by Susan Liza D'souza
MUMBAI, JUN 22, 2016: Theresian Summer Club 2016 commenced on June 17 at St Therese Parish, Salmiya. The summer club is organised exclusively on Fridays from 9 am to 12.30 pm during the summer 
vacation, for children aged 4 to 18.
Father Nelson Falcao, a visiting Salesian priest, inaugurated the summer club in the presence of Father Blany Pinto and Father Francisco Pereira.
While inaugurating the club, Father Falcao complimented those present, for making time to attend the summer club. He expressed his happiness to see a huge number of children and coordinators.
Later Father Pereira addressed the children. He reminded them of the first death anniversary of Father Francis Kharjia, a Salesian priest who served in Kuwait. He mentioned how the little children and their company would delight Father Kharjia. He exhorted them to run, jump and play but not to sin.
Over 165 children and 64 coordinators participated on the first day of the summer club. The summer club 2016 is themed on the Year of Mercy. 
The children of class four, five and six came together to stage a skit entitled, 'Visit to the Sick.' To drive home the message of visiting the sick, the coordinators projected a YouTube presentation.
Libby Sequeira, a member of the core committee said, "We were happy to have the presence of three Salesian priests for the inauguration. It was wonderful to see the children's excitement as they took part in the action songs and the skit. All were keenly watching the skit and the presentation on the corporal act of mercy. "
After the inauguration, games and other activities were organised by the volunteers for the children. All in all, the first day was filled with excitement and the children are now looking forward to a fun-filled summer in their parish.