by Bernadette Menezes for BIS Mumbai

The Altar Servers’ Rally 2025, organized by Don Bosco Youth Services Mumbai, brought together 150 altar servers from Salesian and deanery parishes across Mumbai on February 2 at Don Bosco High School, Matunga. The event resonated deeply with the Jubilee Year’s theme of hope, reflected in its guiding theme: “You are my hope, Lord". The day began with registration at 8 am, followed by an invocation of God’s grace and an inspiring address by Fr Edwin D’Souza the Rector of the Shrine, who urged the young altar servers to “Dare to Hope, Dare to Be Different.” 

Ms Joynel Fernandes from the Archdiocese Heritage Museum conducted a session on "Pilgrims of Hope," offering insights into the Jubilee Year, its significance, the logo, and the mascot. She also took participants on a virtual journey through the lives of young saints from Italy, France, Portugal, and Poland, concluding with a brief history of the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, built by Fr Aurelius Maschio. 

Each participating parish showcased performances reflecting the theme for the event “You are my Hope, Lord.” From songs and prayer dances to skits and Jubilee-themed presentations, the performances beautifully expressed faith and hope. Some highlights included "Living Hope" by Our Lady of Dolours, a skit on honesty by Dominic Savio Church, Antop hill, and a Jubilee song by Resurrection Church, Virar. The DBYS youth kept the energy alive with action songs at regular intervals. 

Post-lunch, engaging spiritual games tested participants’ knowledge on sacred vessels, jumbled words, and crosswords. Br Royston, the vocation promoter of the province, led a session on "God’s Eternal Plan: The Big Picture," urging altar servers to keep their hearts open to God's calling in life. 

The rally concluded with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Provincial Fr Savio Silveira, who emphasized three key qualities of an altar server: serving enthusiastically, setting a good example, and serving cheerfully. He reminded them that being an altar server is a gift from God and a privileged vocation.

The event was a spiritually enriching experience, strengthening the altar servers’ commitment and deepening their faith. This special gathering of boys and girls served as a vibrant platform for animation, interaction, and spiritual renewal, reinforcing the call to faith and service. With interactive sessions, engaging performances, and moments of reflection, the rally successfully inspired young altar servers to continue this responsibility with joy and dedication.