The 160-feet tall heritage landmark Gloria Church in Byculla has been reopened for worshippers after a prolonged restoration project. This Sunday, parishioners witnessed a few spectacular changes including the grand altar, stained glass and the statues of various saints.
This Gothic-style church has a Latin cross and lofty towers which are very rare to see in Mumbai churches. One of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Mumbai was built by the Portuguese Franciscans in 1632, however, the modern structure was built in 1911 which is in English Gothic style. It acquired heritage status in 1995.
While talking to the Times Of India, parish priest Fr Jude Botelho said, “We have been undertaking restoration work since six years in phases. Portions of the church were cordoned off for months at a time. Now the cordon has been removed and the interior has attained its original glory.”
“The roof was leaking in many places, posing a danger to the structure as well as the interior. We had to shift the congregation to a nearby chapel for worship. But now they can all come in for mass once again,” he further said.
The restoration work is done by stained glass expert Swati Chandgadkar who completed a similar task at St Thomas Cathedral.
Fr Jude also explained about the finances saying that the parishioners have been helping by contributing to the project. Whenever donations are available, they are planning to undertake conservation of the exterior as well.
Though the church is now open to all, Archbishop of Bombay Oswald Cardinal Gracias will lead a formal ceremony on November 10.
#Watch: The heritage Gloria Church at Byculla gets thrown open to public. It was shut for extensive renovation and painting. pic.twitter.com/DgM8eVHI9m
— Mumbai Mirror (@MumbaiMirror) October 28, 2018
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