Glennford Lowe sdb
BORIVLI, JANUARY 11, 2010: After a lapse of over 10 years, the Salesians of Mumbai Province organized a Youth Fest at Don Bosco, Borivli on January 10, 2010. The Youth Fest brought together over 200 young people to reflect on the theme “U in JesUs”. The Youth Fest was an occasion to help youngsters discover the richness of their potential to be ambassadors of Jesus for global action in the world of today.
BORIVLI, JANUARY 11, 2010: After a lapse of over 10 years, the Salesians of Mumbai Province organized a Youth Fest at Don Bosco, Borivli on January 10, 2010. The Youth Fest brought together over 200 young people to reflect on the theme “U in JesUs”. The Youth Fest was an occasion to help youngsters discover the richness of their potential to be ambassadors of Jesus for global action in the world of today.
Fr. Ronnie Menezes, Rector of Don Bosco Borivli welcomed the young people to the Festival. Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial together with various youth representatives lit the lamp to inaugurate the event. The young people of Don Bosco Borivili then took centre stage with the Theme song “We want to see Jesus”. Attractive souvenirs and colorful T-Shirts and banners added to the festive atmosphere. The Praise and Worship team brought a sacred touch to the start of the day.
Ice breakers helped the youth to get to know one another. The next highlight was inviting the young people to make a difference in the world of today by taking up a social and political commitment to Save the Planet. Through song and dance, poetry, drama and the concerns, challenges and commitment for Earthcare made a deep impact on every youngster.
At the Eucharistic banquet, Fr. Ronnie again challenged the young people on the 3L’s: Look for Jesus, Listen to Jesus and Learn from Jesus. Youth groups in creative ways animated the various parts of the mass while the Borivili Youth Choir backed by PowerPoint presentations added to the solemnity. Every youth was then presented with a pocket Bible.
Lunch was a big surprise. Chinese dishes straight from the pan!!! A quick spontaneous dance session then followed. Various stalls depicting the many Salesian works for youth in the province opened the eyes of the youngsters to discover ‘Salesian Mumbai’. Well prepared banners and exhibits and qualified personnel took the time to answer many a query. The youth then went through a battery of ‘Tele games’ that brought a lighter and relaxing moment to the day.
What began at the feet of Jesus also ended in his presence. A quiet time in Adoration animated by Fr. Allwyn gave the youth an opportunity to refocus once again on the theme ‘U in JesUs”. Fr. Ajoy proposed the vote to thanks. The entire team of Don Bosco Borivli: the Salesians and Youth spared no efforts in making the day an experience to cherish and motivate. All said and done, the youth went home with a new breath of life and meaning.
What began at the youth Fest must become a window to many more programs and projects to build the Salesian Youth Movement in Mumbai. Let this be our prayer and hope.