by Father Blany Pinto for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Apostolic and Aspirantate Facility at Lonavla is a place of vocational animation, mentoring, discernment, and accompaniment. Each year many young boys desirous of following Christ the Don Bosco way make an application to join and post-selection, have a lived experience in the company of the Salesians of Don Bosco. After their experience at Don Bosco Lonavla they proceed to Don Bosco Loutolim for their Pre-Novitiate. BISMumbai Interview Series with pre-novices continues with interview 02 featuring Swapnil Shelke.

Can you share something about yourself - hobbies, likes, sports, family, etc.?

I am Swapnil Shelke. I like to play football. My favourite hobby is Numismatics [collecting different coins]. I also like to watch movies. I come from a family of four. My mother is a housewife, while my dad works. I have a younger brother.

Why Don Bosco Lonavla? Any inspiring moments? Why are you going ahead?

I chose to come to Don Bosco Lonavla for my studies. I want to go ahead because I am inspired by the Salesian priests and brothers. My aspiration is to work for poor boys and for their good future ahead. My good experience and inspiring moment in Don Bosco lonavla was when we had organized the prayer service as a group. Don Bosco is a place where I learned many things .I have learned good values here with the priests who are good and always motivated me.

Any thoughts on the Church today, during this crisis?

In this critical time the church should help people who are facing a food crisis, especially those who don't have money to feed their family.

Salesian life is a challenge and an opportunity. Your thoughts?

I don't know whether I am able to face this challenge, but I have faith in mother Mary, that she will take care of me. I like Don Bosco's saying ,"always have faith in mother Mary."

Any message to your companions?

My message to all my companions is: "Grab all the opportunity you can and always have faith in Mother Mary."