by Bro. Aliester D'Souza for BISMumbai

It was a day of great joy for the Salesian Province of Bombay as seven Salesian novices (6 INB and 1 INP) made their first profession at Don Bosco Church, Nashik, on 24 May at 0700 hours. Fr Savio Silveira sdb, the Provincial of the Province of Bombay, presided over the Eucharist.

The seven novices were prepared to make this important life-choice after a year of discernment under Fr Wyman Gonsalves sdb, the novice-master. Fr Silveira, in his homily, exhorted the newly professed to imitate the example of Mary in her attentiveness and service as they begin their Salesian journey. He also spoke of the need to be rooted in prayer and humility; to be open to new learnings and allowing themselves to be formed.

After they said the formula of profession, Fr Silveira welcomed Clerics Ankit Ganawa, Presley Andrade, Kanishk Thekemuri, Swapnil Shelke, Ralston Rozario, Loren Crasto and Elton Fernandes into the Salesian Congregation as confreres committed by temporary vows. It was a joyful occasion in the presence of their family members, fellow Salesians, well-wishers and friends to commit their lives to live the gospel the Don Bosco way.

Later that day, at 1600 hours, Clerics Jittin Varghese sdb and Jeswin Mastan sdb, made their perpetual profession in the Crypt of the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, Matunga. Once again, Fr Silveira presided over the Eucharist, and received their vows to be Salesians forever.

During the felicitation of the perpetually professed clerics, Fr Ashley Miranda, the vice-Provincial of the Province of Bombay, thanked the parents and family, and assured them of the manifold blessings of God for allowing their son to live their vocation as Salesians.