by Lynette Sequeira for BISMumbai

With grateful hearts and joyful smiles, the management, staff and students of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Borivali (W)-Mumbai, ushered in their Golden Jubilee year, as MumbaiSalesians' Provincial Father Savio Silveira celebrated the Eucharist, on 24 January 2020, during his 1st official visit as Provincial. The entire Staff together with the Catholic students, joined in the Inaugural Eucharist that kick-started the year-long golden celebration.

In his thought-provoking homily, Father Silveira urged the faithful to "fill your hearts with a deep sense of gratitude to God, who has done great things for the institution over the years; and to all those individuals, including past Salesians and educators, whose contributions have made the institution what it is today." He also encouraged all present to train themselves to be grateful people, who always have a positive mindset, that only sees the graces and blessings around, with a positive voice, that learns to appreciate and give thanks in all circumstances. He also released 'The Golden Jubilee Competition Booklet' on the occasion.

At a wonderfully prepared felicitation, Father Solomon Rapol, Rector introduced Father Provincial to the staff and students; the Principal, Father Flovi D'Souza shared his experiences with Father Provincial, while the students put up a colourful entertainment programme providing glimpses of their many talents and gifts. Addressing the student assembly, Father Silveira said, "I encourage you all to imbibe the qualities of Don Bosco, and become great contributors to society, just as Don Bosco was."

Meeting with the Staff, he said, "As Salesian Educators, we are not in the business of running schools. Instead, our mission is to care for young people and to help youngsters, especially the deprived and the poor." He also encouraged the teachers to think about how we make the children feel, while they are under our care. He reminded them to understand that God creates everyone differently and they must help their unique talents to bloom. :"Above all," said Father Silveira, "there is a crying need to move away from the selfie syndrome that has become symptomatic of our times; and instead, help children grow into contributing citizens who are not so selfish and who focus outwards, towards serving society and the world around us."