by Father Leon Rodrigues for BISMumbai

19 January 2020 saw 210 Altar Servers and 15 animators gather in the Bianchi Hall at Don Bosco International School, Matunga-Mumbai for the Annual Altar Servers’ Rally on the Strenna 2020 theme – “Thy will be done on earth as in heaven (Mt 6:10)-Good Christians and Upright Citizens."

The day began with a prayer service which invited the young altar servers to place their talents and selves in the hands of the Lord. As the rally progressed the children were animated and entertained by the Youth Group from Our Lady of Dolours Parish, Wadala.

Father Ashley Miranda, MumbaiSalesians' Vice Provincial exhorted the Altar Servers, " be faithful to the call that you have received from the Lord-to faithfully serve at the altar of the Lord every day." Greenline Mumbai animated the participants in 03 groups on the Encyclical of the Holy Father, Pope Francis 'Laudato Si', helping them understand the importance of preserving the environment while making the earth a better place to live in.

Mumbai Salesians' Provincial Father Savio Silveira presided at the Holy Eucharist animated by the Rally participants. In his homily quoting the example of John the Baptist, he called all the Altar Servers to, "pay heed to the call of God. John the Baptist had to accomplish only one mission: to point out the Lord. What is your Mission?”

A delicious lunch was followed by an afternoon session animated by Father Mylin Noronha-Asst. Director TejPrasarini, to help the participants draw up their commitments for the coming year. Giving examples of varied children who had made a difference worldwide, he asked the Altar Servers to, "show some mettle, and change the world for the better." Father Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks, after the Parish presentations.

A well animated daylong event coordinated by DBYS (Don Bosco Youth Services) with its 20 Youth Volunteers, this was an event to help the young Altar Servers from Mumbai, Vasai and Pune attune themselves to the frequency of the Lord becoming 'Good Christians and Honest Citizens.'