BIS Correspondent
WADALA, DECEMBER 22, 2011: The Salesian Provincial of Mumbai, Fr. Michael Fernandes sdb, was at St. Joseph's High School for his visitation on December 19, 2011. He began his annual visitation of the parish and school the previous day. Fr. Fernandes was given a grand welcome at the morning assembly on the school grounds with a guard of honour by our school leaders and flanked by the members of the management.
At the impressive ceremony, after the floral tributes and an address by a school student representative, Fr. Godfrey D'Sa our Rector introduced Fr. Provincial to the assembly of staff and students. A highly qualified person and a man of values, Fr. Michael served the Province in the spirit of Don Bosco. Fr. Michael then addressed the assembly, and asked the students to never give up when confronted with failures in life, but to always keep on trying and achieve the best we can. He commended the staff and the students for being an active member of the GreenLine schools Project, for winning laurels in sport, especially basketball, and for maintaining an excellent record in academics. It was a special moment for our u-16 basketball team to receive the MSSA champions' trophy, certificates and medals at the hands of the Provincial. The Principal, Fr. Bernard Fernandes thanked the Provincial for his presence among us, and for the constant support and guidance given to
After a brief entertaining encounter with the kindergarten students of our school, Fr. Provincial thereafter met the teaching and the office staff of the school. He went on to elucidate the important and much needed qualities of a good teacher today viz. creativity, versatility and sensitivity, curiosity, being imperfectly human, and one who an emphasis on fun and learning in life.
It is said that the Provincial's visit is the presence of Don Bosco with us – and indeed, it was. Thanks Fr. Provincial for spending quality and precious time with us, and bringing us closer to the values and the heart of Don Bosco.