BIS #2782 SALESIAN YOUTH FEST 2012-DON BOSCO MATUNGA

Shaaru Alphonso


MATUNGA, FEBRUARY 01, 2012: The Don Bosco Youth Fest conducted by the Salesian Province of Mumbai, was held on January 22, 2012 at Don Bosco grounds Matunga.   The theme of the event was "Rooted in Christ" Col 2:7. A large number of vibrant youngsters from the Mumbai and Vasai Region participated in the fest. We were also glad to have the youth from Pune and Lonavla amongst us.  The Chief Coordinator of the fest was Rev. Fr. Brian Moras sdb from the Don Bosco Youth Services assisted ably by Frs. Edwin Colaco and Allwyn Misquitta. 
The fest began at 8.00 a.m. with the registration of the youth from various parishes. The animator of each Parish co-ordinated very well with the registration committee, which made everything end up as scheduled. 
Once all the youth were registered we started with some icebreakers. The youth were divided into teams. Each team member introduced themselves to their team- mates and were made to do small activities within the team for which they were awarded points. The icebreakers got the best out of every youth and it was really surprising to see how the youth mingled around so well with each other.
The youth were then lead to some time of praise and worship by a wonderful music ministry 'El Shaddai' from Don Bosco, Borivali. Action songs that were bold and loud and melodious music that no one could resist took this fest to different heights. Every youth relived God's love and mercy through music. Fr. Wilfred D'Souza, welcomed the youth to the Salesian Youth Fest 2012.
We had a panel discussion thereafter and the two panelists Ms. Roshini Nunes and Mr. Lenny Soares are personally and professionally deeply rooted in Christ. The panelists shared their testimonies with us, how they experienced God's love and how they stayed rooted in Christ. The panel discussion comprised of a question and answer hour wherein the youth asked questions to the panelists who answered them instantly and appropriately.  This was followed by a small group discussion and reporting.  The result of all this was meaningful ways in which we all can remain rooted in Christ.
After the discussion the Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice-Provincial of the Mumbai Province. The liturgy was beautifully conducted and it kept all the youth involved throughout the Eucharistic celebration.
Lunch was provided soon after the Eucharist. It was time to shake a leg or two on the dance floor. Spot prizes were also given out during the dance.
Rev. Sr. Rita Lobo and her team organized games for all the participants.  The ground was filled with vibrant youth running and enjoying their games from the starting line to the end point. With every game there was increasing excitement. Each team cheered up their team mates to the fullest. There was noise, laughter and excitement all over. The teams were awarded points for each game and at the end of the day the top three scoring teams were felicitated. The youth then proceeded to the shrine where they spent some time of recollection and prayer. Rev. Fr. Edwin D'souza, gave the parting message to the youth.  Fr. Ajoy then proposed the vote of thanks.
The fun filled day finally came to an end. Every youth walked out even more enlightened in the praise and worship of God. Making new friends, sharing your faith with others and staying rooted in Christ is what the Don Bosco Youth Fest is all about, which will ever remain memorable.