India, Oct. 26 -- Breaking away from its regular Sunday routine, the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Dadar East came alive on Saturday evening as hundreds of parishioners gathered to celebrate a century of faith, history, and community.

Dressed in their festive best, women in sarees, men in formal shirts, and children tugging at their parents' hands - families filled the modest, low-ceilinged hall and the backyard beyond. As the clock neared 6pm, the church bells began to toll, and a solemn procession of choir members, priests, and the bishop entered to the tune of Marathi hymns. The centenary mass had begun, marking 100 years since the day in 1925 when the church was dedicated to the service of God.

Founded to serve the Marathi-speaking...