by Father Velasli Bandya* for BISMumbai

The Mumbai Salesians' pre-novices departed for Don Bosco Loutolim. Eight of these young men have decided to discern their vocation call with the Salesians of Don Bosco. Their one-year experience at Don Bosco Loutolim will prepare them to decide whether they wish to go ahead and become Salesians in the future.

MumbaiSalesians' Provincial Father Savio Silveira celebrated the Holy Eucharist and exhorted the young men to emulate the life-example of St. Dominic Savio, a giant of sanctity. He addressed the pre-novices saying, "Dominic Savio had a personal attachment to Jesus. Develop this art. Like Dominic Savio, become an apostle to your companions; advise and correct each other to choose the path of holiness. Become apostles in our own settings. Like Dominic Savio, take initiatives and already plan for the Province of Bombay [INB]."

MumbaiSalesians' Vice-Provincial Father Ashley Miranda has a few words of advice for these young men. He says, "You are beginning a new stage of life-experience. You will be in a different place. This is a phase for human formation. Please affirm each other, support each other, pick up life-skills, take care of your health and make this stage a happy phase of learning, loving and living cheerfully." He invites them to "keep in touch with family and dear ones at home. Be sure, as Don Bosco says, Jesus will take your place at home."