by Father Ranson D'Souza
MUMBAI, JAN 2, 2019: A new page was scripted in the annals of St Dominic Savio, Andheri as history was made by the celebrations of the 50 glorious years of St Dominic Savio High School and Boys’ Home, Andheri beginning with the inaugural ceremony on December 21, continuing into the next evening December 22, 2018, under the joint auspices of the Salesian community, the school staff, the parents and students, the alumni, the co-operators, well-wishers, and friends.The inaugural evening began with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay at 4:00 pm. Father Brian Moras, Rector of St Dominic Savio, Andheri welcomed the gathering among who were also present Father Godfrey D’Souza, Provincial of the Salesian province of Mumbai. The Bishop in his homily stressed on the fact that it’s the blessings of God in these 50 years that we need to be grateful for and pray for His guidance and help in the years to come.
The celebrations continued with a programme for which Bishop Fernandes was the chief guest and Father D’Souza was the guest of honour. Right at the outset Father Moras welcomed the large gathering and set the ball rolling for the Golden year. The Golden Jubilee flag was unfurled by the Bishop, a symbol of the significant moment in the life of this institute. Bishop Fernandes congratulating the Savion family pointed out the fact that the students studying in the school have been from different backgrounds and religions yet have been living together in peace and love.
Father D’Souza affirmed the fact that a lot has been done by so many in the past fifty years and that now it is up to us in the present to take forward the baton of reaching new heights. The jubilee cake was cut by the dignitaries as all sang congratulations. The Bishop also released the souvenir book of the Golden Jubilee and presented it to the dignitaries on stage. The students sang and danced to the music expressing their joy of this auspicious golden year and conveying the message of saving the planet by going green.
The students also presented the Golden Jubilee theme song, the lyrics of which were written by Valarie Mascarenas, Principal of St Dominic Savio High School, the music composed by Elvis, the music teacher of the school, under the guidance of Father Moras. The students also sang and danced to the Golden Jubilee ‘Jingle’ composed by Hayden, past pupil of St Dominic Savio High School. The programme was followed by the interschool fancy dress competition and hat parade. As part of the celebrations, creative games and food stalls were put up for all to enjoy. The first evening ended with the prize distribution.
The second evening began at 4:00 pm with the Christmas story being enacted by the students. The interschool carol singing and dance competitions took place thereafter. Alongside the fete games and food stalls continued to make everyone happy. On the whole, it was two wonderful evenings of celebrations and festivity.