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A Message from the Heart

From Fr. Pawan Saldanha OCD • Parish Priest & Superior, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Talegaon

“Remain in me, as I remain in you.”

— John 15:4

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

With joy and a grateful heart, I welcome you to our beloved Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Talegaon.

Our parish is more than a church building. It is a family of faith, gathered around Jesus Christ—a home where everyone is welcomed, accepted, valued and loved.

Whatever our age, background or circumstances, each one of us has a place and a role in our parish family. We are called to walk together, support one another and work together, using the gifts God has given us for the good of the whole community.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28

May our parish always be a place where people feel at home, where hearts find peace, where friendships grow, and where everyone experiences the compassionate and loving presence of Christ.

Under the Protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our parish is blessed to be under the loving protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our Mother and Patroness. Her feast is celebrated every year on 16 July.

Mary teaches us to trust God, listen to His Word and say “Yes” to His will:

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
— Luke 1:38

May Mary watch over our families, children, youth, elderly, sick and all who seek God’s grace, and lead us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Our Parish Mission

Every child, young person, parent, senior citizen, volunteer and parishioner has something beautiful to offer. No contribution is too small when it is offered with love.

PRAY

May prayer be the foundation of our lives. Through the Eucharist, the Sacraments, the Rosary and the Word of God, may we remain rooted in Christ.

PROCLAIM

May we not keep the joy of the Gospel to ourselves. Through our words, our choices and, above all, through our lives, may we proclaim Christ wherever we are.

EMPOWER

May we recognise the gifts God has given to each person and help one another to use those gifts in loving service of the Church and society.

St. Paul reminds us: “There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.”— 1 Corinthians 12:4

Let Us Walk Together

As a parish family, we will certainly have challenges. We may sometimes have differences, misunderstandings and moments of weakness. But we must never allow these things to become greater than our love for Christ and for one another.

Let us learn to listen before judging, forgive before condemning, encourage before criticising, and serve before seeking recognition.

Jesus gave us a simple command:

“Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”

— John 13:34

If we can live these words, our parish will truly become a home for every heart. I pray that every person who visits may feel connected to our community and experience the warmth of Christ's love.

A Prayer for Our Parish

May our homes become places of prayer.
May our families become schools of love.
May our children grow in faith.
May our youth discover their purpose.
May our elderly feel honoured and cared for.
May the suffering find comfort.
May the lonely find companionship.
And may every person who comes through our doors leave with a little more hope than when they entered.

Through the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, bless our parish, our families and all who enter our doors.

With prayerful wishes and blessings,

Fr. Pawan Saldanha OCD

Parish Priest and Superior

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Talegaon