Chris Valentino sdb
MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 19, 2009: The Don Bosco Centre for Learning, Kurla was blessed to receive “God’s Gift” today as 75 Salesians from Divyadaan-Salesian College of Philosophy, Nashik paid a visit to the Campus. The scholastics – young Salesians in the immediate post-novitiate formation, along with a few members of the faculty and staff brought with them an abundant shower of blessings divine as two huge buses entered the Campus gates at precisely 8:30 a.m.
The first point on the agenda was the ‘peth-puja’ as the travel weary young Turks relished with delight the delicious goodies laid out especially for them. After this the youthful contingent arranged themselves into three battalions and embarked on a guided tour of the campus, coordinated by Cl. Clayton, Frs. Richard and Chris. Visiting the various spaces of the campus, the future rectors, principals, campus ministers and provincials eagerly gobbled up the information input, as also making a studied reflection of the newer emerging possibilities in youth ministry.
The final session on the itinerary was a presentation cum discussion animated by none other than the dynamic Fr. Adolph Furtado, Director of DBCL, Kurla. Fr. Adolph made an epigrammatic presentation regards the various goings-on at the campus. Dwelling briefly on each of the Institutions that make up the Campus, he made a plea: “the time has now come for us to look at our works for the youth a bit differently. What significant contribution could we make toward the grooming and training of our youngsters, keeping in mind that we need to be innovators and thinkers of a brighter future?” Few questions were then raised by the young minds regards the target group, the scope of the courses offered and the assistance from the Government, if any. These were answered with great passion and enthusiasm by Fr. Adolph, which seemed to allay any lingering doubts.
The visit concluded with a ‘thank you’ address and a melodious song of gratitude, following which the contingent embarked to the next halt on their exposure trip. Indeed, DBCL was blessed to receive “God’s Gift” and wished these young confreres “fare-well” as they continue to make of themselves something beautiful for God…!!