by BISMumbai Correspondent

MumbaiSalesians' Father Ignas Macwan aged 62, had passed away quite unexpectedly in the wee hours of Monday 09 September 2019 at Vadodara, even while being rushed to the hospital. He was the 1st Gujarati Salesian and had lived his calling the Don Bosco way for 33 years.

The 1st Death Anniversary Eucharist was celebrated at Don Bosco Makarpura, with Father Ajit Munis-Rector Don Bosco Narukot presiding over the celebration. He recalled the 15 months he had experienced Father Macwan at Narukot, "who was always present as a calm and outgoing confere." Father Lorenzo D'Souza preached the homily recollecting "Father Macwan was a son, brother, relative, friend, confere and above all else a Priest-Salesian, who had discovered his true calling in serving others." Father Isaac Arackparambil-Rector and Parish Priest Don Bosco Makarpura proposed the 'vote of thanks' and released the memorial obituary, copies of which were presented to Ramanbhai Macwan [the eldest of the Macwan siblings], Ravibhai Macwan, and the Rectors of each Salesian presence in the Gujarat region. Father Pravin Makwana recollected Father Macwan's zeal for young people, especially through education.

Family, friends and other associates paid tribute to the memory of a life that in its simplicity spoke volumes, despite the many hardships. The obituary booklet and other anniversary detail-expenses were borne by Ravibhai Macwan, in fond memory of his beloved brother. Meanwhile, those of the family and other relatives, who couldn't make the journey to Vadodara, remembered Father Macwan at his home-parish Our Lady of Good Health [Arogyamata Devalay] in Mariampura-Petlad.