Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, also known as OLPS Church, is a Roman Catholic Redemptorist Church located in Chembur, a suburb in the eastern part of Mumbai, India. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.
Brief History:
OLPS Church was founded by the Redemptorist Fathers to serve the spiritual needs of the Catholic community in Chembur. The pioneers of the church were a group of local Catholics who wanted to establish a place of worship in their community. They started by building a small chapel that could accommodate around 200 people, but it was later expanded to accommodate the growing congregation. The first mass in the chapel was celebrated by Fr. Joseph Rodrigues on June 29, 1958 - the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. In 1959, the Archdiocese of Bombay acquired a piece of land near Sion-Trombay Road for construction of a new church. The construction began in 1960. The construction of the church was a community effort, with many local Catholics volunteering their time and resources. The OLPS church was consecrated by Valerian Cardinal Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay, on June 25, 1961.
Architecture and design:
The OLPS Church is a beautiful blend of modern and traditional style church architecture. The church was designed by the renowned architect Charles Correa in the Gothic style. The church is built using local basalt stone and has a tall bell tower that rises to a height of 85 feet. The bell tower has bells that were cast in Germany. The interior of the church has a nave, two aisles, and a transept. The nave is 85 feet long, 45 feet wide, and 37 feet high. The church has stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints. The Altar of the church is made of marble and has an Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. The church also has a large crucifix adorning the wall behind the altar.
OLPS: Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour:
The Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour is a centerpiece of OLPS Church. It is a Byzantine-style icon that depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. The icon is believed to have miraculous powers and is venerated by thousands of people every Wednesday during the famous Novena to OLPS.
Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour:
The OLPS Church celebrates its annual Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, every year on the last Sunday of June. The feast attracts a large number of devotees from all over Mumbai. The celebrations include a novena for 9 days, a procession, a high mass and cultural programmes conducted by various SCC's. The church is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights during this period.
Activities:
The OLPS Church is a vibrant parish community with variety of activities and programs for its parishioners. The church encompasses 22 Small Christian communities, various cells and associations that work for the betterment of the Parish. This includes Sunday school for the children, Youth Cell, Youth and Senior Choir, SSVP and adult faith formation classes to name a few. The various cells and associations organize cultural and social events throughout the year. OLPS church is also involved in charitable activities and provides assistance to the poor and marginalized communities in the area. The church also offers baptism classes and counselling services. The church also brings out its parish bulletin called 3i every Sunday. All the activities of the church are captured in a magazine called QUEST, brought out thrice a year.
Number of families and total population:
1380 families and 4000+ members of OLPS church.
Cells and Associations:
SSVP, Youth, Choir (Senior and Youth), Women's cell, Legion of Mary, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Liturgy cell [cantors & lectors], Bombay Catholic Sabha, Family cell, Senior citizen cell, Bible study cell etc.
Other Activities:
OLPS Youth Group:
OLPS Church has an active youth group called OLPS Youth. The group organizes various activities, including retreats, sports events, and social service activities.
OLPS Music Ministry:
The OLPS Church has a vibrant music ministry that provides music for all the masses and services. The choir has over 100 members and performs a variety of musical styles including traditional hymns, contemporary Christian music.
OLPS Outreach Programs:
OLPS Church is actively involved in various outreach programs in the local community. The church runs a school for underprivileged children, a vocational training center for women, and a shelter for homeless women and children
OLPS Cemetery:
OLPS Church has a cemetery that is located next to the church. The cemetery has been in use since the church was founded in 1957 and is the final resting place for many Catholics from Chembur and the surrounding areas.
Other linked institutions:
The OLPS Church in Chembur is associated with several institutions that serve the community in various ways. Given below are the linked institutions:
1. Sevadaan: (Refer the section on Sevadaan)
2. OLPS High School:(Refer the section on OLPS High School)
3. St. Anthony's High School & St. Joseph's convent: St. Anthony's High School is a school for girls located behind the OLPS Church in Chembur. It is run by Sisters of St Joseph of Chambery. The school offers education from Nursery to 10th grade and has a strong academic record. The school also emphasizes character formation and offers a range of extracurricular activities. This institution is integral part of the OLPS parishioners as many women have studied here and many have their daughters and granddaughters studying in the school. This school is another way in which good ethos and discipline are inculcated in the Society. This school has some illustrious alumni who have brought laurels to the schools.
4. Sisters Adorers The Congregation of the Sisters Adorers Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity Adoratrices Ancilliae Santisimi Caritatis (AASC) was founded in 1856, in Madrid, Spain by St. Maria Micaela. Micaela was born on 1st January 1809 into an aristocratic family. The encounter with a sexually abused girl who had lost her dignity, challenged Micaela to found the congregation, through which abused women could be helped. The principal objectives of this institute are Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Liberation of women from the oppression of prostitution. The first foundation in India began at Puri, Odisha in November 1947. Chembur saw the presence of the Sisters Adorers on 25th June 1995. At Sevadaan Centre abused women and children are cared for until they are able to begin life afresh. The Sisters also cater to the migrant girls who come in search of jobs. They are also provided training in computers and tailoring. May God continue to bless this noble mission.

In conclusion, the OLPS Church in Chembur is a beautiful and vibrant Catholic church that is dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of its community. The OLPS Church continues to be an important religious and cultural landmark in Mumbai. Its rich history and various activities make it a popular destination for tourists and devotees.
Parish Clergy:
Fr Theodore D'Souza CSsR (Parish Priest)
Fr Juvance Serrao CSsR (Asst Parish Priest)
Mass schedule:
Daily Masses: 7am & 7pm;
Sunday: 7am, 8.30am, 9.30am & 7pm in English
10.30am Marathi, 11.45am Tamil (alternate Sundays), 4pm Hindi (alternate Sundays)
Church Office timings:
(Monday to Saturday): 9am to 12 noon; 5pm to 7pm