Christ the King Edifice

Around 1932, a petition was made by a delegation led by John Netto, a community leader, along with several prominent members of the parish to the Archbishop of Bombay, to dedicate Bandra to the Immaculate Conception. After some discussion it was agreed that it would be more appropriate to dedicate the town to Christ the King. Preparations then began for this momentous event.

A parishioner, Lourdes Fernandes (later, Netto), was selected to design the edifice. She prepared three models of Christ to be used for the installation. One showed Christ regally seated, the other showed Him standing with both arms outstretched, and the third showed Him with one hand raised in benediction and the other holding the globus cruciger “cross-bearing orb”, a symbol of authority that symbolises Christ’s dominion over the world. This last was chosen and today graces the front compound of our church. The art deco pedestal was designed by Robert Athogias. Sadly the marble cross atop the globe has since broken off, as has part of Christ’s little finger. The imposing statue was then sculpted in Italy from the best Carera marble and transported to India. Place was made in the front of the church by relocating the stone cross, dated 1761, to the north side of the compound.

The dedication of Bandra to Christ the King on February 3rd 1935 was a magnificent affair. The town was packed with tens of thousands of people from parishes far and wide. The three vicars, of the parishes of St Andrew, St Peter and Mt Carmel along with their parish priests hosted the event. The Apostolic Delegate, the Most Rev. Dr Leo Kierkels, Archbishop of Salamis was the Patron along with the Archbishop of Bombay, Rev. Dr Joaquim Lima. SJ. The Very Rev. Dominic de Sa, Vicar of the Parish of St Andrew, addressed the congregation and there were addresses by several prominent parishioners. The service was broadcast on State radio.