by Cl. Clarence Martis
LONAVLA-PUNE, FEBRUARY 24, 2015: Fr. Godfrey D'Souza, the Provincial of the Salesian Mumbai province and Fr. Elson Barretto, the Economer arrived at Don Bosco, Lonavla for the official Provinci
al visitation on February 18, 2015. They were welcomed by the community through a song and the welcoming words of Fr. Solomon Rapol, the Rector. At 7.30 p.m., the Provincial gave the opening conference to the community. He spoke on the need to be 'men of God' rather than administrators and managers of institutions. In the good night talk, he spoke of the significance of Ash Wednesday.
The next day, February 19, 2015, began with the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. D'Souza. In his homily, he spoke of the daily choices that one has to make; the choice between good and bad, right and wrong. At 10.00 a.m., he met the House Council which was followed by a visit to Maria Ashiana. Post lunch, he met the confreres of the community individually.
In the evening, he met the Salesian Sisters over tea. At 5.15 p.m., the Salesian Co-operators were privileged to have a word with him. At 7.15 p.m., he gave a talk to the XII standard Aspirants. The community put up a small family circle for the Provincial. In the good night talk, the Provincial thanked the boys for the wonderful programme that they had put.
The final day of the visitation, February 20, 2015, began with the Eucharist at 6.30 a.m. After breakfast, the Provincial graced the 'Scout Day' and was the Chief Guest for the same. Later, he addressed the school staff. He spoke to them of the need to be educators who are role models. The visit culminated with a concluding conference to the confreres at 11.30 a.m. The visitation was a time for grace and renewal for the community.