by Father Leon Cruz Ratinam for BISMumbai

Into heaven, into freedom, into glory, into his marvellous light!

The Youth and Salesians expressed their love to Our Blessed Mother through the Marian Serenade which was organised by the Don Bosco Youth Services, Mumbai on 15 August 2021, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother.

The event began at 6 pm with the celebration of a Festive Youth Mass celebrated by Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas in the Provincial House Chapel at Matunga, after which the youth and Salesians proceeded to the Provincial House AV Hall to commence the Marian Serenade. The event took place around a statue of Mother Mary, beautifully adorned with flowers and the tricolour. The backdrop was decorated with the quotes “Stay with Mama” and “Mother Knows Best” put up by Agnorra.

At 7 pm the Marian Serenade took-off with the youth of DBYS Mumbai singing the Marian hymn – “You are the honour of our people”. The hymn was followed by a Marian Poem recited by Joel and then a melodious ode to Mother Mary composed and performed by Leann. The Salesians, Br. Bryce Fernandes, Fr. Mylin Noronha, Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, Fr Leslie Pereira and Fr. Johnson Bhuriya enchanted everyone with the beautiful singing of the Magnificat. The DBYS youth Agnorra, Donald, Glen and Beverly enacted a skit based on Mary’s apparition at Velankanni. Fr. Crispino D'Souza on the clarinet and Fr. Bernard Fernandes on the guitar serenaded Mother Mary with the hymns, “Immaculate Mary” and “Ave Maria”. Lloyd, Daniel and Fiona, members of the Shrine Choir performed a Medley of Marian hymns. Thereafter, Joel led everyone in praying the rosary.

The entire Marian Serenade was live streamed on the DBYS Mumbai Instagram account (@dbysmumbai) encouraging more youth and Salesians to join in virtually. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, some refreshments and everyone parting with a biography of Mama Margaret and big smiles.