by Fr. Cedrick Sankul
SAVEDI-AHMEDNAGAR, FEBRUARY 13, 2015: The parishioners of Savedi began their preparations for the feast of Don Bosco, with the nine day novena service that witnessed the 
presence of around 100 faithful. The speakers for the novenas focused their talks on the life of Don Bosco. The liturgy during the novena service was animated by the different zones of the parish.
On January 31, 2015 the teachers of the Marathi School and Junior college along with the Principal and school management gathered in the school campus at 8:15 a.m. to celebrate its patron's feast. The programme began with the lighting of the lamp and garlanding the statue of Don Bosco, followed by small prayer service.
Later, teacher Pushpa Sagalgile spoke on 'the life of Don Bosco and its importance in the school and our life.' Fr. Manuel, the rector and the manager of the institute, in his message exhorted everyone to imitate Don Bosco's zeal and dedication in the service of the youth. A quiz competition was then organized for
the students to enhance their knowledge of and love for Don Bosco.
Prizes and certificates were given by Cl. Alex Carvalho to the various students who excelled in the football game organized at the district level. At the end of the programme, all the students were given snacks in honour of Don Bosco. In the afternoon, all the teachers, along with the workers of the institute shared a festive meal for their dedicated service. At 4:30 p.m., a procession was organized by a band, with the statue of Don Bosco leading the way in a vehicle, and the main Celebrant for the feast Fr. William Falcao moving along with the faithful.
The solemn mass started at about 5:30 p.m. with 30 priests including Jesuits and diocesans along with sisters and about 1000 parishioners participating in it. 
The theme for the mass was the theme given by the Rector Major for this year, "Like Don Bosco, For the Young, With the Young". "To handle today's youth", said Fr. William, "we need a new Don Bosco."
He went on to tell how Don Bosco was open to his times and dared to take every risk to ensure that his boys had a better future, for which he thought them various skills. "Don Bosco communicated to the young people his profound love for the Lord and his unlimited trust in the Divine Providence," he added.
After the holy Eucharist, a short cultural programme that included skits and dances on the life of Don Bosco was organized. After felicitating Fr. William with a shawl and a garland, an audio CD was released on Don Bosco titled-"Pranam Don Bosco" by the Salesian Community of Savedi which was composed by one of the parishioners; Mr. Peter Pandit. A sumptuous meal was served to all those present.