Vinod Mascarenhas sdb
NASHIK, DECEMBER 14, 2009: It was an evening with Our Lady at Don Bosco Nashik! The Don Bosco Parish celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 2009. The evening began with the Eucharist at 6.30 p.m. in which the Parish Priest, Fr. Nelson Falcao sdb, presided. In his homily, based on Cardinal Ratzinger’s (Pope Benedict XVI) book Daughter Zion, Fr. Nelson recalled that Mary is identified with daughter Zion, the Church. The quality “immaculate” is first applied to the Church, who recognizes her own sinfulness but also recognizes the immaculateness of her first disciple. He reminded us that what God wrought in Mary, he will work in us – with our cooperation.
After the Eucharist, the community of Salesian Training Institute coordinated a short and crisp Academy to honour Mary, “the Spotless Maid.” Fr. Solomon Rapol, the Rector and Novice Master of Salesian Training Institute, in his Message, urged those present not to wait to get to heaven but to create a heaven on earth by being a little kind, by doing a little good, by little acts of love... in imitation of Mary. What followed was a medley of items – a band piece, dances, songs and a trumpet duet, from a motley group – the parishioners and parish youth, the SDB and FMA novices, the Maria Vihar boarders, the community of Divyadaan.
The highlight of the evening, however, was not the programme itself, but the spirit of togetherness and the spirit of initiative that the Academy brought about. We express our gratitude to all who contributed to make it an enriching and enjoyable evening with Our Lady.
Earlier, the Parish Community prepared for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception with a Triduum. The three Salesian communities – Divyadaan, Salesian Training Institute and Don Bosco Parish – took turns to animate the Eucharist on the three days. The “praying together” manifested itself in the “staying together” for the Academy. We hope for more such ventures of togetherness!