By Fr Ashwin Macwan for BISMumbai

Fr Biju Michael, General Councillor for South Asia, visited Don Bosco, Kapadvanj, on 26 and 27 August. He was welcomed traditionally, and with much solemnity, by the Salesian community, staff and youth.

Fr Biju Michaelbegan the Extraordinary Visitation by meeting the Salesian community. He paid the visit to one of the villages, Hirapur, where social development work is carried out by the community, He met the students of study support centre, Self-help Group and leaders of the village. He was welcomed by the head of the village with a tilak, and paghdi. In his message he shared the life story of Don Bosco, and role of Mama Margaret in the life of Don Bosco. He encouraged the women to support their children in their education.

The next day, Fr Biju Michael met the DRIST, AmrutDhara and domestic staff of Don Bosco, Kapadvanj, and interacted with them. Fr Ashwin Macwan, Director of AmrutDhara began by introducing the Extraordinary Visitor to the gathering. Fr Biju Michael also had the opportunity to meet and interact with the Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI), who are a part of Salesian Family.

Fr Biju Michael interacted with Saheli (SHGs Coordinators), and teachers of Student Support Centre. In his message to them, he stressed on the education of children, and on giving them best so that they may able to face the challenges of life. He then planted a sapling thus conveying the need to take care of the environment. Those present were given saplings to plant in their gardens as a remembrance of his visit.

Then the Oratory children were blessed as Fr Biju Michael spent time with them. They welcomed him with flowers, song, address and dance. They too were impressed by the simplicity of the Extraordinary Visitor as he spoke to them encouraging them not to give up in life. After this the SYM youth group of the community came together to spend time with Fr Biju Michael. In his interaction with the youth, he advised them to pay attention to the feelings and become strong.

Fr Biju Michael concluded the Extraordinary visitation meeting the Salesian community, and invoking God’s blessing upon Don Bosco, Kapadvanj. Br Melvyn Carvalho, Assistant Director of DRIST, thanked him for his inspiring presence with the community. This visit was indeed the moment of grace for the community of Don Bosco, Kapadvanj