BIS #2677 SALESIAN EXPERIENCE FOR VOCATION PROBABLES - NASHIK

Fr. Brian Moras sdb

NASHIK, NOVEMBER 1, 2011: Twenty two of us arrived at Don Bosco Parish, Nashik on October 26, for a two day Salesian experience of this place.  The highlights of the first day were the interaction with our Novices at STI, which also included tea and a game of football.  The Indian Rite Diwali Mass celebrated by (Dr) Fr. Nelson Falcao in the evening was interesting and special for the youngsters.
The next day we visited Gargoti, the Mineral Museum.  This museum houses the personal collection of Connoisseur Mr. K. C. Pandey.  His collection consists of Zeolites, Gemstones, Fossils and Handicrafts from all over the World.  The monument is classified into two main sections; the Deccan Plateau Gallery, boasting the best of National Zeolites and the Prestige Gallery, displaying the worldwide collection. The youngsters were spellbound with their experience here.
Our next destination was the very famous Infant Jesus Shrine.  We joined in the afternoon Eucharist which was a grace moment given to each of us.  We then travelled to the enchanting Pandavleni Caves and spent much time climbing up to the caves and discovering the mysteries hidden here.
In the evening, we visited our Salesian Sisters and shared tea with them.  The youngsters also had a brief darshan of Divya-Daan- our Philosophate at Nashik and caught sight of the young Brothers who were in their Retreat.
We are grateful to Frs. Solomon and Nelson who helped us out with the logistics and food and also spent time sharing their rich Salesian experience with the youngsters.  As we travelled back to Mumbai on October 28, the youngsters expressed their desire to spend some more time at Nashik.  The experience has planted strong seeds of a divine calling and we hope that in due time the seeds will bear fruit.