by SHY Editorial Board with Father Evangelo D'Souza for BISMumbai

In keeping with the tradition of the Salesian community, Marian events were conducted by the young people of Sacred Heart Parish at Yerwada-Pune, all through the month of October. On 04 October, a Marian event entitled, ‘Hand in Hand with Mary’ was organized for the different associations of the parish: the catechism students, choir groups and the catechists. The event began with a prayer and recitation of the litany. Rector and Parish Priest Father Michael Bansode, welcomed the participants and said, "the whole objective of participation was to know more about our Blessed Mother and imbibing her virtues, rather than just winning." The programmme included quiz rounds, solving of Marian puzzles, sketching a picture of Mother Mary, and guessing the Marian episode through dumb-charade. It was an experiencing the goodness and love of Mother Mary for her children.

On 18 October, a similar programme was organised for the young people of the parish. Quiz-rounds, solving of Marian puzzles, guessing the Marian Episode through a powerpoint presentation and Marian Singing competition were part of the event. A video presentation ‘Mary’s Role in Salvation History’ was also screened. On 25 October, a multi-lingual rosary service was animated by the young people, who came together to seek the intercession of Our Lady, praying especially for the underprivileged struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sacred Heart Parish Youth Director Father Evangelo D’Souza coordinated the Marian 'hand-in-hand' events with scholastics Arnold and Sheldon along with a dynamic group of the parish young people .