By Br Alfred Menezes, SDB 

July 5, 2025, Mumbai – Shelter Don Bosco celebrated the Feast of St Dominic Savio and the Installation Ceremony of the new student leaders with solemnity and enthusiasm. The event served both to honour the inspiring legacy of a young saint and to officially welcome the newly appointed youth leaders committed to serving the Shelter community.

The programme began at 9:15 a.m., with the reporting of staff and youth in the hall. The Chief Guest, Fr Mylin Noronha, was welcomed with a traditional aarti and a Guard of Honour.

Once the assembly was seated, the dual significance of the occasion was introduced: the Feast of St Dominic Savio and the Investiture Ceremony. The event opened with a prayer service reflecting on the life of the saint, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, led by Br Alfred.

Fr Rudolf D’Souza then welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest. In his address, he spoke of the virtues exemplified by St Dominic Savio—holiness, dedication, and responsibility—qualities expected of the new youth leaders. Fr Noronha was then felicitated with a shawl and a token of appreciation.

The Investiture Ceremony commenced with the announcement of the newly elected leaders. Each youth marched forward as their names were called and assembled on stage. Fr D’Souza posed three preparatory questions to the leaders, which they answered in unison, demonstrating their preparedness and eagerness to lead..

Fr Noronha was then invited to the stage to invest each leader with a sash and present them with their respective flags. This was followed by the Oath-Taking Ceremony, led by Fr D’Souza, with the leaders echoing the oath as a pledge to uphold their responsibilities.

After the formal proceedings, Master Aniket Kamble, the newly elected Prime Minister of the Youth Parliament, delivered a short address on behalf of the student leaders, expressing gratitude and a promise of dedicated service. The Shelter Boys honoured the leaders with a performance of the song Shukriya.

Fr Noronha then addressed the assembly, offering words of encouragement and guidance inspired by the teachings of St John Bosco. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs Shabra Kamble, followed by a group photograph to capture the memorable occasion.

It was a morning of inspiration, commitment, and celebration – a true reflection of the legacy of Dominic Savio.