DIVYADAAN, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011: The community of Divyadaan entered into the Marian month on September 8, 2011, the feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary. With a solemn inauguration ceremony, the month dedicated to our Blessed Mother was declared open by Fr. Matthew Coutinho, the Vice Rector of the community. The theme for the month was “Do whatever She tells you’. The Marian anthem composed by the brothers themselves, expresses the sentiments of the theme.
The community participated in the tri-monthly recollection preached by Fr. Bastin Thomas, sdb that served as a preparation for the celebration of the birthday of Mother Mary and the commencing of the Marian month. The day began with a well-animated morning prayer honoring Mary and praying to Jesus through her powerful intercession. The Holy Eucharist began at 7:15 p.m. celebrated by Fr. Matthew Coutinho, and con-celebrated by Fr. Thomas Chaliserry and Fr. Ian Figueiredo, the Provincial of the Konkan Province, whose fatherly presence in the community was a blessing. Fr. Coutinho delivered a meaningful homily in which he cautioned the community against the danger of the Marian month becoming a superficial practice during which we merely admire and honor our Blessed Mother. “We should move from admiration to emulation”, he insisted, stressing the daily living out of Mary’s virtues.
The Eucharist was followed by the inauguration ceremony. A few reflections on the importance of Mary in our lives were shared after which the brothers penned down a virtue to be specially practiced during the month in honor of and with the help of Mary. Amidst lit lamps and eager faces, Fr. Coutinho declared the Marian month open and presented the Marian month calendar containing the various events and activities to be held during the month. The ‘Divyadaan Express’, a newsletter of the community, was released at the hands of Fr. Figueiredo and the first copy was presented to the parents of Cl. Vivian Andrews. The assembly then moved to the dining hall to join in a festive meal.
The Marian month is a month dedicated in a special way to our lady. Being a Salesian tradition, it reflects Don Bosco’s filial devotion to our Blessed Mother. He intended it as an aid for his boys to come closer to Jesus through Mary. What is Mary telling us to do this year? What else will she tell us other than what she told the stewards at the wedding feast at Cana – “Do whatever He tells you”. It is our fervent desire that the days that follow be days of grace and that Our Lady guides and assists us always.