Some Sample Testimonies Print
Testimonies - Member Testimonies

Here are a few excerpts from testimonies from Community members belonging to the HSI Community in Don Bosco Borivali at the end of the First Quarter.

After receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, my Sundays seemed empty without the sharing of faith that children enjoy at Sunday School after the Holy Mass. This desire of sharing my most cherished relationship, the one with God, with others was fulfilled this July. The Discipleship School/Community at Borivali encourages, teaches, and facilitates me to share my faith in God with brothers and sisters in the group. Although I have been participating in this weekly Catholic fellowship for about only two months, the spiritual results in my life are phenomenal. 1. Able to read the Word (Liturgy) with more conviction at the lectern in Church. 2. Able to help my Parish Community (SCC) by being a better animator. 3. My family at home and colleagues at work experience the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are being produced through my every act, in accordance to His Will. The list is endless. In short, the School helps me to reach my everyday goal of being a true Christian. Claylan Menezes

*****

I have found the HSI School of Discipleship to be a treasure house of valuable tools made available viz. notes on scripture, memorizing scripture verses, biblical movies to people like us thirsting to grow in faith through His Word and deepening our relationship with God by being more loving, kind, gentle, patient, selfless and generous. The emphasis on regular personal prayer, bible study and fellowship has enhanced my bond with God and brought me closer to my Creator. I am now beginning to discover God's perfect love for me. I am more composed and at peace now. The community has boosted my burning desire to equip myself with the Word and to use this powerful sword in my daily life. I pray that God gives me the spirit of courage and wisdom to proclaim his Word to both believers and non believers and build his kingdom on earth. I am indeed privileged to be a member of this vibrant and dedicated community. Nora Dinker

*****

It was my dream to be a part of this HSI Community. I had read about it on the net, then my friend from Vancouver told me about this program and now its happening here. I thank God for this opportunity to attend HSI. The entire program is methodical, well sketched out to growth and most of all the warmth and the fellowship. Edna Bhavnani

*****

Having enrolled myself in the Holy Spirit Interactive community I am simply attracted to the ‘Word’ which is coming alive in my life, the loving fellowship and Spirit filled hours with our Lord through song, praise and worship, thereby making disciples of us, to spread the good news to the poor. It is indeed a privilege and stimulating experience to belong to this community which is a non profitable and purely religious gathering, to honor and praise God our creator. This community is encouraged to study the word, spend time in personal prayer, and actively participate in workshops. We sincerely thank our brother Aneel for his selfless sacrifice and service in organizing this community. Difficult as it is, we are doing our best to follow in his footsteps and thus shape our lives according to the will of God. ‘Let there be love’ is our theme. Rita Hogan

*****

I have been a Catholic from birth, but I was a luke warm Sunday Christian at best with short periods of closeness to the Lord. However, my short stint with HSI has helped me grow in prayer, faith and a deeper understanding of our faith. I am grateful for this opportunity. Juliet Miranda

*****

I would like to thank you and the team of HSI for taking the time to guide and teach us to know that we should trust our heavenly Father as he is right in the middle of our lives, loving us through all the ups and downs. And that we should trust him to strengthen us as we deal with the issues and rejoice with him over the victories. And whatever is our situation right now, act in faith. Act as if God will do what he says and to remember that he always keeps his promises. Thank you Brother Aneel on stressing us to believe that God loves us. The daily one hour prayer has helped me, by daily confessing and asking for forgiveness has helped me to be free and to be a joyful and happier person. From my heart I know I have bugun to praise God and thank him for all that he has done for me. Also praying to the Holy Spirit to help us in our daily life. Thank you for all that you are doing in leading me so that I will be able to share the love of God in everything I do. Sonia Fernandes

*****

I am grateful to my friend who invited me to join this group. At first, I thought I'd attend one meeting, but on the very 1st day a voice inside of me was calling me to continue so I continued to attend. Besides praise and worship I gain here a deeper knowledge of Word of God. I thank God for Brother Aneel for all that he is doing in preparing disciples to spread the Word of God. I thank this group for all their dedication and look forward to be able to spread the Word of God through various ministries. The power of this group is worth mentioning, the power to attract, the power to pull all towards attending each Sunday, wehre all other commitments fade away and the commitment to the HSI meeting gains importance. I thank the Holy Spirit for coming into my life and increasing my faith, which I know will keep growing. Juliet DSouza

