- 09 June, 2026
Mumbai, 9 June 2026: Amid growing speculation surrounding the Retreat House property at Bandra Bandstand, sources directly connected with the institution have strongly rejected claims that the landmark property is being offered for sale.
Speaking to Catholic Connect, a reliable source associated with the property stated that rumours circulating across various media platforms are completely unfounded.
"Due to vested interest in certain strata of society, there are rumours circulating in various media stating that the ‘Retreat House’ is up for sale. I have to categorically deny this fact. The ‘Retreat House’ belongs to the Jesuits and will continue to belong to the Jesuits, through The Bombay Xavierian Corporation (earlier known as The Bombay Xaverian Corporation Private Limited) a trust, whose trustees are Jesuits priests".
The source emphasised that ownership of the property remains firmly with the Jesuits and that no proposal, negotiation, or process exists to sell the Retreat House.
According to the source, the property is held through The Bombay Xavierian Corporation, the Jesuit trust responsible for the ownership and administration of the Retreat House. Church authorities maintain that the institution continues to serve its longstanding religious and spiritual mission and that no change in ownership is under consideration.
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Another reliable source familiar with the property's legal and administrative status further clarified that the land is not a freehold property and remains subject to government lease conditions.
According to the source, the Retreat House property is owned by the Jesuits but is held under a lease arrangement involving the Maharashtra Government's Collector's Department. The source explained that different categories of land occupancy exist under state regulations and that, in previous years, the property's occupancy classification was altered in a manner that reduced lease-related financial obligations while simultaneously imposing stricter limitations on redevelopment and transfer of ownership.
The source noted that converting such leased land into unrestricted freehold property would require payment of a substantial premium to the government, making the process financially impractical. As a result, the property remains governed by state regulations and cannot be freely developed or sold in the manner suggested by recent reports.
The source also mentioned, "Besides there are two police complaints lodged about this matter".
While acknowledging the property's considerable market value due to its prime Bandstand location, the source stressed that there has been no discussion or consideration of a sale by the Jesuit authorities.
"I am in touch with those responsible for the Jesuit properties, and it is very clear, amply clear, that there is no such transaction being considered by the Jesuits. No such transaction," the source said.
The source further suggested that similar rumours have surfaced periodically regarding Church-owned properties across Mumbai, often generating concern among the faithful despite lacking factual basis.
Sources within the Archdiocese stated that they believe the move was a deliberate attempt by certain groups to draw public attention to high-value Church properties and generate wider discussion around the issue.
The latest round of speculation appears to have been triggered by an unauthorized online listing that claimed the property was available for acquisition at an estimated value of ₹900 crore. The listing sparked widespread concern among members of Mumbai's Catholic community and prompted renewed public discussion about the future of the iconic retreat centre.
Recent media reports have documented the community's reaction and efforts to safeguard the property. These reports have highlighted concerns among Catholics over repeated attempts to misrepresent the status of the land and the circulation of misleading information regarding its ownership and future. There are also citizen-led initiatives and Church statements rejecting claims that the property is being marketed for sale.
Church representatives and informed sources continue to urge the public to rely on official communications and verified information rather than social media speculation or unauthorized property listings. They maintain that the Retreat House remains under Jesuit ownership, subject to existing lease conditions, and is not being considered for sale.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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