by Cl Ambrose Monteiro for BIS Mumbai

St. Dominic Savio Boys Home, Andheri, witnessed the joyous inauguration of Don Bosco Mini Month 2025 on January 13, 2025. This special month is dedicated to deepening the understanding and devotion of the 38 resident boys towards St John Bosco, the patron saint of youth.

The 20-minute inauguration ceremony, attended by the boys, the Salesian Fathers and Brothers of the institute, commenced with a short prayer led by Abhijit Dey, an 8th-grade student. A melodious hymn followed this in praise of St. John Bosco.

Fr Rector, in his message for the boys, highlighted the humble beginnings of St John Bosco and emphasized the significance of prayer in his life, particularly his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He encouraged the boys to seek divine guidance in all their endeavours, be it studies, sports, or any other activity, to achieve true happiness.

The Don Bosco Mini Month 2025 will be a vibrant month filled with a diverse range of activities. The calendar includes a Spelling Bee competition, a Don Bosco Group Song competition, a Spiritual Recollection, New Priests' Day, Don Bosco Novena, Pluck Card and Badge Making competitions, a screening of a film on St John Bosco, a fun session with parents, a Don Bosco Trivia Quiz, and exciting field tournaments like box cricket, frisbee, and football. The month will culminate with the grand "Don Bosco Nite 2025."

Fr Rector officially declared the Don Bosco Mini Month 2025 open and unveiled the official calendar and team assignments. Each participant received a souvenir bookmark as a token of remembrance. The ceremony concluded with a melodious singing of the hymn, “Father of many youngsters.”

The boys expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming month. Aryan Pillai, a 6th-grade student, shared, "I am very excited to start this month. I am not very sure of what it is, but I am really interested because I am very happy with the team I am in." Kenin Castelino, a 9th-grade student, expressed his honor in leading team Albera, stating, "It is an honor to be able to lead one of the teams during this Don Bosco Month. I have tried to always be of help to brothers and fathers, and I have been given a chance to lead a group which makes me feel very happy."

The Don Bosco Mini Month 2025 at St. Dominic Savio Boys Home, Andheri, promises to be a memorable experience for the young residents, fostering their faith and personal growth through engaging activities and spiritual reflection geared towards their patron saint, St John Bosco.