by Melton Suares for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco Lonavla welcomed home one of its own — Fr Felix Almeida, Salesian missionary in Mexico and son of the Salesian Province of Bombay. His return was not just a visit, but a heartfelt homecoming to the very cradle of his vocation.

Ordained on June 21, 2025, Fr Almeida returned to Lonavla to offer a thanksgiving Eucharist, a tribute to the house that shaped his dreams and nurtured his priestly calling. His presence sparked joy, reflection, and deep gratitude among the community.

In a vibrant session with aspirants from Classes 8, 9, 10, and 12, Fr Felix shared his missionary journey through a compelling slideshow of personal photographs. Each image was more than a memory — it was a testimony of grace, growth, and gritty pastoral commitment.

He spoke warmly of Mexico’s people — their affection, hospitality, and faith. With sincerity, he also revealed the challenges of cross-cultural ministry, offering the boys an honest and rounded glimpse into missionary life.

“A Salesian is defined by generosity,” he said, “and even more so, a missionary. It’s the joy of giving your time, energy, and gifts that makes this vocation come alive.”

The boys listened, laughed, and questioned. They asked about his decision to serve in Mexico, the food, the language, the cultural shift — and what kept him going. In those moments, the mission field became real. The call became tangible.

For the house of Don Bosco Lonavla, this visit was more than a memory — it was a living reminder of Don Bosco’s dream: a missionary spirit that knows no borders and a vocation that begins in the quiet stirrings of an open heart.