Divyadaan, December 3, 2010: The confreres and novices of the Don Bosco Campus, Nashik awoke to a day filled with music, fun and magic as the communities of Salesian Training Institute, Divyadaan and Don Bosco Parish celebrated the feast of the Province’s patron Saint, St. Francis Xavier.
The members of the three communities, on this day gathered around the table of the Lord to celebrate the Eucharist. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Savio D’Souza, the Rector of Divyadaan invoked the community to imitate the life of St. Francis Xavier. He spoke of the meeting between two great giants of Jesuit sanctity, namely, Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier. He also enlightened the assembly on the importance of St. Francis’ working in the missions in a very youthful and dynamic way. The Eucharist also saw the confreres praying for the different intentions of the province, especially for the good health and intentions of our dear Provincial, Rev. Fr. Michael Fernandes. With this Eucharist as the starting point, the day gathered momentum, energy and zest.
The Holy Eucharist was followed by breakfast (in the respective communities) and the long awaited ‘lightening tournament’ commenced. The games were very enjoyable and thoroughly tiring yet these games added to the fun quotient of the day. The break in between did help the confreres to quench their thirst yet it re-ignited the fire within to play on.
After the fun-filled games, the Family Spirit came to the fore as the communities enjoyed a sumptuous meal. This agape meal served as a good time for interaction. Following the agape, all the three communities enjoyed the screening of the feature film The Italian Job. It was the icing on the cake that all liked.
We, the three communities in Nashik, ended the celebrations with smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts thanking God for the gift of our Salesian vocation which stands as the focal point of our union with God, the Almighty.
Long live Don Bosco; Long live the Province of Mumbai!