By Fr Kiran Salve, Cl. Bless Rumao, and Fr Jacob Palaparambil for BISMumbai

The month-long Marian devotion in preparation for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary began on 15 July 2023 at St Dominic Savio Boys’ Home, Andheri. The Theme for this year, ‘O Mary, with you we can fly further’, has been dedicated for the cause of peace in Manipur. 

The Rector, Fr Francisco Pereira inaugurated the Marian month in the presence of the Salesian confreres and boarders of St Dominic Savio Boys’ Home. Declaring the theme, Fr Pereira urged the gathering to come together every day in humble supplications to our Virgin Mary and pray for peace in Manipur. He further asked the boys to work diligently in accomplishing every task and strive sincerely to attain knowledge and wisdom throughout their schooling. A moving tribute of faith and love to Mary was exemplified by the boarders, as they recited the poems and sang hymns before the stunningly adorned statue of Mary Help of Christians. Special prayers were offered for the Manipur victims and their families. 

A scroll displaying the events for the entire month was presented by the boarders to Fr Pereira. Activities and competitions to be conducted throughout the solemn season were announced on this occasion. Scapulars of Our Lady of Mount Carmel were distributed to all. The event concluded with the singing of the Marian Anthem. 

Also, the Salesian Novitiate Community at Nashik began Marian Month. With the lighting of candles, the Marian anthem was sung, which brought out the theme ‘Cause of Our Joy’. This year the Novices have decided to reflect on and celebrate the words ‘in due time you will understand everything—words that the Rector Major reflected on in his recent communication that invited the Salesian Family to celebrate the Dream at Nine. The programme for the Marian month is replete with traditional sermonettes, the sharing of reflections on Mother Mary`s discipleship and apostolate, music, and serenades. All this is to make the community constantly aware to trust in Mary’s active presence in their lives. 

On the 20 July 2023, the community of Divyadaan, Nashik, organised a drawing competition as part of the ongoing Marian Month celebrations under the theme ‘Mary the Lighthouse’. The brothers showed enthusiasm to participate in the sketching competition. There was lots of fun and humour among the participants. Many brothers expressed their appreciation for conducting such events, which served as an opportunity to display their artistic talents and to show their love and devotion to our Blessed Mother.

As the Marian month commences with great grandeur, we pray that Mary Most Holy may guide and guard our souls so that we may be worthy instruments of peace, pleasing the Lord.