Holy Cross Oratory that shielded Mazgaon from dreaded bubonic plague completes 150 years

Time of India

29-04-2025

Mumbai: In the heart of the East Indian enclave of Matharpacady in Mazgaon nestles a venerable holy cross that was built to protect residents from the dreaded bubonic plague that beset Mumbai in the 19th Century. Miraculously, not a single resident of the village fell victim to the disease. A few years later, in 1875, an oratory was built around the sacred relic.
On May 1, Matharpacady Holy Cross Oratory will celebrate its 150th anniversary. A nine-day Novena prayer that began April 22 will end April 30.
Roydon Gonsalves, vice president of the Matharpacady Holy Cross Oratory Committee, said, "In 1855 Bombay was plunged into gloom when the plague started in China and spread to the subcontinent. Much of Bombay including Matharpacady, was still unpaved and the rat infestation caused people to drop dead like flies. People ran for the hills, suburbs or hinterland. Bombay was virtually emptied of people by 1897."
"The people of Matharpacady were settlers from distant Kalina, Uttan, Bhayander, Gorai, Bassein and Thane who came to work in the port and shipbuilding industry. Our forefathers turned to Lord Jesus to save them from the scourge. And legend has it that not a single case of plague was recorded in Matharpacady. By 1875, one Mrs Buthelo donated the land and this cross was built."
At 7.00 pm on Feast Day May 1, high mass will be celebrated by Bishop Lourdes Daniel, bishop emeritus of Nashik. "The best choirs and orchestras from Mumbai will perform. We will felicitate concelebrants and serve boiled channa in keeping with East Indian custom," said Roydon.
Already a food festival and tributes to Matharpacady's freedom fighters Kaka Joseph Baptista and Dr Ubaldo Mascarenhas have been held. Art and architecture schools are invited for study tours and after all the study and sketches are done, an art exhibition may be held.
Roydon's father Frank Gonsalves led an orchestra comprising his ex-students of St Mary's High School, Mazgaon, who would perform here till 1977. "This is the first year since the 1970s that we have managed to put together a full orchestra for the feast," Roydon said.