Our Lady of Good Counsel Church
Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua
Account Name: OLGC Church
Account Number: 0112101066812
Bank: Canara Bank
The parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel was created in 1949 and handed over to the care of the Franciscans of the English Province of the Order. At that time there stood on the hill a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel, which was a subsidiary chapel of St. Michael's Church, Mahim.
It is not known when that chapel was built. But there are two grave-stones of a Pereira family still to be seen embedded in the front patio of the present church, which were formerly in the floor of the old chapel. One of them is in memory of Fr. Ignacio Pereira who died in 1810. Presumably the old chapel was built a few decades before this. Or perhaps, the remains of the deceased were transferred to this chapel later on. For many years the chapel was visited occasionally by a priest who said Mass for the few Catholics living around. The first resident chaplain was appointed in 1919. There is a register of Baptisms with entries in Portuguese from the year 1919, and a Register of Marriages from the year 1939.
The present new church was built and blessed in 1995 when Fr. Blaise Lobo, ofm happy memory was the parish priest. Fr. Christopher Coelho, ofm designed the beautiful stained glass windows to commemorate the Franciscan martyrs of Thane who gave their lives for their Faith in April 1321. He added to these the portraits of St. Gonsalo Garcia of Bassein (martyred in Japan in 1597), and of St. Alphonsa (a Franciscan sister of Kerala) who died in holiness in 1946. The stained glass panels depicting St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of Brother Sun and the Peace Prayer are also designed by the same artist.
Good Counsel Church is also a shrine known all over Mumbai for the Tuesday Novena Devotions to St.Anthony. The first recorded entry of these devotions being held here is on the 14th of April, 1953. Today there are five services in English and one each in Tamil and Konkani held every Tuesday. Hundreds of devotees attend. A special novena is conducted in June to prepare for the feast of the Saint, and the feast day itself attracts thousands of worshippers.
(Data collected by Fr. Fidelis D'Lima, ofm)
Saint Anthony of Padua, one of the most revered saints in Christianity, is celebrated for his profound wisdom, unwavering faith, and miraculous deeds. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, he initially joined the Augustinian Order but later became a Franciscan, inspired by the martyrdom of fellow friars. His devotion to God and his ability to preach with extraordinary eloquence earned him the title of Doctor of the Church.
Saint Anthony is widely known as the patron saint of lost things, but his influence extends far beyond that. His teachings emphasized humility, charity, and unwavering trust in divine providence. His sermons were so powerful that they moved even the most hardened hearts, leading many to repentance and deeper faith.
The Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel & Shrine of St. Anthony in Sion, Mumbai holds a special connection to Saint Anthony. Established in 1596 by Portuguese Franciscans, the church has long been a beacon of faith and devotion. The shrine dedicated to Saint Anthony reflects his enduring legacy, offering a place for believers to seek guidance, pray for lost things, and deepen their spiritual journey.
Saint Anthony's life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of selfless service. His miracles, including healing the sick and multiplying food for the hungry, continue to inspire millions worldwide. His legacy remains alive in churches, shrines, and the hearts of those who turn to him in times of need.
