The newly ordained Salesian priests of the Salesian Province of Mumbai, Fr. Lawrence Vincent and Fr. Agnel James, along with their Vocation Animator, Fr. Velasli Bandya, made a special visit to Don Bosco High School & Junior College on January 11 and spent time with the students.
The new priests, Fr. Vincent and Fr. James, met the pupils of grade 5 to grade 8, at 10.00 a.m. and conducted interactive sessions in different groups. They shared the values of a devout life through inspirational life stories, experiences and their mission as sons of Don Bosco. All through the session they convinced the students about the sacredness and power of the Holy Eucharist and about their own life experiences that had drawn them closer to God. Additionally, they enlightened the students about the different programmes and projects at the seminaries. Before concluding, they led the students to a question-answer session, wherein the students were able to discuss and share their thoughts.
Fr. Bandya on the other hand engaged the ninth and tenth grade pupils in a conversation on vocation. Father gave the pupils an introduction to the concept of vocation, defining it as a call to live a holy and joyous life. Father continued by stating that priesthood is the closest to God. Fr. Bandya led the students to a question-and-answer session at the conclusion, during which the students exchanged their concerns and engaged in profound self-reflection with him.
Fr. Joaquim. Fernandes, vice-principal, introduced the newly ordained priest to the students and welcomed them to celebrate the Holy Eucharist .
The priests then celebrated Holy Mass together while asking for God’s blessings. In his sermon based on the gospel, Fr. James described how the leper put all of his trust in Jesus and, willing to take a chance, approached him to seek for cure. Through his faith and confidence in Jesus, the leper recovered. In the same manner, we, the children of God, should trust Jesus.
At the conclusion of the Mass Fr. Vincent thanked the administration, staff, and students for allowing them to share their life stories. After that, the staff, and students celebrated the new priests with cake cutting and a congratulations song.
After the celebration of Holy Mass, Fr. Bandya engaged in conversation with the college students, discussing the value and importance of Holy Mass and the joys of priesthood. He asked the students to visit the camps that are held and informed them about the fun activities that are held at the seminary.
For the students who were filled with the spirit and the just ordained priests, it was an incredibly amazing day.
By – Dorothy Fernandes
