by Jeswin Mastan
NASHIK-MAHARASHTRA, JANUARY 29, 2015: It was indeed a blessing to the community of Divyadaan, Nashik to celebrate Parents' Day on January 26, 2015. Mostly the parents of the Brothers from Maharashtra and Goa region participated in the event. The tradition of Divyadaan is to celebrate Parents' Day once every three years.
The programme commenced with a prayer service at 11.00 a.m., during which the community thanked God for the gift of parents in the life of each one. Fr. Robert Pen, the Rector of the community welcomed the parents and appreciated the sacrifices they made in allowing their sons to be part of the Salesian family. He also assured them of the constant prayerful support of the community.
A short programme was presented in honour of the parents; it included a band piece, skit and a choral piece. The items brightened the faces of the parents as they saw their own sons on the stage performing for them. This was followed by a few moments of interaction between the staff members and the parents. Both the groups introduced themselves, while the Fathers also explained the various roles that they played in the community.
What moved them was the parents recalling the departure of their sons' from home. The sharing brought tears to the eyes of many in the gathering. The parents expressed their joy in having their sons as candidates to the priesthood and the Salesian way of life. They thanked the staff for taking good care of them. The programme concluded with a festive lunch. The moments of togetherness brought a lot of joy to the community. It was an occasion to remember and thank God for the gift of parents, as also to recall the various sacrifices they make to ensure that their sons follow the Lord's call.