By Cl. Ethan Fortes for BISMumbai

The community and alumni of Don Bosco, Lonavla, celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of the institution with a solemn Eucharist on 12 June 2022. The Holy Mass, which was celebrated in the morning, was also streamed live - online - for the many past pupils who could not make it for the celebration.12 June marks the day when, 60 years ago in 1962, Don Bosco, Lonavla, began with just 11 boys!

Fr Blany Pinto, the Rector of the community, presided over the Eucharist, and stressed on the importance of carrying forth the legacy of Don Bosco Lonavla. He spoke of the beauty of the place where various good qualities like that of having a heart for the young, and of being more self-giving and generous of one’s time and talents are instilled there making every past pupil a more humane person. Fr Pinto also noted examples of past pupils, who have dedicated most of their spare time to be at the service of the local Church while also mentioning that a few of them also make available the gifts they imbibed from Don Bosco Lonavla to the young around their vicinity. Thus, the legacy of Don Bosco Lonavla, as mentioned by Fr Pinto, is kept alive by the past pupils who carry Don Bosco’s spirit back to their homes, families and neighbourhood. The past pupils present for the Eucharist were also privileged to hear the testimony of Fr Nelson Falcao, one of the first aspirants at Don Bosco, Lonavla, in 1962.

Coincidentally, the community welcomed back, after the summer break, the boarders for the new academic year. During the Holy Eucharist in the evening, Fr Pinto encouraged the boys to give themselves completely to every activity and programme that would come their way, thus enabling them to grow holistically.