BIS #2690 VISIT OF THE MUMBAI SALESIANS

Philomena Fernandes


NORTHERN ARABIA, NOVEMBER 15, 2011: The Church of St. Therese in the Northern Vicariate of Arabia had the singular privilege of having Frs. Edwin Damascus Colaco and Roy Noronha and Mr. Neville Serrao on Saturday, November 12, 2011. The Salesian team animated the morning for the altar servers and catechism students from Std. V and above.

The day began with excitement all around as Fr. Colaco led the children into feet-tapping action songs praising God.  Fr. Noronha then led the children into a Peace Breath Session, where the children were made aware of how to create peace around them, their homes and in every situation wherever they are.  The Peace Breath was also an exercise leading to concentration and awareness of their surroundings. The session continued with the children wholeheartedly singing the Anthem song "Grow and Grow in Jesus and Mary".

Three short heart-warming clips were viewed by the children in between action-songs.  Each clips had a moral teaching which the children eagerly grasped.

The first AV presentation was on the "Pencil and the Eraser" led the children to be conscious that in order to become the best person they need to allow God to use them.  The second AV presentation was on Derek Redmond and his Father receiving a standing ovation in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when Derek was unable to continue with the race due to sudden sprain, and was assisted by his Father to reach the finish line.  The third AV presentation was on Nick Vujicic, a boy without arms and legs and the children were inspired to thank God for who they are and what they are.

A short movie on the childhood of Pope John Paul II was aired, where the children were made aware of the importance of praying the Rosary and the powerful protection bestowed by our beloved mother at all times.

The session which began at 9:00 a.m. and ended at 11:30 a.m. with the hundred and twenty children, the Salesian Cooperators, the Catechists and the parents having a heart transforming experience not only with the rhythmic action songs but also through the carefully planned and organized day by the Mumbai Salesian team experts.

We thank the Salesian team and hope they return again to enthuse us with their Salesian dynamism.