Fr Wilfred D’Souza for BISMumbai

No better way to celebrate the birth anniversary of Don Bosco than by welcoming the Extraordinary Visitor, Fr Biju Michael, who came to the community of Dominic Savio, Andheri in the name of the Rector Major, on 16 August 2022.

Having arrived from Shelter Don Bosco at 3:30 p.m., Fr Biju Michael, almost immediately, began the Extraordinary Visitation with the opening conference. It was filled with in-depth reflections on consecration, community and mission. After tea, he was accompanied by the Rector, Fr Brian Moras, around the sprawling campus of Dominic Savio Boys’ Home.

Fr Biju Michael's stay with the community was marked by punctuality and dedication as he set about meeting various groups associated with the mission of the community. He met the Salesian Cooperators and the Past Pupils, with whom he shared inspiring anecdotes and reflections from Don Bosco’s life. He cut a cake to celebrate the birthday of Don Bosco, and was presented with a gift and a shawl. Immediately after, he proceeded to be among the children of the nearby bastis who come for the Evening Study classes, and was entertained with their attractive programme. After dinner, he had another relaxing moment when he met the boarders. The time was spent with affability and liveliness that concluded with an inspirational Good Night talk.

Early next morning Fr Biju Michael was at the altar to celebrate the Eucharist, before the boys hurried to school. After breakfast, he had the opportunity of familiarizing himself with the goings on in the academic front - meeting the students, management and teachers. He had words of wisdom to share with all of them that they will surely treasure. The rest of the day was time spent with the confreres of the house. Each was given time and space to speak and listen, so as to draw benefit from the Visitor's wise Salesian insights.

Fr Biju Michael barely had time for himself, but very ably managed to go through the documents, and then presented the draft of his Report, in his concluding conference to the confreres. With this a very precious and profitable encounter with the Extraordinary Visitor was brought to a conclusion at Dominic Savio, Andheri.