ashram and the centre holds St. George as its Patron.  It is situated in the left row of buildings in the 12th Road, Chembur, and is part of the 504th Apartment known as Rajeshwari. Chembur is placed 15 km away from Dadar, Mumbai through the Sion Trombay road.  Its present Superior is Rev Fr.John Punnolil V.C.

Activities and the Present Status of the Ashram
On August   28, 1997 the centre was raised to be also a Perpetual Adoration with special devotion to the Divine Mercy of Jesus.  Many people assemble here for reciting the Divine Mercy Rosary and adore the Blessed Sacrament exposed here for the whole day and night.  Ever since the establishment of the Prayer Centre it has been a blessing for the people ittespective of their religion.  Preaching and Healing ministries go along with the day - today ministries here and the Ashram and the Adoration Chapel have been rendering solace and blessings to those who come here.

Meanwhile a miracle intensified the faith of the people in 1997.  The picture of the Divine Mercy smeared blood on August 16, October 9, 10 and November 8 and the event was witnessed by many people and responded by the Indian Express.  It gathered momentum and as     per the request of the Bishop of Kalyan the regular programmes for the public in the centre called off and according to the instructions of the B.M.C. public programmes that might disturb life in neighboring residents were discouraged.  Hence silent adoration and recitation of Divine Mercy Prayer are carried on now in private.  People sitting here foe long hours in day and night in silent adoration have witnessed great many blessings showered upon them.  Convenience is also made for believers to ahcve their Confession and for all those who come here to have Spiritual Councelling at their request.
Along with the Ashram a Trust and its bookstall with pious articles, and a residency for the priests in the nearby Church Road are here at Chembur.  The Vincentians here are now launching out a new ministry here with the blessings and encouragement of the Bishop of Kalyan.  The plan for an Old Age Home is set and a chapel, which may in future be a Parish Church for the Syro-Malabar Christians, is envisaged as new institutions of the existing Ashram.

Members
Fr. Karottukizhakkel  George       Superior & Parish Priest
Fr. Malieckal Thomas                 Director Prayer Centre, Finance Officer