by Father Bento D'Souza
KARJAT, AUG 7, 2017: Over 50 students and staff of Don Bosco Yuva Sanstha (DBYS), Karjat welcomed newly elected Bishop, Father Allwyn D'Silva, as he made his first pastoral 
visit to the institution on August 3.
Bishop D'Silva was accompanied by Father Callistus Fernandes, the parish priest, of the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Karjat. He was ushered into the institute in procession, with students lining up on either side. In traditional Indian style, an arathi ceremony followed. Being the Bishop in- charge of climate change in South East Asia, he was gifted a potted plant.
Brother Alex Carvalho then introduced the Bishop to the youth and explained his role in shepherding the Christian community to be one flock. The history of the life of the Bishop then followed.
Bishop D'Silva, in his message to the youth said, "Prepare for the future due to the intervention of the Salesians by acquiring a skill that makes you employable." He exhorted the students to be happy and serene in life.
Father Monty Rodrigues, the director, thanked the Bishop, the shepherd for caring for his people and being the animator of the Raigad district. The Bishop then blessed the youth. The visit ended with all going to the chapel. A group photograph brought the first pastoral visit to a close.