Glenford Lowe sdb
MUMBAI, DECEMBER 14, 2009: United in Faith, Energized by Youthfulness and Inspired by Peace, over 5000 youth from the Archdiocese of Mumbai converged at the Don Bosco Grounds, Matunga to celebrate “PEACE IN, PIECES OUT” on Sunday, December 13, 2009. What seemed to be a distant yet daring dream a few months ago became a reality beyond measure. No adjectives could adequately describe the energy, the passion, the talent and the sacrifice of the Young people to make the day a success. More than just a show of strength, the youth came together for a purpose - to become Messengers of Christ’s Peace in the city of Mumbai.Fr. Edwin D’Souza sdb, Rector and Shrine Director welcomed the youth to the festival.
The Mumbai Youth Festival brought together over 15 Youth Organizations, 120 parishes, 11 deaneries and over 300 committee members under the banner of the Archdiocesan Youth Commission headed by Fr. Anthony Fernandes and very ably supported by Fr. Walter D Souza. Bishop Bosco Penha, Chairman of the Archdiocesan Youth Commission declared open the Youth Festival and invited the AYC to adopt the Neighborhood Youth Groups (NYG) as the new paradigm for Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese. Words of appreciation and floral tributes were given to various dignitaries and former Archdiocesan Youth directors.
A lively Theme song ‘Peace Now’ by the Focolare group set the ball rolling for an evening of fun, song, dance, drama, testimonies and Gospel Music. Attractive prizes like a laptop, a blackberry and i-pods were donated. Every deanery took part in innovative and creative ways by spreading the message of peace. Banners were placed on buses and the same were enacted on stage too. The whole evening was anchored by the youthful and energetic Keisha Lobo. Well choreographed dances by Melodina and group, Mask Fantastics and Lenny and Group kept the audiences spell bound. A Marathi Dance song and a play “The Mystery of the Christmas Bells’ added to the variety of the show. The Youth were challenged to live lives of inner peace through moving testimonies by Mr. Viren Rasquinha, former Olympian and hockey captain and COO of Olympic Gold Quest and Ms. Rohini Salian, Special Public Prosecutor. A live band ‘By Grace’ led by the charismatic Lenny and Group brought the youth to the feet of Jesus through their prayerful yet lively Gospel Music.
Don Bosco Youth Services played a major role in seeing to the smooth running of the entire event. Proceeds from the Mumbai Youth Festival will go in Aid of Cancer patients. The whole event was spell bounding and one thing is for sure…. No one can stop the Catholic Mumbai Youth Festival now. It is here to stay!!!