by Tr Marilyn Dias and Tr Sunita D’Souza for BIS Mumbai

Wadala, July 7, 2025: St Joseph’s High School, Wadala, celebrated the Feast of St Dominic Savio through a series of well-organised events.

The day commenced with a prayer service broadcast over the school intercom, led by Teacher Daisy Sharma and her group of students. This was followed by a Eucharistic celebration at 8.30 a.m. in the parish church, attended by Catholic students and staff. The main celebrant, Fr Joyston Machado, encouraged students to adopt the values exemplified by St Dominic Savio and integrate them into their daily lives. Students from Standard IV and X, along with members of the student leadership team, were present.

The Investiture Ceremony for the Primary Section was held at 10.00 a.m. in the school hall. Fr James Nigrel, Rector and Manager; Fr Solomon Rapol, Principal; and Tr Smitha Lewis, Headteacher of the Primary Section, presided over the ceremony. The event was graced by Fr Joyston Machado, Delegate for Social Communication, Deacon Sheldon Dias, a missionary in Africa, and Bro Bryce Fernandes, who has worked in the field of counselling in the Philippines.

During the ceremony, the Headboy of the Primary Section, Master Renel Reke, along with the team of student leaders, solemnly took the oath of office. All the leaders were invested with ties and were congratulated for being chosen as leaders, who in turn took the pledge to set a good example for others to follow.

The Investiture Ceremony for the Secondary Section was conducted at 11.30 a.m. in the school hall. Fr Solomon Rapol, Principal; Fr James Nigrel, Rector; and Supervisor, Teacher Nagaprabha Rao, conferred responsibilities on the newly elected School Leaders and Class Leaders. Class Monitors and Assistant Monitors received their ties from their respective class teachers. Student leaders from the Road Safety Patrol (RSP), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Eco Club, and Scouts were also entrusted with their duties by the respective coordinating teachers.

In his message to the students, Fr Nigrel encouraged them to dedicate themselves to their responsibilities in the spirit of St Dominic Savio, reminding them of the young saint’s words to Don Bosco: “You are the tailor. I am the cloth.”

The programme concluded with Rev. Fr. Solomon Rapol, Principal, proposing the vote of thanks and addressing the students. He reminded them to perform their duties sincerely, with honesty and dedication.