by Father Ranson D'Souza
MUMBAI, FEB 5, 2019: Yet another page has been scripted in the annals of St Dominic Savio, Andheri as history was made by the celebration of Annual Thanksgiving Day on February 2 and 3, 2019 in its 50th glorious year. With God’s grace the two days were celebrated under the joint auspices of the Salesian community, school staff, parents, students, alumni, cooperators, benefactors, well-wishers, and friends.
On February 2, the cele
brations began at 6 pm with the solemn entry of the Chief Guest Father Brian Moras, the Rector and Manager of the Institute of St Dominic Savio, Andheri followed by Valerie Mascarenes, Principal of St Dominic Savio High School, and the Salesian community.
On February 3, the celebrations began at 6 pm with the solemn entry of the Chief Guest Father Godfrey D’Souza, the Provincial of the Salesian province of Mumbai, the Silver Jubilarian Manuel Suren, a member of the non-teaching staff and the guests of honour - the former rectors and principals of the Institute - Father Corlis Gonsalves, Father Ajoy Fernandes, Father Crispino D’Souza, Father Boniface D’Souza, Father Philip Falcao, and Father Donald Fernandez.
Father Moras and the management were felicitated on the first day whereas on the second day it was the management, the school leadership team, the chief guest, the silver jubilarian and the former rectors and principals who were felicitated.
Father Moras in his message quoted Don Bosco who said, “Everything fades away, but not out gratitude. We shall always pray that God will abundantly bless those who have been so good to us,” connecting it to the theme for the academic year, ‘Thank you God’ emphasising the hand of God throughout the wonderful 50-year journey of the institution of St Dominic Savio, Andheri.
Father Godfrey D’Souza in his message emphasised upon the pedagogical system of Don Bosco – ‘Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness’ - through which the educator fosters dialogue and participation in the classroom, a healthy sense of spirituality where the young can find meaning in the sacred and an atmosphere where young people feel that they are cared for and loved.Prizes and scholarships were given on the first day to deserving students who excelled and shone in academics, sports, discipline, creativity, and all-round performance during the past year.
A heart-warming documentary on the history of the Institute highlighting the 50 years journey of growth since the time of its inception was screened with the help of Kirk Peter, the producer under the guidance of Father Moras, Mascarenes and Hayden Dias, an alumnus.
The musical ‘Blessed to be a Savion’ directed by Avit Dias was the cherry on the cake with an excellent showcasing of talents through drama, song, and dance. The musical presented an overview of the various activities that take place in the school thereby giving an opportunity to every student to become all-rounders. It emphasised on the words of Don Bosco who always said, “Remember that education is a matter of the heart.” Also screened during the musical were the experiences and messages of some of the former rectors, principals, teachers, and past pupils on the occasion of the Institute’s Golden Jubilee.“The message went out loud and clear to all those present that St Dominic Savio, Andheri is the best place for the overall growth of our children,” a parent said. Indeed the two-day celebration will go down in history as the golden thanksgiving days and will live forever in the memories of the Savion family.