by BISMumbai Correspondent

Don Bosco High School Matunga hosted the 05 newly ordained MumbaiSalesian priests, 04 of whom were it's alumni. Fathers Bosco Carvalho, Clarence Martis, Mavron Fernandes and Jerome Aruldas were all students in this prestigious educational institute, having been inspired and mentored by Salesians to discern the call of God. Father Xavier Bandya made up the additional number, as a batchmate during the many years of formation, on the journey to the priesthood.

The 09:15 solemn Eucharist in the Shrine of Don Bosco's Madonna was well animated by the Catholic students till Std. VIII. Father Clarence Martis presided with his companions and in his homily dwelt on John the Baptist who made way for the Christ, and shared his vocation journey. He said, "just as John was content to point out Jesus, so too must we through our lives. It is necessary for us to realise that Christ is more important than us and whatever we do must give testimony to Christ as God-with-us." Following the Eucharist the customary kissing of the anointed palms of the new priests took place, after which an interaction with the students, including Stds. IX nd X, in their respective classes was arranged.

The homecoming for 04 of it's alumni was sufficient motivation for those Catholic boys desirous of pursuing the call to follow God more closely as brothers or priests. Due to the Unit Test/Exams, the usual felicitation and cultural programme was dispensed with, and the new priests shared a festive lunch with the Salesian community in the upper room.

Photographs can be accessed here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmKDmqiv