MATUNGA, NOVEMBER 16, 2010: Over three hundred and fifty Altar Servers from ten Salesian Institutions gathered together at Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga on Monday, November 15, 2010 to rally together in support of ‘Care for Creation’. Participating for the first time were Altar Servers all the way from Don Bosco’s Naigaon, Nashik and Pune. After a very colorful march past, the guest of honor, Fr. Edwin D’Souza, in a very novel way, invited the Altar Servers to declare open their own celebration with one voice, “We, the Altar Servers declare open our Rally”. He invited the youngsters to serve the Lord with joy and to Care for Creation. Citing very down-to-earth practices, he challenged the youngsters to give God thanks and be protectors of Creation. Representatives from the various intuitions lit the lamp together with the guest of honor.
Through songs, dances, drama and colorful exhibits, Fr. Brian Moras guided the young Altar Servers to appreciate the Gift of Creation and to Care for it. The participants responded with commitments they resolved to keep on a personal and community level. During a very prayerful Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Michael Fernandes, the Provincial, together with a number of concelebrants, once again invited the young Altar Servers to be responsible caretakers of God’s wonderful creation. Various institutions took active part in animating the liturgy and the singing.
The Altar servers were then given a brief opportunity to participate in the Shelter Don Bosco – Children’s Day Celebrations ‘Baccho ki Muskaan, Desh ki Shaan’. After a sumptuous lunch, the long awaited friendly games began. The games played were cricket-football, bucket-basketball, dodge-ball and square-ball. The sporting pledge, that was made right at the start, was kept by every team.
In his charismatic and youthful style, Fr. Allwyn Misquitta guided the young Altar Servers in a meaningful experience through Praise and worship, to once again reaffirm their commitment to ‘Care for Creation’. Fr. Ajoy, the Vice Provincial, proposed the vote of thanks. St. Dominic Savio, Andheri were declared the overall winners. Resurrection Church, Virar followed closely. Thanks to Bro. Matthew who generously donated a bible to every participant of the rally.
