By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

It was a day of great joy for the Salesian Province of Bombay on the feast of Mary Help of Christians as six Salesian novices (3 INB and 3 INP) made their first profession at Don Bosco Church, Nashik, on 24 May at 0700 hours. Fr Savio Silveira sdb, the Provincial of the Province of Bombay, presided over the Eucharist. Fr Ian Figueredo, the rector of the prenovitiate, represented the Province of Panjim.

The six novices were prepared to make this important life-choice after a year of discernment under Fr Wyman Gonsalves sdb, the novice-master. Fr Silveira, in his homily, exhorted the newly professed to imitate the example of Mary in her gratitude and service as they begin their Salesian journey. He also spoke of the need to be rooted in prayer and humility; to be open to reaching out in service, and remaining steadfast in faith even in difficulty.

After they recited the formula of profession, Fr Silveira welcomed Clerics Seymour Afonso, Aldrich Cabral, Mark Fernandes, Hanley Gomes, Tritwar Katara, and Raju More into the Salesian Congregation as confreres committed by temporary vows. It was a joyful occasion in the presence of their family members, fellow Salesians, well-wishers and friends to commit their lives to live the gospel the Don Bosco way. Also, Cl. Hubert Lyngdoh of the Province of Shillong made his perpetual profession.

Later that day, at 1600 hours, Cl. Ankit Ganawa, Cl. Nitesh Damor, Cl. Sanjay Ganawa, and Br Vishal Waghmare, made their perpetual profession at the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, Matunga. Once again, Fr Silveira presided over the Eucharist, and received their vows to be Salesians forever.

During the felicitation of the perpetually professed, Fr Ashley Miranda, the vice-Provincial of the Province of Bombay, thanked the parents and family, and assured them of the manifold blessings of God for allowing their son to live their vocation as Salesians.