by Cleric Shanborlang Kurbah with Cleric Aegidius Pereira for BISMumbai

Divyadaan: Salesian Institute of Philosophy Nashik, celebrated 11 November as 'Mission Day 2020', recollecting the lives of eminent Salesian missionaries, as an inspiration and proof that God still loves His people. A select band of brothers of the 'missionary group' animated the community on various themes focusing on the lives of famed Salesians of Don Bosco, who lived as 'signs and bearers of God's love across the continents'.

On day one, the theme ‘Jesus’ guidelines to his disciples’ focused on the instructions of Jesus to the seventy disciples before their departure to various places. The life-story of Monsignor Stephen Ferrando who worked in Northeast India was read. On day two, the theme ‘Rejoicing in Mission’ centered on the return of the disciples, an account of their achievements together with the joy Jesus experiences in the goodness of His Father. The community reflected on the life-story of Bishop Luigi Versiglia who worked in China. On day three, the community contemplated 'Being joyful evangelisers and prophets ready to change and adapt according to the changing times'. The lives of Father Callistus Caravario and Father Vincenzo Cimmati, were read. In the evening a rosary service to pray for Salesians working in the different continents around the world, was organised.

The 'missionary group' organised prayer services, rosary service, football, volleyball and basketball tournaments to celebrate the occasion. On 11 November the community thanked God for the gift of missionaries who lived the faith with their life-testimonies. Rector Father Banzelao Teixeira, spoke of the urgent need for availability and generosity in the community, congregation, the church and to the world at large. He said, "this generosity must come from within us and must be shared with others in need."