BIS # 1206 MUMBAI CELEBRATES PROVINCE DAY

Crescens Lemos sdb

 

MATUNGA, DECEMBER 4, 2008: With the shadow of the recent terror attacks on the city of Mumbai still looming large over us, it was but natural that the celebration of the feast of St. Francis Xavier, patron of the Mumbai Province, was on a subdued note this year. The solemn festive Eucharist was celebrated in the crypt of the Shrine at 6.30 pm.  The principal celebrant was Fr. Michael Fernandes, Provincial, and he was joined at the altar by the entire Provincial Council.  Some 80 Salesians from different parts of the province were present for the Eucharist.  Introducing the occasion, Fr. Michael pointed out that St. Francis Xavier travelled through many countries for a definite purpose.  In life we are all travellers, but does our journey have a clear purpose, asked the provincial. 

 

Delivering the homily, Fr. Ashley Miranda, Provincial Councillor, reminded those present that the celebration of the 'Province Day' was an occasion to express our thanks to the leaders of the province.  Besides thanking the Provincial, who completes his first year in office, Fr. Ashley had a special word of gratitude for Fr. Godfrey D'Souza who has served as Vice Provincial for the past six years, and Fr. Anaclete D'Mello who has been Provincial Economer for nine years.  Fr. Ashley also went on to enumerate our many collaborators – staff members, domestic helpers and benefactors – the unsung heroes who actually carry forward our work.

 

Raising the toast during the dinner, Br. Savio D'Mello, Provincial Councillor, said that the province had many reasons to feel proud.  He singled out our works for the street children in the cities, the various rural development projects that we are engaged in and the high quality education imparted by our institutions to underprivileged children.  Replying to the toast, Fr. Michael Fernandes said that if the province is doing well it is due to the enthusiasm and generosity of the confreres.  "Energy levels are very high is our province", he said "and confreres are willing to take up multiple tasks".  He concluded by saying that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels, rather, "we need to constantly renew and reinvent ourselves and our services or else we will stagnate and become irrelevant".

 

During the dinner there was the release of two books, "Salesian Masses" and "Masses for India", compiled by Fr. Ian Doulton, Editor Don Bosco's Madonna, and published by the Shrine Publications.  There was also the release of the DVD prepared by Bro. Crescens Lemos on the jubilee celebrations held last month.