MUMBAI, JANUARY 29, 2011: The Salesian Parents’ Day for the parents of the Salesians from Gorai, Uttan and Vasai region was held at Jyoti Mata Church, Jyoti, Aagashi, on January 26. More than hundred parents and family members of the forty three Salesians from this area participated enthusiastically in this event.
For many years parents of Salesians from this region were unable to participate in the annual Salesian Parents’ day organized at Don Bosco Matunga due to distance, age as well as language barrier. Taking inspiration from the idea put forward by Fr. Michael Fernandes, Provincial of the Mumbai province, the programme was carried out successfully in Marathi by Fr. Vishwas Pereira, Parish Priest of Jyoti and Fr. William Falcao.
The celebrations began with Holy Mass at 6 p.m. presided over by Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial of the Mumbai Province, who was accompanied by six other Salesians as concelebrants. In his introduction Fr. Manuel Murzello welcomed the parents on behalf of Father Provincial and the Mumbai Province.
Fr. Vishwas in his homily, while explaining the role of the parents as collaborators from the time of Don Bosco, invited the parents to follow the footsteps of Mamma Margaret and help out in spreading the Salesian Charism among the young. After mass all the Salesian priests present were invited to light the lamp together and were felicitated by the parishioners of Jyoti church. It was followed by a welcome dance by the youth group of Jyoti church.
In his speech Fr. Ajoy thanked the parents for the gift of their sons and asked them to continue praying for their vocation. He further explained the goal, method and formation structure of the Salesians and exhorted the parents to encourage and invite many more youngsters from their neighborhood to join the Salesians. Fr. Vishwas then guided the parents on a tour of all the Salesian houses of the Mumbai province through a multi media presentation. The programme ended with a sumptuous meal prepared by the mahila mandal of Jyoti church during which the parents went around to meet each other and share their togetherness.
A special word of thanks to all the parishioners of Jyoti Mata church, who not only helped Fr. Vishwas to conduct this programme smoothly but also sponsored it financially.