by Nancy Dias and Father Evangelo D'Souza for BISMumbai

MumbaiSalesians' Provincial Councillor for Vocation Animation Father Blany Pinto and Vocation Animator Father Velasli Bandya met with the Local Vocation team of Sacred Heart Parish Yerwada-Pune on 23 September 2021. The Local Vocation Team consisiting of Parish-Priest and Rector Father Michael Bansode, Father Evangelo D'Souza, Nancy Dias, Eunice Fernandes, and Julieya Pandit participated in the meet.

The main purpose was to meet the Local Vocation Team, and brief them with information, about the system and working of Don Bosco Lonavala, so as to empower the animators, to provide the right guidance to the young people of the parish.

Father Bandya stated that the focus at Don Bosco Lonavala, is to create a good homely environment that helps the boy to discern God’s call. The boys are provided a good 'education. to the faith'. He further informed the team of the activities and events organised to develop leadership qualities and moral values, with access to the library and computers; faith formation, counselling, daily Eucharist, monthly confession, novenas, catechism classes, with an emphasis on extracurricular activities to help the all round development of the boys. This formation make them a valuable asset to the family and the church at large.

Father Pinto then informed that with his team, a video and brochure has been prepared to provide glimpses of the daily routine and life at Don Bosco Lonavla. This will be disseminated to the catechism children from Class V upwards.

The Sacred Heart Parish Local Vocation Team looks forward to take this further by working and praying towards the increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.