By Fr Richard Burkhao for BISMumbai

A memorable Salesian Parents Day was celebrated at Jyoti Mata Church on 5 February 2022. The parents and relatives of Salesian confreres residing in the regions of Uttan and Vasai, had come in great numbers. 

The programme began with the Eucharist at 10:45 a.m. with Fr William Falcao as the principal celebrant, along with Frs Manuel Murzello, Vishwas Pereira and Richard Burkhao concelebrating. In his homily, Fr Pereira spoke of the christian calling to be the salt and light of the world. He explained how Don Bosco saw this as his mission: to be the salt and light to the young who were poor and abandoned. He further emphasized the importance of the role of parents in being the salt and light of Christ in their families and in nurturing their children with love and care.

After the Holy Eucharist, the parents gathered in the Church Hall where they were entertained by a wonderful programme put up by the Sunday school children and the youth of the Parish. The little children welcomed the gathering with a dance, followed by a short skit on the parable of the talents from the Bible and a lively dance.

Later, along with the youth, Fr Burkhao organised games for the women, men and children separately. Fr Falcao, the parish priest, addressed the parents and spoke about the significant role played by Mamma Magaret in the life of Don Bosco. He also thanked all those responsible for organising such a splendid and lively programme.

The celebration concluded with a delicious lunch prepared by the Women's Sodality. All the parents were very appreciative of the wonderful and memorable program organised for them and especially for making them special. 

Having the Parents’ Day organised for the parents of the Salesians residing at Vasai and Uttan has been the initiative of Fr Vishwas Pereira. Knowing that the Parents’ Day held in Mumbai was too far for the parents to attend, he started a parallel celebration at Jyoti. This is an annual gathering of parents of Salesians, to appreciate them and honour them for their dedication and sacrifice.