*****

This program has helped me to discover and grow more in my relationship with God especially through personal prayer; to lead a loving and disciplined life in my home, community, church and at work; and the programme is a practical programme through which I have been able to be a more motivated witness of Christ. Patricia Trinidade

*****

After my last retreat ‘Discipline and Discernment’ by Father Conrad Saldanha, a few of us felt the need to keep our disciplined prayer life growing. Seven of us got into a group and daily for a year spent an hour in praise, worship and intercession. This year due to lack of space we were getting luke warm with intercessions occasionally. When we heard about Holy Spirit Interactive we rushed to see what it was about. Here we encountered this huge Spirit filled community of people. It was just what we had been thirsting for in our spiritual walk, spending time and praise, worship and scripture study, conducted by the dedicated team. They have been guiding us in our disciple ministry especially in prayer discipline. I pray for the grace to continue in this path, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Vivian Ferrao

*****

After joining this Discipleship prayer group I feel better in my prayer life. I feel more presence Jesuss in my life. I am ready to work for others, pray for others. I feel more meaning participating in the mass. I can pray now without distractions. Rita George

*****

We as Catholics are supposed to have knowledge about the teachings of the Catholic Church. Ever since I joined the community I’ve learnt quite a lot of things. First we were instructed to spend at least one hour in prayer and to read the bible daily. By doing so I have experienced a very close relationship with my Triune God and that keeps me happy the entire day. I read and study his Word. My outlook and my approach towards my brothers and sisters have changed. I have become more patient, kind, understanding, forgiving and tolerant towards others. The bible study/discussions have helped me get different insights to the Word of God. I listen to Gods word more attentively during mass. The Lord has blessed all of us tremendously. To share my time, my talents,my money and to be of service to those in distress is my main priority. There is a burning zeal within myself to walk with God; to be his witness and make disciples of all nations. I consider it a privilege and a blessing to be a part of our loving family of Holy Spirit Interactive. May I lead many souls to the love and knowledge of the person of Jesus Christ. Merle Remedies

*****

Praise God this community has changed my way of thinking. It has given the knowledge about the Bible. It has given me the opportunity of leading praise and worship. I appreciate the caring and loving attitude of this team. I praise and thank God for the gift of Bro Aneel Aranha. Nigel Dsouza

*****

I was thirsting to know more about Jesus. I was very confused and am a little yet. I was happy to see you preach at the missin at St John Bosco Parish. You teach us the way you recived the experience of the love of God. This very thing has made me join the community.i know that even the little doubts that remain will be solved. Irene Gomes

*****

It was decided by all to have the meetings on Sunday, which is the only day that suited me too and so I started attending. We were given few Sundays to understand how this community works and finally had to commit to be with the group for the balance 11 months. It was not easy committing for 11 months, with today’s busy schedule at work places and fully knowing that the only day for doing my other things was the Sunday, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible. We have now completed a quarter of this session, by the Grace of God, I did not miss even one Sunday. I have been enjoining every movement. My prayer life is improving, mass is becoming meaningfully. The word of God is becoming meaning full in my life. I am overcoming my short falls, my anxieties, my fears and I am sure I will also over come my other weaknesses, with the help of the Holy Spirit and this community. Allwyn Frank

*****

It is a awsome experince every sunday am having in HSI. I am a learning a lot about Bible that I didn’t understand before. Although I knew prayer is vital, I experienced the power of prayer in a whole new way. If it weren’t for HSI I probably wouldn’t have found God completly. I praise and thank god for providing me such a wonderful team under which am getting a proper guidence to become a deciple of our savior Jesus Christ. Natalia Rodrigues

*****

I like the community as it is a platform where i have learnt to love people with empathy, the teachings are good and spirit filled and the preachers are well prepared, always encouraging us to grow. After joining the community I have become more disciplined in my prayer life and am learning to read and study the bible every day, discovering new gems in the Bible and getting to know about my faith and share my time, love, resources with those in need. This is a wonderful platform to learn more about Christ, live a pure and holy Spirit filled filled life like Christ and take Christ to all I interact with, via my words and actions. Debika Pinto

