by Father Leon Cruz Ratinam for BISMumbai

The youth of Don Bosco Youth Services at Matunga-Mumbai, organised an ecumenical prayer service 'Abraham’s Tent' on 01 September 2021 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga. This initiated the series of activities that will be held during this Season of Creation.

The youth pitched a tent inside the DBPH AV Hall, decorated it with exotic plants and even some fauna. The tent symbolically represented the theme 'A home for all- Renewing the Oikos of God'. The ecumenical prayer service was also officially registered on the Season of Creation website (www.seasonofcreation.org) as a launching event. This ecumenical prayer service was relayed live on Instagram, while 14 youth and 10 Salesians participated on-site.

After the scripture reading, Father Chris Valentino gave a brief input on the history and significance of the Season of Creation, with the context and expected outcome of the 34-day call to renewal with the creator and creation, through celebration, conversion and commitment. The prayer service concluded with a blessing by DBPH-Rector Father Vinod Mascarenhas.

'Abraham’s Tent' that signifies a renewed commitment to safeguard and care for creation, especially for the least and most vulnerable, is the start of a series of other youth activities like nature meditations, Marian walk, clean-ups, plantation drives, advocacy and a youth conference on environment.