By Fr Bosco Carvalho for BISMumbai

Fr Baptist Monteiro was installed as Rector at Don Bosco Snehalaya, Vadodara, by Fr Savio Silveira, the Provincial of the Salesian Province of Bombay. Fr Silveira was on the Provincial Team Visit along with Fr Ashley Miranda, the Vice Provincial, and Fr Manuel Murzello, the Economer.

The Provincial Team arrived at Snehalaya in the morning, and were warmly greeted by the Salesians and the boys. Later, they met the confreres of the community to discuss matters related to administration, community life, and the mission among the poorest youth.

Shortly before noon, the Salesians gathered around the Eucharistic table for the installation ceremony of Fr Baptist Monteiro as the Rector of Don Bosco Snehalaya. The theme for the occasion was 'Lead with the Heart of Jesus'. Fr Silveira presided over the Holy Eucharist. He urged all the confreres to be good shepherds and leaders after the heart of Jesus. Quoting Article 55 of the Salesian Constitutions, he stressed that the Rector primarily cares for each confrere in the community, puts his efforts at bringing peace in the community, and is a fatherly presence in the community, engaging in and encouraging pastoral work among the poorest youth. After the homily, Fr Monteiro professed the creed. Then Fr Silveira read the decree of the Rector Major, and Fr Monteiro signed the same, thus accepting the role of animating the community as Rector.

The visit of the Provincial Team has certainly brought blessings and graces to the community of Don Bosco Snehalaya, Vadodara.