*****

I have found the HSI School of Discipleship to be a treasure house of valuable tools made available viz . notes on scripture, memorizing scripture verses, biblical movies to people like us thirsting to grow in faith through His Word and deepen our relationship with God by being more loving, kind, gentle, patient and generous. The emphasis on regular personal prayer, bible study and fellowship has enhanced my bond with God and brought me closer to my Creator. I am now beginning to discover God’s perfect love for me. I am more composed and at peace now. The community has boosted up my burning desire to equip myself with the Word and to use this powerful sword in my daily life.. I pray that God gives me the spirit of courage and wisdom to proclaim His Word to both - believers and non-believers and build His kingdom on earth. I am indeed privileged to be a member of this vibrant and dedicated community. May God bless the Organisers and the entire team that it may grow from strength to strength . Nora Dinker

*****

From the time I have joined , that is from July , i have noticed that I have not had a cold , Earlier I used to catch cold very often . Inspite of the rainy weather I am in good health . Many of my friends have noticed this & asked me "how come you dont have a cold now?" I told them since I have joined your group I am enjoying good health. My husband & myself thankyou for allowing us to join at this late age . We are in the 70s and we have now learnt to pray meaningfully . We are very eager to learn & understand the Bible . I also thank God for giving us this bonus time to know Him & enrich our prayer life . I pray and wish that the youth of today join your school and fill their lives with Gods love. Jerry and Marie D’Cruz

*****

Having joined HSI this year ,the community has brought me so much more closer to my Creator; Abba Father. Over the years I’ve come near to Mother Mary, Jesus Christ, but never really had a bond with Our Father. HSI in our initial meetings told us the importance of developing such a bond, and now I know how very important it is to have this relation with our maker. Now, I have direct contact with Our Father, now, no more do I fear My Father, no longer do I stay away from him, and no longer do I feel the abscence of his love in my life. For these and many more reasons I want to thank you dear brother for having started the HSI community in Borivali, and I thank the Lord God for establishing such a wonderful and powerful community and using you as his instrument of peace and good work. Valencia Fernandes

*****

I asked the Good Lord to bless me and be with me to make this commitment possible and I find it a joy to attend on Sunday afternoons. After joining, so far I have learnt about prayer time, personal prayer time, family prayer time, how to praise and thank the Lord in the community and how to read and learn scripture. I think the Lord has answered my prayers by providing me with teaching of my spiritual faith from the basics which even my parents have not taught me. I learnt a little of my faith from my school days but it did not help me to build up a relationship with my Heavenly Father and the knowledge of the Gift of the Holy Spirit and his empowerement. I am sure in the days and weeks and months to come I will be learning a lot about Jesus which will enable me to change from within, and help me to shine with his light, be transformed and be a witness of Gods love in my family, my extended family and to the community at large. Joan Rodrigues

*****

I would like to say we as a family me, my mom and my brother look forward every Sunday to the sessions due to the love, each and every one of us as a part of the community experience. I would like to say that being a disciple for Christ has been an enriching experience and I would like to grow even more in God’s infinite love for me and for the entire world. I have realized the importance of prayer not only personal but also the community prayer i.e the mass has also began to be a beautiful way of worshiping God rather than a ritual to be followed on Sunday’s. The bible study also makes us realize the love of God and his promises. Last but not the least I and my Brother Keegan and my mom Helen would like to thank God for YOU and Your team for the immense love and dedication towards us for making each and every one of us realize the immense love of GOD and for Gods plan for making us a part of your beautiful community. Natasha Silveira

*****

For a person like me who is still healing from painful past inner wounds and is growing more in love with Jesus every single day, the gift and blessing of your wonderful ministry could not have come at a better time in my life….I am indeed so thankful to our Lord for this ministry where I am growing more closer and deeper in love with Jesus and learning to share His love with others. I had always wanted to attend a course on Discipleship to learn more about the Word of God and this Discipleship program is indeed excellent; teaching us soo much more than just learning about God’s Word. The simple and practical talks every sunday and the Bible study program has encouraged and motivated me to start a disciplined life of prayer, and more so to be a witness of our Lord’s love and blessings at home, in the community and at my workplace. One specific area that I would like to highlight how this ministry has been a great blessing to me recently, is through’ the Bible study that was initiated last Sunday that helped me discern God’s will regarding a particular situation. Monisha Rebello

