By Cl. Alfred Menezes for BISMumbai

The community of Don Bosco, Lonavla, began its extraordinary visitation on 25 November 2022 with the presence of the General Councillor for South Asia, Fr Biju Michael Pulianmackal SDB.

Having arrived in Lonavla on 25 November 2022, Fr Biju Michael received a warm welcome by the community members and the English Academy boys. After light refreshments, the regional immediately began his program by addressing the students of the School and Junior College. In his address, he advised them to be proactive by using the example of a thermometer and a thermostat. All the students were enamoured by his lovely personality.

Following this, Fr Biju Michael addressed the confreres of the community of Lonavla in the opening conference. In this address, he focused on the three aspects of consecrated life, community and mission and gave the example of Paul and Silas in the prison, who despite having the worst of situations still continue to praise and thank God for all that had happened. Fr Biju then met the community members individually.

After lunch, Fr Biju Michael met and addressed the teachers of the school, and thanked them for their generous service. He encouraged all the teachers to grow their knowledge of Don Bosco. He also met the Salesian Co-operators of the region. He continued meeting the confreres of the community throughout the day and finally addressed the aspirants at night.

The following day, 26 November 2022, Fr Biju Michael celebrated Mass for the community and broke the word of God through a simple and effective homily. He met the House Council followed by the closing conference to the entire community in which he presented his report and recommendations and thanked the community for their pleasant hospitality.

Fr Biju Michael’s extraordinary visitation to Don Bosco, Lonavla, was indeed a moment filled with the grace of God and something which will help the community grow and improve. He truly touched the lives of everyone he met here. Everyone loved the humble and down-to-earth manner in which the extraordinary visitor conducted himself.