by Brother Jittin Mathew and Eustace Fernandes
MUMBAI, AUGUST 25, 2018: Over 300 lives lost, infrastructure worth crores destroyed, livelihoods destroyed. The Kerala floods have made global headlines and have united the country in prayer for the wellbeing of those affected by the floods.
On August 24, a special prayer service was conducted at Bosco Boys Home (BBH), Borivli – with 120 boys attending - for those who have lost their lives in the rains and floods, and those who continue to suffer in the natural calamities in Kerala, the southern Indian state.
Boys from hotel management, RAC, four - wheeler, two-wheeler and Yamaha sector, along with the staff, took part in the prayer service. The service began with a small video depicting the sufferings of the people in Kerala. The students then spent time in silent meditation, reflecting upon the pain and loss of the people in Kerala. A prayer of the faithful was also recited by the students.
At the end, the students were asked to help out in whatever way they could, in the rescue operations in Kerala by means of money, stationery, clothes, and food grains. There was a similar prayer service conducted for the boys of the orphanage in the evening, where they were made aware of the devastating happenings in Kerala.
After the prayer service, Father Corlis Gonsalves, Rector of BBH, made an appeal to all the boys and staff to show their solidarity towards the flood victims of Kerala. He spoke in depth about the plight of Kerala and requested all to support them in this hour of crises. He extended his prayers and condolences to the families of those who died in the heavy rains and floods. He gave an extraordinary example of the Indian army, who has helped in the rescue operations.
"The Don Bosco Community of India are planning to support the flood victims. We as a Don Bosco Institute invite you to contribute to the relief funds for the people of Kerala. I assure you that God will bless you for your generosity," Father Gonsalves, said.