*****

It is truly a delight being a part of HSI Community. I use to pray much for you to start one community in Mumbai and look at how Gracious God is. Not only did a Community start in Mumbai, it started in our very area Borivali. Honestly, I have seen my brother and sister grow soo much in this Community and I’m looking forward to grow myself. Mum, Tehmina and the kids too enjoy - this is one place where the whole family can go. Shalina Rodrigues

*****

I had attended the Discipleship Programme conducted by you which was held at Don Bosco Grounds only for two days(due to my work commitments), the programme being scheduled for three days. I was deeply touched by the WORD of GOD that was preached by you which penetrated into my heart and I felt that my LORD had some wonderful plans for me and for my life. I felt the LORD revealing his will for me and I committed myself to the Holy Spirit Interactive Community at Borivli in making disciples of nations. Initially, there were many obstacles in my way but I kept surrendering each & every situation in the hands of the LORD and moved ahead attending the sessions held every Sunday. I have a strong faith & belief that the LORDs will be fulfilled in my life. Every Sunday I eagerly look forward to attending the session for praise & worship, hearing the WORD and meditating upon it. I used to never spend an hour in prayer but this HSI community has helped me build my personal relationship with my ABBA FATHER I am now drawn close to GOD by being in his wonderful presence in this one hour of prayer. This community is a community of LOVE and togetherness and I feel myself transformed. Sujata D’Costa

*****

I would like to thank you very much for starting the Holy Spirit Interactive group in john Bosco borivli. May the lord bless you abundantly for this wonderful deed of yours. Holy Spirit Interactive has touched my life deeply and has made a great change in the way and manner I act and behave. It has done a wonderful change in my prayer life, in particular the book, "A Guide to Personal Prayer" has helped me to improve the quality and quantity of my prayer life. I have learnt or should I say I am learning to reach out and witness the lord to people whom I meet or interact with. With the grace of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and with the help of HIS I am confident that I will go a long way in improving my spiritual life. Alan D’Souza

*****

I want to thank you for starting this school of Discipleship programme at Borivli. The Praise & Worship with your other teachings for discipinary life and your lively explanation of the Bible makes it so interesting. I can understand the Bible better. Collette Correa

*****

I was born and brought up in the Catholic faith and have been always attending all programs of the I.C Church, Borivli. I will be 51 years old , yet I have not grown well enough to understand the Word of God and the Holy Mass. I am finding the Discipleship program a well structured one. The manner in which the chapter on Acts of the Apostles was presented was very clear to understand. The spiritual growth chart will definitely help me in this community. The concept of an accountability partner is helping me and keeping me motivated in my spiritual growth. The best part probably will be the workshop which will train us to serve the church better. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity I have obtained to be in this HSI community. Rence Candes D’Souza

*****

It is not by chance that I’v come to this community but it was the Lord’s divine plan for me and my family. It was always a great desire for me to serve the Lord and grow in His Word but I couldn’t find any place where I could do it. Finally God is fulfilling this desire through HSI and I feel that I have been chosen by the Lord to preach his gospel to the ends of the earth. HSI community is the right platform for every person to identify the gift each one has and more importantly develop it. Stanley James

*****

Just want to comment you and your HSI team for the wonderful work you are doing to build and spread God’s kingdom. I must admit that if my prayer time has become more meaningful with my God, it is because of the systematic manner in which you have taught us to sit at the Lord’s feet and just bask in His love & commune with Him. What’s more, is that I just enjoy this time without even having to look at my watch. What’s touched me deeply at the Sunday sessions is the fellowship -- the love & warmth that flows to the community from you and your team members, which in turn enables us to reach out to others in love and forgiveness, beginning with our own families -- something we should have grown up doing, but HOW we have ignored the love of our God & failed to share it. It’s never too late! I think the discipline that is instilled in us though the team is commendable! We simply can’t afford to be lukewarm christians anymore! Gertrude Fernandes

