BIS Mumbai
BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3479
ALTAR SERVERS JOURNEYING THROUGH THE HOLY WEEK
By: Ralph Serrao
NORTH ARABIAN VICARIATE-KUWAIT, APRIL 05, 2013: The Altar Servers of the Salmiya Parish gathered to meet for their monthly meeting. It commenced with the opening prayer followed by a hymn led by the Altar Servers choir. It started off great with a welcome address by Allan Netto – coordinator of the Altar Servers. Then, moving ahead of the agenda planned, Louie gave a talk on the upcoming events and services of the Holy Week. He also explained the few changes that had to be made accordingly to the Masses of the Holy Week beginning from Palm Sunday till Easter Sunday.
Meanwhile, Fr. Blany Pinto read a letter - a first-hand experience of 
Franklin, one of our ex – Altar Server who has gone to Lonavla to discern God's call. The letter described the environment at Lonavla urging the fellow altar servers to join him at Lonavla and to always say 'YES' to the will of GOD. Later, Fr. Blany summoned the boys, to begin to discern their vocation, to always choose the path of Holiness and inspire boys to join the Altar Servers Ministry.
The meeting made a lasting impression when the newly elected leaders took over the session and amazed the Altar Servers with an audio visual presentation on the various events during the Holy Week i.e. Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. To elaborate and explain each event, the leaders and different boys of each group made a short research and explained to the boys the significance of the day, its history and its various symbolism and events.
Indeed, one can say, 'Knowledge is Power' and again quotes Saint Don Bosco, "Be guided by reason and not by passion" such was the case that occurred, with immense curiosity the boys grasped much of what was being displayed and later felt the need for more. But, time didn't permit. The Altar Servers hence realized the significance of each event, day and it's symbolism during Mass.
The meeting ended with a short closing prayer led by Joshua Barretto, who also celebrated his birthday on the same day, followed by a recessional hymn to Mother Mary, our Patroness. Then, we all showered our blessings and prayers over the birthday boy.