by Divya Prabhu & Melangel D’souza with Father Glenford Lowe

Finally, a breath of fresh air, familiar faces, laughter and a dream come true to reconnect, refresh and rejuvenate through the Gospel and Salesian Call to Leadership. Thanks to a Leadership programme called “Shepherd’s Dream” that was organised by Don Bosco Youth Services (DBYS) - Matunga on Sunday 25 July 2021, for the Salesian Youth Movement, Borivali (SYM- B).

Registration of 45 young people began with all COVID protocols in place. The day’s events began with the solemn Eucharistic Celebration with Father McEnroe Lopes Administrator and Director of Youth Services - Kurla, as the main celebrant. Father Leon Cruz Ratinam, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, Fr Solomon Rapol sdb Rector and Parish Priest of St John Bosco Church - Borivali and atherFr Glenford Lowe sdb Director of Youth Ministry – Borivali were the concelebrants. “It was good to be back in church once again and join in the Eucharistic celebration. Fr. Lopes gave us a youthful and powerful homily that set out hearts on fire. The singing was also prayerful and wow… what more, it was simply great,” affirmed a cheerful Asher Fernandes.

Moving to the AV hall, Father Lowe animated the first session on the Shepherd’s Dream. In his typical creative style through a PowerPoint presentation, Father Lowe emphasised the importance of dreams in each one's life. Recalling the dream of Don Bosco at the age of nine, in 1824, Father Lowe drew 06 essential ingredients for good Leadership: Mission, Method, Mentor, Metaphor, Meaning and Memory. Rianzi Moras evaluated the session rightly, “The dream of Don Bosco came alive again to me in a new way. Like Don Bosco, I need to discover my “Ikigai” - finding the purpose of my life and doing things that I am most passionate about. I need to be a Dreamer too.”

Following this insightful session, Brother Bryce Fernandes-Director of AVEC {Archdiocesan Value Education Centre] Matunga, led the youth in an action song. Father Ratinam then explained about the Qualities of a Good Leader and why leadership is so important. Father Ratinam showed a short clipping on the Race of Life which left the youth with a meaningful moral that winning isn’t everything but helping others and achieving victory together is important. The sharing of joy and happiness with others is what counts.

There was a spiritual programme of Taize, Adoration and confession led by Father Lopes and Echoes of Zion band. They led the youth through a prayerful and meaningful Taizé prayer and chants. Several priests were also available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The ‘Shepherd’s Dream’ concluded with an evaluation of the day. Durran D’mello, President of SYM - Borivali invited the youth to make commitments in the areas of physical, intellectual, spiritual, social outreach and social media.

Aniruddha D’souza proposed the Vote of thanks. Fr Solomon Rapol, rector and parish Priest presented a token of appreciation to the animators of the event. The youth were handed a book-mark souvenir as a memento. The programme ended at 4pm with the celebration of Father Ratinam's birthday and the youth left with snacks and a bag full of memories.