*****

I am most privileged to be chosen to be a member of the HSI School of Discipleship. The HIS community has imbibed in me the true value of prayer. Earlier I could not spend 15 minutes in prayer but now I can spend hours and hours in prayer. I can also motivate others to pray and proclaim the Word of God. We are now trained to be the followers of Jesus Christ through love,kindness, patience and self control. HIS has opened my eyes and my heart to reach out to the needy and to serve others selflessly and has taught me to be humble and generous. The notes provided by HSI school for our Bible study has increased my knowledge and deepened my desire to proclaim the Word of God and motivate others to read the Word. The importance of family prayer has enlightened me and brought our family closer to God and a better understanding to our family. With all this knowledge I a disciple of Jesus have decided to make disciples of all nations. Monica Mendonca

*****

I joined on the day of the infilling of the Holy Spirit and I was convinced at this session that I had made the right decision. It was with joy I took the pledge of commitment. Two Sundays later, we were given the task of reading three chapters of the Bible. I was a person who was struggling to read a chapter or a passage. Many a times I have attempted reading a book from the bible, but never succeeded. But now I am surprised that I very diligently sit up however late it is at night and read at least three chapters! I was so shocked when I realised I had finished reading 28 chapters of ACTS in eight days! My pray at every Eucharist was ‘Father in heaven put a thirst in my heart for your word and bless me with the grace to read and memorize it’. God heard my prayer. Anne Mira

*****

Each of the input sessions mean a lot to me and like many I have made it continuously for the last twelve weeks avoiding any other commitment (e.g trip to Goa with my brothers-in-law) during this time. The program with the praise & worship, the inputs session & the discussion touches us to the core & for me personally has for the first time given me an in-dept understanding of GOD the Father, his Son Jesus, & the Holy Spirit. The burden I carried for so many years of my sins has been lighted by the knowledge I have gained here. I remember the words of Prophet Jeremiah (29.11) provided in the Lesson of the God the Father " For surely I have plans for your well being & not for harm says the Lord to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me & pray to me I will listen to your prayers. When you search for me you will find me if you seek me with all your heart." When I say these words continuously & slowly they give me a lot of peace, joy & happiness. Sunil D’Souza

*****

I am thankful for the opportunity I have received to be an integral part of the Don Bosco Borivli HSI Community. This is truly God’s calling to me in the midst of your wonderful team and the other collegues around me. The program is slowly making a positive impact on my lifestyle and primarily on my spiritual growth path. I am enjoying the experience right throughout the week. I praise and thank God for this HSI initiative taken by you, and I look forward to the fruits of the entire year ahead of me and thereafter for the greater glory of God. Glenn D’Souza

*****

When I was invited by my friend to the Discipleship course, little did I know that it was going to bring a new spring time in my spiritual life. Each Sunday class strengthens my faith, keeps the urge to read more and more of the WORD OF GOD, remain rooted in prayer and flourish in God’s love. HSI School of Discipleship is playing a pivotal role not only in my life but also all those who come to it. I never realised Bible study could be such an awesome experience! Now I feel that my parched soul has at last found the streams of living waters!! Rosamma James

*****

Since I have come to this group, i have learnt so much, especially from the Bible Study. It is truly amazing how much knowledge your team has and how well and patiently they share and teach us every Sunday. Today, for example, we were given parallels in the NT and the OT which were truly amazing. Pentacost, the ten commandments, the HS in wind and fire, Babel, the voice of thunder. I shared it over the dinner table with my husband and my daughter and they were truly astounded especially when i told them the story of the warriors of Jesus through intercession! And your team knows more on Luke than i have seen any body else share with a group. I had read the story on Luke the beautiful physician long ago. It is refreshing to know that your team has done a lot of reference and study and prayer, before coming to class! And the teachings never goes haywire. I know as a Sunday School teacher, how much effort and practice it takes to be able to get a lesson done perfectly and still there are notches left out- unless the teaching is left to the HS to conduct Himself, that is. And there are active, Word MInisters from our parish present, and i can see that they are no doubt, enjoying the sessions too. The teaching of your team is just perfect to say the least. The Holy Spirit is indeed blessing the team and their witnessing encourages the ordinary person like me to be excited about what i am going to learn during the next session. No sleepy eyes here! May D’Souza

*****

The community is a place where I have begun to grow in many ways. I have now cultivated the habit of reading the Bible, studying and meditating over the chapters of the Bible, being more attentive during mass and spending quality time with God. Now if I don’t spend time with God my Day is incomplete. I am really very thankful to Father Allwyn for having given us Brother who has helped us intensely in coming closer and being one with God. Raquel (13 yrs)