The Salesian Provincial, of Mumbai Province, Rev Fr. Savio Silveira, visited Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Naigaon East, Mumbai – Maharashtra. He spent two days at Naigaon, on 5th and 6thOctober 2023.
On his arrival, he was greeted by the Salesian Community. During his conference with the Community at Naigaon, he referred to the words of Don Bosco from a ‘Letter from Rome 1884’. Here, he reiterated the relevance of perceiving the novelties of the historical times that we presently live in and then went on to explain the most significant elements of the Letter from Rome, which were – Knowing how to use the language of love, understanding young people, to have happiness at heart, to be present, overcoming formalisms, and sharing the action.
He then met the staff, wherein he was felicitated by the Rector, Fr. Dominic Martis with a bouquet. While addressing the staff, he touched on the mission and vision of Don Bosco. He expressed his gratitude towards the staff for their relentless service to the institution. He reminded the teachers to introspect whether the ideals of Don Bosco are put into action on a daily basis. Focusing much on the urgent need to impart moral and peace education, he asked the teachers to engage with the students with kindness and to be sensitive towards their emotional and psychological needs. He later elaborated the four dimensions of integral growth of a child. He congratulated the Principal and Vice – Principal for taking up various activities at school that invigorates all realms of the student’s growth, particularly in building physical resilience and boosting their self-esteem.
Later that evening, Fr. Savio visited the parish of Mary Help of Christian at Naigaon. He met the Salesian corporators, the youth, the SVP, the PPC members and the altar servers. He was delighted to learn about the various activities taken up at the parish level. Overwhelmed by the activities and enthusiasm in the parish he said, “I am happy to see a great connect among the various groups here at Naigaon.” He further shed light on the need for empathy, respect and care for each other, particularly understanding the needs of the youngsters. At the end he reminded the parishioners that Don Bosco’s sole mission and focus was to care for the youngsters, hence it is imperative that the elders of the parish nurture the young with care and help them grow as honest and responsible citizens of the future. He then celebrated the Holy Eucharist.
The next morning, on 6th October, he celebrated the Holy Eucharist at school. Through his sermon, he encouraged the students to take responsibility, have respect for each other, and to use their talents in the right way, so as to be successful citizens of the future.
Fr. Savio’s visit to Naigaon, thus provided a good opportunity for the Salesian Community and various other groups in the parish and the school, to interact with him and partake in a plethora of discussions at various levels.
By Dorothy Fernandes
