by JMac for BISMumbai

A sight to witness 05 young and handsome men formed for the past 03 years as students of theology, returning as full fledged priests. Fathers Bosco Carvalho, Clarence Martis, Mavron Fernandes, Jerome Aruldas and Xavier Bandya returned to Don Bosco Youth Centre at Koregaon Road-Pune, to thank the Lord for 03 wonderful years of learning, growing in fraternal life and enthusiasm-boost through youth ministries in the parishes across Pune City.

Father Martis celebrated the Holy Eucharist, and preached on "it is the trust in God which led each of us to follow the call and helped us in our vocation." Citing his personal vocation story-cum-trust in God, he felt blessed to celebrate the Eucharist. After the Eucharist, the confreres, 20 youth, families, friends and well-wishers kissed the palms of the new ordained as a sign that they are our priests now.

Father McEnroe Lopes-Mumbai Salesians' Vocation Promoter led the gathering into asking questions, moderating the session on calling, discernment and personal commitment.

With selfies and cake slices, the youth celebrated this return of the 'paanch pandavas' pledging prayers for their pastoral ministry, and bid them adieu. Father Bandya exclaimed, "this is a real homecoming, as if returning to my own family," and recalled the wonderful community-living experiences he will forever cherish.

The presence of 05 of its sons back home, brought joy and bliss to the community and everone else who had congregated at Don Bosco Youth Centre.