by BIS Correspondent
BARODA-GUJARAT, AUGUST 19, 2014: The Gujarat region of the Salesian Province of Mumbai (INB) launched the Bicentenary Celebrations of Don Bosco's birth with a solemn Eucharist at Don 
Bosco Snehalaya, Baroda, a shelter home for street children. Present for the same were His Grace Bishop Godfrey Rosario, Bishop of the Diocese of Baroda, Salesians working in this region, members of the Salesian Family and youth.
Bishop Godfrey Rosario presided over the Holy Eucharist along with the Salesian Priests working in the region of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Fr. Ivan De Souza, the Rector of Don Bosco Kapadvanj and the provincial Councilor urged the congregation to pray for the Christians suffering in Iraq and Egypt. In his homily the Bishop appreciated the contribution of the Salesians towards the society, the Church and to the young. He very beautifully summarized the dream of Don Bosco and then placed before the people modern day inspirations of people who have worked to bring their dreams come true. He gave the examples of Martin Luther King Jr, John F Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and others. In the end comparing the modern day inspirations with Don Bosco he said "Don Bosco was a man of God, who was guided by God and who was led by the hand of our Heavenly Mother."
A beautiful and meaningful programme was organized after the Eucharist. August 16, is also celebrated as the birthday of all the children of Snehalaya and so seventy eight children of Snehalaya cut the birthday cake while all present sang the birthday song. This was followed by an amazing display of artistic and musical talents by boys and girls from the different Salesian institutions of Gujarat region. The bishop released the book 'Bosco – G' connected with the Salesian mission work in Gujarat and printed in Gujarati script.
Fr. Ivan De Souza, the provincial Councilor for Gujarat region, with the help of PowerPoint, presented to all how to live in this year of Bicentenary and as members of Don Bosco's work how we need to inculcate and grow in the charism of Don Bosco so that we can share the dream of Don Bosco and in doing so save souls for God. Fr. George Miranda the director of Don Bosco Snehalaya gave a vote of thanks. It was a significant day for Salesians and the members of the Salesian Family. This beautiful day came to an end with all gathered making a pledge to keep alive the legacy and mission of Don Bosco in Gujarat.