by Aliester D’souza for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Lonavla celebrated yet another MumbaiSalesians' golden jubilarian Father Adolph Furtado on the evening of 27 January 2020.

The focal point of the evening was the well-animated Eucharistic celebration, in which during the homily, Father Furtado spoke of the need of Salesians in India today. He said, "the secret to perseverance is the continual striving for excellence as opposed to settling for mediocrity." Reminiscing his boyhood years at Lonavla, he shared his struggles with the language and culture, and how the support of his companions alongwith his desire to persevere, helped him overcome many obstacles.

After the mass, a short felicitation programme by the aspirants acknowledged and appreciated Father Furtado for his service to the Province of Bombay as former vice-provincial, and in the roles of rector and principal in different Don Bosco presences. As Father Furtado represents MumbaiSalesians' as one of the elected delegates for the upcoming GC 28 (General Chapter 28) at Valdocco in Turin, he was heartily congratulated and wished well.

Father Furtado acclaimed for his innovative and progressive thinking, had during his stint, as administrator at DBLonavla, undertaken 'project renovation' of the residence facilities, including remodification of the kitchen infrastructure, and had setup a grandiose IT Lab. The community of Lonavla acknowledges this in a wonderful addres, stating, "...wherever sent, Father Furtado leaves the place more beautiful than before."

In celebrating Father Furtado’s fifty golden years as a Salesian, the community of Don Bosco Lonavla recognizes yet another stalwart; yet another giant on whose able shoulders many stand tall.