by Neville Coutinho
MUMBAI, FEB 3, 2017: To mark the feast of Don Bosco, who initiated the work for street children, Shelter Don Bosco – a home for street children in Mumbai run by the 
Salesians, paid tribute to their beloved founder by making the day special for poor and marginalised children from the streets, on January 31.
Shelter staff along with ex-shelter boys from Bosco Care Center, Antop Hill animated a range of games much to the delight of the youth present. A short prayer service followed and the children were asked to offer their joys and sorrows, prayers and petitions to Don Bosco in the shape of pink hearts.
The solemn Eucharist was presided over by Father Brian Moras, who conveyed the message of Don Bosco's spirituality of cheerfulness in his homily. Meanwhile, children were glued to watching the latest movie on Saint John Bosco: Mission to Love, in Hindi.
The Rector, Father Gregory Almeida, conducted housie with special prizes to those who answered questions about Shelter Don Bosco. Italian magician, Francesco Marino then entertained children with his magic tricks. There was a brief jam session with party action songs and Bollywood music.
In the evening, during the prayer service, all the Salesians and benefactors of Shelter were remembered. A special prayer was said for the safety of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted in Yemen in March 2015. The day ended with children receiving prizes for the points they had collected during the Don Bosco Month.