By Fr Ajay D’Monte for BISMumbai

The Salesians working in the region of Ahmednagar, celebrated 11 December 2022 as Mission Day and spent moments recollecting the lives of eminent missionaries who have worked in the region of Ahmednagar. With the theme ‘A sower went to sow his seeds’, the Salesians paid homage to the missionaries who have been an inspiration and proof that God still loves his people.

This event of gratitude was organized at Rosary Mata Chapel, Jehur. The youth of Jehur Chapel with Mahila mandal animated the Rosary service followed by Holy Eucharist. The event began in the evening with the Eucharistic celebration. The procession was led by sisters, followed by Salesian brothers, and finally, the Salesian priests. More than 500 faithful people from around Ahmednagar mission station witnessed this celebration. The Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Lourdes Daniel, Bishop of the Diocese of Nashik, along with Fr Michael Bansode, Delegate for Missions of the Salesian Province of Bombay; and all the Salesian confreres from five presences of Bhingar, St Anne's, Savedi, Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK), and Walunj were present as concelebrants.

In his homily, Bishop Daniel mentioned the sacrifices the missionaries have made to kindle faith in the hearts of the people. He also focused on the mission with which John the Baptist and Jesus had come on this earth. Bishop Daniel explained to the faithful present, that this mission of Christ does not only belong to the clergy and religious alone, but also to the people. The missionaries have left wondrous legacies now it is the turn of the present generation to come together and strengthen the mission of the Church in the Ahmednagar region. At the end, Bishop Daniel spoke of the urgent need for availability and generosity in the community, congregation, the church and to the world at large. He said, "This generosity must come from within us and must be shared with others in need".

After the Eucharistic celebration, a presentation reminiscing all the missionaries who brought about great awareness of Christ by spreading the gospel of love and helped sow the seed of faith in the mission stations was shown to the faithful present for the occasion. Fr Bansode then highlighted some of the most unique features and contribution of the Ahmednagar mission. The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal.