by Cleric Jittin Mathew and Eustace Fernandes
MUMBAI, APRIL 29, 2019: Thirty-five boys and five staff from Bosco Boys Home (BBH), Borivli, participated in a special half-day Praise and Worship conducted by Father Allywn Misquitta on April 24.
Harry Menezes, a parishioner from Don Bosco parish, Borivli, assisted Father Misquitta in the service. The theme of the day was to highlight the meaning of moral ethics.
At the onset, Father Corlis Gonsalves, the Rector of BBH, thanked and welcomed Father Misquitta and Menezes for having agreed to spend their time with the boys and helping them understand the basic importance of cultivating good habits and shunning away from bad habits.
The programme was separated into two parts. The first session focused on the theme, 'Jeevan ke Mulya for a healthy life' Nyan Indrya - Sense of perception. In this session, five important points were focused upon namely: eyes-aankh, ears- kaan, nose-naak, taste-swaad, and touch- sparsh.
The boys were told how these sensory organs are connected to five important aspects of their life: chith, mann, vichar, utthchar, and karya. Then they were introduced to the five Karm Indrya (action performers): tongue, hands, legs, genitals, and rectum.
The second session highlighted the moral values of being sensitive to friends (savandsheeltaa), importance of punctuality (samai kee pabandi), neatness (saaf sutraa), how one must inculcate scientific attitude (vidyanik manodhristi), courteousness (vinaytaa), dignity of labour (shram ki maryada), equality (samanta), religious intolerance (dharmik shahenseelta), deshbhakti (patriotism), rastriy ekta (national integration).
“In today’s situation, all are besieged with these above values. If a person succeeds in mastering these core values he will manage to control his life but in reality, it is very difficult,” Father Misquitta said. Menezes stressed on the harmful impact of bad values in the society which is affecting today’s age group.
In the interactive session, the boys were encouraged to share their knowledge of moral values. Few boys came forward to share their testimony on how they had overcome various vices which curtail their personal growth.
“It was a very beautiful and prayerful session. I experienced a calm and peaceful feeling. I understood that I have to be far from bad habits because it will slowly destroy me. I have to cultivate and practice good values and habits,” Krishna Sharma, from standard six, said.
“Father Misquitta focused on being liberated from all vices, which becomes an obstacle in our connection with God. The session was made eye-catching with praise and worship songs at the background by Mr. Menezes,” Eustace Fernandes, BBH staff said.
At the end of his talk, Father Misquitta requested all the youth to stay away from vices and to live a healthy life and become responsible citizens of the society.