Fr Clarence Martis for BIS Mumbai

The Salesians and the Salesian Family of the Ahmednagar – Aurangabad region celebrated the Salesian Mission Day 2024 on November 23, 2024 at St Anne’s ground, Ahmednagar. This celebration was held to thank God for the missionary work done in the region and to remember the contributions of various members of the Salesian family towards the growth of the mission.

The celebration began with the Eucharist at 6.00 p.m. presided over by Fr Vishwas Pereira. The introduction to the Mass highlighted the 149th anniversary of the first Salesian missionary expedition as well as the 38 years of mission work in Ahmednagar and Aurangabad. Fr Pereira, in his homily, said, “Proclamation is at the centre of the Mission. This proclamation of the mission is done through the Word of God and the works of charity. The mission of tomorrow will be strengthened through participation and dialogue. The role of leaders is essential in this work. Hence, we need to prepare and train such leaders. To accomplish our Mission, we need to walk together side by side learning from one another.” 

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the religious communities of the region and the Salesian cooperators of Don Bosco Savedi and St Anne’s were felicitated. This was followed by the viewing of the video on the history of the Ahmednagar mission, from its inception to the present time. It was fascinating to see how God worked through various congregations – from the Diocese to the Carmelites to the Jesuits who finally handed the mission to the Salesians – for the spread of God’s Kingdom in the region. 

The bhajan mandalis of Don Bosco Savedi, St Anne’s, and St John’s, then took over the celebrations with their soulful and devotional singing. Alongside, the faithful were served dinner. 

The Salesian Mission Day 2024 brought together the faithful and the religious to reinvigorate their commitment to spread the gospel of Christ. It was a time to remember, to thank, and to commit.