by Deacon Justus Mendis
DAKOR, AUGUST 22, 2018: On August 15, Don Bosco Dakor boarding, brought to a close the Marian month with a solemn Eucharistic celebration. The Pushpanjali community of Salesian sisters, the boarding girls, teaching and non-teaching staff of the campus, and the parishioners were present in deep faith for the feast.
The Marian month - began on July 16 - comprised of a number of activities, to help children have a better experience of Mary, as a Mother. It inaugurated by Father Godfrey D'Souza, Provincial of Salesian Mumbai Province; accompanied by Father Manuel Murzello, the Provincial Economer. Father D'Souza said," Looking at the grand preparations, the children look very delighted to celebrate the festive month of Mary."
Each day a child would give a talk on one of the apparitions of our Lady, with the aim that Mary still gives her 'darshan' to all who seek her in purity of heart. This was accompanied by a novena prayer, animated rosary, and special intercessory prayer of three Hail Mary's, prayed by the children.
There were various activities held like singing with Mary, garba devotional dance for Mary, sketching Mary, letters to Mary, skit competition, essays on Mary, Marian quiz, testimonies on Mary and grotto competition. A Marian pilgrimage to Khambolaj and the Marian Nite were the most popular.
The pilgrimage began with praying the rosary at various grottos of parishes and it culminated at the Shrine of our Lady at Khambolaj. Jaswant Zala, from class 11 said, "Getting a chance to come to a Shrine of our Lady in our neighbourhood is really a spiritual experience."
Around 275 children divided in 12 teams comprising of boys and girls, participated at the Marian Nite. The children learned much about Mary through various games. They also enacted some of the Gospel narratives on Mary through their game of charades. Jagruti Damor from class eight said, "I believe in the maternal care of our Lady. I believe the rosary is a powerful tool. It always works when I am in need."
On August 15, along with the hoisting of the national flag and celebrating the holy Eucharist, Father Lorenzo explained to the children that Mary is the perfect example of this year's school and National Boscoree theme, 'Health, Harmony and Holiness'. He said, "Through her life, Mary maintained her emotional health during her difficult times; harmoniously built up relationships through her Visitation to the needy and remained Holy by being a true witness to what she believed was right."
As the Marian month drew to a close, the children and staff were filled with enthusiasm to grow in the graces received from Mary, and live in 'Health, Harmony and Holiness'.