by BISMumbai Correspondent

Father Byron D'Silva, aged 77, a Salesian of Don Bosco for 56 years, passed away on 27 May 2020 at 14:15hrs, at the Holy Spirit Hospital Andheri-Mumbai. Today 27 June, was the month's mind or 30th day remembrance of Father D'Silva.

In Mumbai, Provincial Father Savio Silveira presided at the Holy Eucharist, live streamed on the Mumbai Salesians' Youtube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYBQhifEBgk] at 7 a.m, with Salesians from across the province participating from within the confines of their own communities. An eulogy by Brenda Coutinho, niece of Father D'Silva, was read as part of the commemorative eucharist.

In Gujarat, 'Devnu Gayanu' a 12-hymn Rathwi Audio Devotional [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkNIWvgiWPKz-pFoZfMwRCg] was released on the Amrutdhara Don Bosco Youtube Channel. This is a tribute to Father Byron D'Silva who pioneered the Salesian Works in RathVistar, adapting to the Rathwi culture, learning the Rathwi dialect & working tirelessly for the uplift of the indegenous tribal populace in the taluka of ChhotaUdepur, in Vadodara district and in Jambughoda Tehsil of Panchmahal district, in Gujarat. This online hymn devotional is recorded at Studio Don Bosco Kapadvanj, with composition and singing by Ravjibhai Rathwa - Catechist at Don Bosco Kawant, in fond remembrance of Father Byron, along with other local artistes.

Recollecting Father D'Silva, Ravjibhai Rathwa said, "I feel very privileged to sing for him and the composition is a tribute to his memory." Bharising Rathwa said, "Father Byron gave himself completely for the Rathwa people, and I hope he is at peace." Saniya Rathwa, boarding master at Don Bosco Narukot Chatralay said, "when Father Byron was our Rector in Narukot, he never missed games with boys and youth. He was always cheerful and encouraged us tribal youth, to come up in life at all costs."

Three other tribute videos remembering Father D'Silva: Life in the Missions [https://bit.ly/remembering-byron-1];From Ordination to Golden Jubilee as a Priest [https://bit.ly/remembering-byron-2]; and The Journey of his Mission [https://bit.ly/remembering-byron-3] are also available on Youtube.

May Father Byron D'Silva enjoy eternal rest.