by Father Renold Lemos for BISMumbai

Every year, the parish of St. John Bosco Parish, Borivali organizes the mission fete with a variety of activities on the school grounds. Taking into account the magnitude of the current pandemic, it seemed that all hope was lost. However, not even the pandemic could stop the lively spirit of the parishioners from celebrating Mission Sunday this year, with the initiative of the PPC (Parish Pastoral Council) along with the help of the young people of the parish.

The fete-organizing team headed by DBYM Borivali Youth President-Durran D’mello devised a plan to celebrate Mission Sunday through an online food delivery service. In order to materialize this, it was decided to have a ‘No Cooking Day’ in the parish on 25 October 2020, with planned meals for the entire day, consisting of breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner. Awareness was created through social media creating a buzz about the scrumptious menu, pre- booking orders and the mode of online payment. The team made confirmation-calls, two days prior to the event, to parishioners who had placed their orders.

On 25 October 2020 at 7:30 am, the young people of the parish came together and assisted in sorting and packing the food. The delivery team, following government prescribed safety measures, delivered the orders to the parishioners at various locations within the estimated delivery time. A carefully devised plan, hardworking volunteers, and excellent execution ensured that the event was a massive success and appreciated by all. The collection received from this event will be used to assist parishioners affected by the pandemic.

“We all are on a mission, from the day we have been baptized; to spread the love and Word of God to all the people we meet wherever we go. So, let’s try and fulfill our mission on this journey of life,” commented Father Solomon Rapol-Rector and Parish Priest.