by Neil D'Souza for BISMumbai

In a vibrant celebration of faith, music, and mission, the Salesian Province of Bombay marked a historic moment with the release of Jubilate Jesus - Volume II at the Don Bosco School Auditorium, Matunga. The event, held on the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, also commemorated the 30th anniversary of Tej Prasarini – Don Bosco Centre for Communications, a pioneering Catholic media ministry.

The occasion was graced by His Grace, Most Rev. Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, who presided as the chief guest. The event brought together clergy, religious, musicians, educators, and lay collaborators in a spirit of thanksgiving and joyful praise.

A Morning of Grace and Gratitude

The program commenced with a warm welcome by Fr. Savio Silveira, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Bombay. In his opening address, Fr. Savio set the tone for the morning, expressing deep gratitude for the presence of Bishop Dominic Savio and for the unwavering support of the Archdiocese of Bombay in the Salesians’ mission of youth ministry, education, and social communications.

Fr. Savio highlighted the significance of the day—not only as a liturgical feast but as a moment of convergence between faith and creativity, tradition and innovation. He recalled the release of Jubilate Jesus Volume I on January 1st, 2025, and now, on this feast day, the continuation of that journey with Volume II.

A central figure in the celebration was Fr. Peter Gonsalves, the visionary behind the Jubilate Jesus project and the founding director of Tej Prasarini. Fr. Savio paid tribute to Fr. Peter’s pioneering work in Catholic media, dating back to the early 1990s when digital evangelization was still in its infancy.

From launching the province’s first website in 2002 to serving as President of Signis International, and later as Dean of the Faculty of Social Communications at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, Fr. Peter’s contributions have been both groundbreaking and globally recognized. His five-year tenure as a consultor to the Vatican Dicastery for Social Communications further underscores his influence in shaping the Church’s digital presence.

Fr. Savio described Fr. Peter as “creative, innovative, and driven,” noting that the planning for Jubilate Jesus began years in advance. His vision has made social communications a hallmark of the Salesian Province of Bombay.

The event also celebrated the many collaborators who brought Jubilate Jesus Volume II to life. Special mention was made of Mr. Amon Daniels, who handled the instrumentation and has been a long-time contributor to Tej Prasarini’s musical projects. Gratitude was extended to the singers, musicians, sound engineers, and liturgical artists who contributed their talents to this sacred endeavor.

As Tej Prasarini marked its 30th year, Fr. Savio acknowledged the leadership of its past directors, including Fr. Joachim Fernandes, who served for 14 years, and the current director, Fr. Joyston Machado, described as “young, dynamic, and dashing.” Each director, he noted, has carried forward the mission with dedication and creativity.

In his keynote address, Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes offered a deeply spiritual and affirming message. He began by expressing his joy at being part of this milestone celebration, which he described as “providentially intertwined with the Jubilee Year 2025—a year of grace, renewal, and rejoicing for the entire Church.”

The Bishop praised Tej Prasarini as a “beacon of hope and inspiration”, a ministry that has used the power of media to communicate the Good News, foster dialogue, and build bridges of understanding. He commended the center for remaining rooted in the timeless truths of the Gospel while embracing the tools of modern communication.

Reflecting on the newly released album, Bishop Fernandes described Jubilate Jesus Volume II as “a joyful symphony of gratitude to Jesus, the Light of the World.” He emphasized that the album is not just a musical compilation but a liturgical proclamation, echoing Pope Francis’ call to be “bearers of hope” in a world often marked by dissonance.

“Music,” he said, “is one of the most powerful mediums to evangelize, to heal, and to unite.” He called the album a fitting gift to the Church, one that uplifts worship and inspires communities to sing with faith and fervor.

The musical heart of the event was the presentation of hymns from the new album. The audience was treated to four sets of hymns, each comprising three songs. The first set included: King of My Soul,  Who Do You Say I Am?,  You Are My Salvation

Later sets featured titles such as: Joy Is All I Have, Lord My God I walked a weary way, My Heritage, Anointed for Humanity,  A prayer for India, Love Jesus – Live Jesus, God of Variety, etc.

Each hymn was a blend of theological depth, social concern, lyrical beauty, and musical excellence, drawing the audience into a contemplative and celebratory experience. The songs reflected themes of hope, discipleship, service and divine light, resonating with the spirit of the Jubilee Year. One of the most outstanding hymns was the Christian’s Prayer for India, an original piece by Fr Gonsalves.

The release of Jubilate Jesus Volume II was more than a musical event—it was a testament to the enduring power of faith expressed through art. It honored the past, celebrated the present, and envisioned a future where the Church continues to sing a new song to the Lord.

As the Church continues to journey through the Jubilee Year 2025, this album stands as a joyful offering, inviting all to lift their voices in praise. It is a reminder that in every age, through every medium, the message of Christ continues to shine—a light in the darkness, a melody of grace.

As the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of renewed mission. The celebration was not just about looking back—it was a call to move forward with creativity, depth, courage, and communion.