History
On February 16, 1985 the Good Shepherd “Unit” was canonically raised to the status of a “Parish” by the then Archbishop Simon Pimenta, who also blessed the new Church building on the same date. The actual journey began nine years prior when the Four Bungalows area started growing due to migration from city parishes. There were already 300 Catholics by the mid seventies. The Archdiocese deputed Fr. Donald Rodriguez on 01st June 1976 to pioneer the building of a church to cater to the spiritual needs of the people.
The sisters of Good Shepherd Convent graciously offered accommodation to Fr. Donald and the use of their small hall for masses. More masses were arranged on Sundays with the help of visiting priests from the seminary. In November 1976, the unit was registered as a Trust.
It was a long struggle for Fr. Donald and a small band of dedicated volunteers, planning, strategizing and working to raise funds to purchase the small but beautiful roadside plot from the Good Shepherd Convent. The foundation stone was laid on 25th April 1982. The church building which was designed by Fr. J.M. Carsi, Sj was inaugurated on 16th February 1985. We shall remain ever grateful to Fr. Donald and his band of volunteers who made the vision of a church in Four Bungalows a reality.
The humble beginnings have turned into a success story, with a vibrant, dynamic, prosperous and contemporary profile.The number of parishioners have multiplied and we owe all this to many Parish Priests, Cells, Associations, SCCs and above all to the Grace and Spirit of Almighty God.
Late Fr. Octavian Dias
Held the parish together during his brief tenure, despite the heavy burden of debts and teething problems.
Late Fr.Valerian DSouza
(popularly known as your pastor and pal Fr. Val) breathed some vibrancy into the Sunday liturgies, his meaningful homilies. He also ensured there was a choir for every mass.
Late Fr.John Rumao
Was the architect of the beautification of the church building with stained glass windows, granite wall cladding and paving the compound. Small Christian Communities grew and were restructured during his tenure. He also encouraged the various associations and cells in our parish.
Late Fr. Ubaldo Barretto
During his brief term, fulfilled the long felt need of meeting rooms, with extensions to the presbytery and raising two floors over the extension building. He ushered in a great deal of transparency, openness and empowered the laity in administrative matters.
Fr.Caesar D’Mello
Raised the bar on several fronts, especially through his meaningful, insightful homilies explaining complex truths in simple language. He introduced the Community Welfare fund in our parish.
Late Fr. John Lobo
During the short time that he has been with us, gave a new look to the Good Shepherd Lawns and erected awnings around the church for people’s comfort.
Fr.Ivan Mascarenhas
Ushered a new rebirth in the parish, and took Good Shepherd Church to new heights. He established the Family Cell and rejuvenated Small Christian Communities that had been dormant. The parish bulletin ‘Flock News’ received a make over. Overhead projectors and screens were installed in church. Major repairs and renovations were conducted to the church building and extension. He brought his repute as a skilled administrator to bear on different aspects of parish life. He was keenly interested in the spiritual well-being of the parishioners.
Fr.Jerome Lobo
Began shepherding the flock at Good Shepherd Church from June 2016. In keeping with the Good Shepherd theme, he inaugurated a Community Centre for the benefit of Parishioners on 26th January 2018. Using in house resources from various disciplines: viz: Medical, Legal, Healthcare, Accounts etc – Today parishioners can avail these services at Free/Minimal cost. On 8th September he blessed the Community Freezer, to foster the feeling of Brotherhood, and spread the message of Sharing and Caring amongst all.
We salute our Parish Priests : late Fr. Octavian Dias, late Fr. Valerian, late Fr. John Rumao, late Fr. Ubaldo Barretto, Fr. Caesar D’Mello, late Fr. John Lobo, Fr. Ivan and Fr. Jerome along with their talented and hardworking assistants for contributing to the growth of this Parish.
Today, 36 years later we feel proud of our vibrant church and its parishioners.
