by Cleric Chris Ferreira
NASHIK, JULY 31, 2017: The old adage 'grandparents are like grand angels', rung true on Parent's Day on July 27, as the Salesian novices of STI, Nashik visited the inmates of 
the Nirmala Home for the aged in Nashik , which is run by the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate.
The visit prompted scenes of joy as the novices interacted with the inmates, as they reminisced about the year's gone by. Those present felt that the love shared between inmates and the novices was similar to emotions felt when grandparents meet their grandchildren.
The novices and inmates sang songs like, 'I wanna grow old with you', 'When you say nothing at all', and 'Top of the world'. Father Jeffery Fernandes' STI brass band kept the elderly entertained. John Ben, a 94-year-old inmate, sang in a strong voice a lovely song which no one could identify. Josh Groban's 'You raise me up' played on the trumpet and clarinet, brought forth tears. 
Given that it's the Marian month, the novices had planned to gift little bookmarks to the elderly to cherish this day. They gifted their handcrafted bookmarks and received their blessings in return.
The meeting concluded with a happy game of housie. "God bless you, my son. You made my day," Molly D'Souza, an inmate, said, when she received a momento from one of the novices.