by William David
NASHIK, NOV 6, 2017: The Salesian Community of Divyadaan in Nashik welcomed Don Mauro Mantovani, the Rector Magnificus and Don 
Jaroslav, the Secretary General of the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome, with songs, dance and flowers on November 1.
Jaroslav, the Secretary General of the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome, with songs, dance and flowers on November 1.
Father Mantovani celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the students of Divyadaan, the Capuchin ashram and a few professors the following day. He also spoke about death not being an end but a transformation to new life.
Father Mantovani later addressed the staff and students, encouraging them to fruitfully spend their opportunity to study and teach. He drew from the roots of the word 'study' which in Latin means 'passion' to make his point. He invited both the professors and the students to use their talents of reading and writing and to be accountable for God's gifts.
After his address, there was a short time of interaction during which some students raised a few queries. Father Mantovani then released the book of Father Felix Fernandes, the current Provincial of INP, on the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas.
Fathers Mantovani and Jaroslav then met the teaching staff and addressed them. The same evening, a family circle was organised for the visitors in typical Salesian style with choral music, dance and song. Father Jaroslav gave a thought for the 'good night' in which he stressed the need to grow both intellectually and spiritually.
The visit was informal and yet it was significant and beneficial. It allowed interaction between the Salesian superiors in Rome and the grassroots. It also helped the superiors have a first-hand experience of the work of Divyadaan and gave the Divyadaan faculty and fraternity a better idea of how they ought to move forward.