by Fr Chris Ferreira for BIS Mumbai

50 years have passed since the sons of Don Bosco stepped foot on the land of colour and culture - Gujarat and the upliftment of the people among whom they have laboured stands as a testament to their zeal and love for Don Bosco. To express their gratitude to the Divine and celebrate this remarkable milestone, around 65 Salesian Priests and brothers from the Province of Mumbai, 15 Priests from the Dioceses, Religious Sisters and Collaborators, Parishioners, Youth and Children - Beneficiaries of Salesian Institutions and well-wishers of Don Bosco gathered at Don Bosco Makarpura on Saturday

The commemorative event began with the Holy Eucharist presided by Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas sfx - Bishop of the Diocese of Vadodara and Bishop Athanasius Rethna Swamy - Bishop of Ahemdabad, they were joined by Fr Savio Silveira sdb - the Provincial of the Mumbai Province and his Council and other priests as concelebrants. In his homily, Bishop Sebastião appreciating the work of the Salesians who are at present and who have in the years past, by their labours contributed to the Gujarat Missions of the Church, said the burning coal that touched the Prophet Isaiah, St Francis Xavier and St John Bosco has been placed upon every Salesian to set ablaze the kingdom of Christ

The cultural event commenced after the Eucharist. Youth of Don Bosco Snehalaya staged a welcome dance setting the celebratory tone of the evening. Fr Isaac Arcakaprambil sdb - the Rector of Don Bosco Makarpura welcomed all beneficiaries of Don Bosco to the cultural cum felicitation program of the evening. The young boys and girls of the Don Bosco Chhotaudepur performed an indigenous dance 'dholiya' displaying their cultural beauty in attire and dance. Don Bosco Animation Centre presented a video depicting the history and the plethora of ministers that the Salesians undertake in Don Bosco Institutions of Gujarat at present. Mr Anand and Fr Ashwin at Kapadvanj were instrumental in the making of the video. 

A special tribute video honouring the legacy of Late Fr Anthony Byron D'silva sdb who was a daring pioneer of the Chhotaudepur Missions in the Rathwa Belt in 1975 was projected. His multifaceted personality was shared through the testimonies of Fr Cyril De'Souza sdb (Fr Byron’s Companion), Mr Reman Rathwa, Mr Nagin Rathwa, and Mr Karsan Rathwa. Fr Byron made Chhotaudepur his karmabhoomi and withstood every difficulty for the love of the Rathwas, even to the point of imprisonment in jail. Mr Joy Fernandes, a parishioner and alumnus was thanked for the touching video. The men and women folk of Alirajpur Parish danced to a foot tapping bhili song. After the dance, all the dignitaries ascended the stage and were felicitated by the senior confreres working at present in the GuRaM region. A special honour was bestowed upon Fr Ivan de Souza sdb – one of the living pioneering missionaries of the Salesian works in Gujarat. Fr Elson Baretto sdb remarked that the well read, unassuming, non flamboyant, simple living and austere lifestyle of Fr Ivan endeared him to the Thakor tribals of Dakor in the Diocese of Ahmedabad. Fr Savio then read the citation sovuneir addressed to Fr Ivan and to Fr Byron. He presented the citation to Fr Byron’s Sister and Niece who were present on this memorable event for Gujarat was the place where Fr Byron’s heart lay after working among its tribals for nearly three decades. Citations were also read by Fr Savio to the Deceased Salesians who were natives of Gujarat – Late Ignas Macwan sdb and Late Fr Edward Rathod sdb and presented to their family members.

Both Bishops Sebastião and Rethna Swamy in their speeches that followed with immense gratitude thanked the Salesians for their labours in their respective dioceses of Baroda and Ahmedabad. Fr Ivan in his speech after receiving his citation expressed how it is actually the love and appreciation of people that has left him overwhelmed. 

The Dissertation work of (Dr) Fr Mayank Parmar sdb was released and a Revised Gujarati Salesian Missal for Salesian Saints prepared by Fr Ashwin Macwan sdb was released by the dignitaries on the dais. The cultural programme concluded with a vibrant Garba rendition by the youth of Dakor and the vote of thanks by Fr Michael Bansode sdb. Fr Michael profusely thanked all those who have played a part in the work of the Salesians over the last 50 years, and in particular thanked Fr Isaac Arackaparambil sdb – the Rector of Don Bosco Makarpura, the Confreres of his Community and his Parishioners for the meticulous planning for months; and the accommodation and organization of the memorable evening.

All participated in a fellowship meal before bidding each other adieu, only to venture into the next 50 years of work that lay ahead and make the golden jubilee a centenary. May the grace of God and the guidance of Don Bosco always accompany the Salesians who work in the Gujarat Missions as they serve the poorest and most disadvantaged youngsters of our country.