By Fr Mayank Parmar SDB for BIS Mumbai

Kawant, July 7, 2025: Don Bosco Boys’ Boarding, Kawant, Gujarat and Nikol Bhavan Girls’ Boarding, Kawant, joyfully celebrated the Feast of St Dominic Savio with great devotion and solemnity on Monday, July 7, 2025. The celebration was marked by a special Holy Eucharist and the Investiture Ceremony of newly appointed boarding captains and team leaders.

Although the universal feast of St Dominic Savio is celebrated on May 6, the Salesian boarding houses across the globe traditionally observe it on July 6. However, since July 6, 2025, fell on a Sunday this year, the celebration was held on the following day.

In preparation for the feast, a five-day novena was conducted, during which the children reflected on the virtues of St Dominic Savio. The novena days were enriched with creative activities, including drawing and singing competitions, and special prayer services that offered the children a spiritual experience rooted in the life of the youthful saint.

The Feast Day celebrations began with the solemn Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr Agnel Dias, Principal of Don Bosco English Medium School and Boarding In-Charge. In his homily, he quoted inspiring words of St Dominic Savio and urged the children to emulate his deep faith, cheerful spirit, and strong leadership qualities.

During the liturgy, children were invited to offer handwritten petitions, which were reverently burnt during the offertory, symbolising their intentions. Those without written petitions were encouraged to offer their prayers silently, adding a personal and reflective tone to the celebration.

A highlight of the celebration was the Investiture Ceremony, where 20 children from both boardings were called forward and led in a solemn oath to faithfully carry out their responsibilities as leaders. The oath was administered in the presence of Fr Mayank Parmar SDB, Rector; Fr Agnel Dias SDB, Boarding In-Charge; Sr Meena Chauhan, Superior of Nikol Bhavan Convent; and Sr Regina Chauhan, Boarding In-Charge. The young leaders pledged to be faithful to the institute, to guide their peers with honesty, and to uphold strong moral values.

The entire event was meticulously coordinated by Akash Sir, with support from Fr Dias. The uplifting music and singing, led by Mr Hasmukh Christian and Mr Ravji Rathwa, brought vibrancy and joy to the celebration.

Following the Eucharist, Br Melvyn Carvalho SDB, Administrator of the institute, served sumptuous snacks to all the children and faithful present, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Reflecting on the experience, Master Mahendra Rathwa, newly appointed captain of Don Bosco Boys’ Boarding, shared, “The event was very meaningful and heart-touching.” Miss Jaya Rathwa, captain of Nikol Bhavan Girls’ Boarding, added, “I was overwhelmed by the beautiful arrangements and feel more convinced than ever to be faithful to the institute.”

The Feast of St Dominic Savio and the Investiture Ceremony at Kawant were not only a spiritual celebration but a reminder of the Salesian mission to form young minds into leaders of faith, service, and integrity.