Vincentian Ashram, Chembur, Mumbai

Address:
Vincentian Ashram
504, 12th Road, Chembur - 400 071
Mumbai, Maharashtra
022-25216262, 25215816

• Fr. Kuruvanthanam Mathew (Director, Prayer Centre)
• Fr. MaliackalThomas (Superior, Finance Officer & Parish Priest)

• Prayer House (1997)
• Perpetual Adoration Centre (1997)
• St. Joseph's Parish Church (2006)
• De PaulTraining Centre (1999)

History of the Vincentian Ashram, Perpetual Adoration and Divine Mercy Centre at Chembur, Mumbai

It had been a long cherished dream of the St. Joseph's Province of the Vincentian Congregation to open an Ashram in Mumbai, the Gate(way) of India. Inspired by the Divine Providence, Mr. Jacob and Mr. C.C. Antony found out a suitable place for the Ashram at Chembur. On May 18th 1997 Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Thoyalil VC, the then Provincial Superior of the St. Joseph's Province of the Vincentian Congregation inaugurated and blessed the newly opened Ashram at Chembur, Mumbai.

Rev. Fr. Jose Vettiyankal VC was appointed as the first Superior of the Vincentian Ashram, Chembur. The auspicious occasion of the blessing and inauguration was solemnized by (Eucharistic) Adoration which was led by Rev.Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil VC, and by preaching of the Word of God by Rev. Fr.Mathew Elavunkal VC.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Madathinal VC, the then Provincial Procurator of the St. Joseph's Province, Rev.Fr. Jacob Purathur, the then Procurator of the Diocese of Kalyan and many priests, religious and lay faithful were present on the occasion.

Late Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Pallikkunnel VC was among the pioneer missionaries who served this (Perpetual Adoration Centre). Subsequently, the Centre had the grace of being served by Rev. Fr. John Punnolil VC, Rev. Fr. Thomas Malieckal VC, Rev. Fr.Jose Adappoor VC, Rev.Fr.Robert Chavarananickal VC as the directors of the Perpetual Adoration Centre.

On August 29th, 1997 Perpetual Adoration began with special devotion to the Divine Mercy of Jesus and thus be known as the first Divine Mercy Centre in India. Even today, many people from all over Mumbai keep coming throughout the day, and especially at 3.00pm to recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet and to participate in the Adoration. Hence, the Centre is also known as Divine Mercy Centre.

This Centre has become a source of grace to the city of Mumbai; irrespective of one's religion, a place where all can find solace and blessings. Preaching the Word of God, Divine Mercy devotion, Counseling, Confession etc are being carried out here at the Ashram. In 1997, the picture of the Divine Mercy in the Chapel was smeared by blood on August 16th, October 9th, 10th and November 8th. Many faithful witnessed this miracle and a local newspaper reported it.

Every year the Ashram celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday, which is the Sunday immediately after Easter. This feast is dedicated to the Divine Mercy of Jesus. The Ashram continues to be a blessing for thousands of people all over Mumbai as people from the various parts of the city of Mumbai keep coming here to experience the touch of the Divine Master.

The Vincentian priests here at Chembur continue their ministry with the blessings and encouragement of the Bishop of Kalyan, His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Elavinal. The St. Jospeph's Parish is attached to our Ashram for the Syro-Malabar Christians. Presently the Parish is being led and served by Rev. Fr. Thomas Maliackal VC as the Parish Priest and Fr. Arun Kuruvanthanam VC as the Director of the Perpetual Adoration Centre.

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

• Chapel for intercession is open everyday from 6.00 am to 9.00 pm.
• Chain rosaries are being conducted on every Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
• Intercession for the Ashram and its ministries are being conducted on every Thursdays from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
• Counseling and Confession can be done at our centre during anytime of the day.