Natasha Almeida
MUMBAI, OCTOBER 22, 2009: Don Bosco ground, Matunga beamed with zest and vigour as around 250 children mainly Altar Servers from the Salesian Parishes of Mumbai and Dakor gathered for the Salesian Altar Servers’ Rally on October 20, 2009 at Don Bosco School grounds, Matunga. The theme ‘Serving God in my Neighbour’ ran throughout the day and even the scorching heat did not deter the high energy levels of the children.
The rally began with the inaugural ceremony at 9.00a.m with all the parishes taking part in the solemn March Past with their respective mascots. The Chief Guest for the same was Fr. Edwin D’souza, rector of the Shrine and the honour of the salutation was taken by Fr. Edwin. The symbolic lighting of the lamp was done by Fr. Edwin D’souza, Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial; Fr. Boniface D’souza, Fr. Brian Moras and Fr. Henry D’souza. Fr. Edwin in his welcome address told the children that they were the actual chief guests at the rally. “The one who serves, serves generously and freely, make this the slogan of your life”, he added. Resurrection Parish, Virar bagged the first place for the march past.
Br. Savio D’mello, the jolly compere of the day started off the right way by saying, “For Don Bosco, Holiness was expressed in Cheerfulness.” He went on to say that serving cheerfully was the hallmark of a Salesian Altar Server. With this the children charged at the day head on.
With this followed the taking of the oath led by Anandini from Resurrection Parish, Virar whilst the Wadala group led the catchy Anthem specially prepared for the day with actions. Formation of groups and ice breakers paved the way for a fun filled and enthusiastic day.
The children were exposed to a session by Fr. Christopher and Fr. Richard. The main focus of the session was Change. It kicked off with a power point presentation based on the song ‘Man in the Mirror’ by Michael Jackson, which gave the children food for thought. The session led them to take up an Action Project which they will execute parish wise. Most of the action projects suggested were based on outreach like visiting orphanages, old age homes etc.
The main celebrant of the Eucharist at 11.45 a. m was Fr. Michael Fernandes, Provincial. In his homily he mentioned that the cross which is an important symbol in Christianity has two dimensions. The vertical dimension symbolizes our love for God while the horizontal direction brings out the aspect of love for our neighbour and fellow beings. “As altar servers we need to be Christ to others”, he added. The highlight of the Eucharist was the commitment pledge that was taken by the representatives of the parishes which evolved during the session earlier in the day.
After a sumptuous meal the children were geared up for Rink Football and Box Cricket. The spirit of sportsmanship was visibly seen among these young altar servers as Resurrection Parish, Virar won Box Cricket and Our Lady of Dolours, Wadala won Rink Football.
The day for the altar servers had not ended yet. The Quiz based on three categories namely: Bible, Marian and Don Bosco got the children to put on their thinking caps. The children confidently answered the questions thrown to them by the quizmaster. Our Lady of Jyoti, Virar emerged victorious for the quiz.
The rally ended on a joyous and energetic note as Fr. Brian Moras proposed the Vote of Thanks. Our Lady of Resurrection parish, Virar walked away with the trophy as overall winners of the day while Our Lady of Dolours, Wadala followed close in as second position winners. However, the real winners of the day were the Salesians, the volunteers and the animators without whose efforts the day would not have been made possible.
The rally came to a close with sounds of whistles, claps and visible innocent hands resounding with high fives…