By Alphonsa Ohol for BIS Mumbai

 The Youth of Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, organized Marian Day for the Catechism children on August 17, 2025 in the Parish Hall. The celebration was held in the spirit of the Marian month, which is a characteristic feature of every Salesian institute and an opportunity to deepen one’s devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

The day began with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr Crispino D’Souza. During Mass, the altar servers of the parish were officially commissioned for their service at the Lord’s table, a moment that filled the children with reverence and joy. The homily reminded everyone that Mary is our spiritual mother who always leads us closer to Jesus through her faith, obedience, and humility.

After Mass, the youth leaders warmly welcomed the children and introduced the day’s theme: “To Mary Through Fun.” They encouraged the children to look up to Mary as a guide and a model of Christian living. To set a lively and enthusiastic tone, the children began with an action song that immediately created an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

The participants were then divided into eight teams, each named after a Marian apparition such as Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe, and La Salette. This creative grouping not only built excitement but also helped the children learn about the many ways Mary has appeared throughout history, offering hope, comfort, and guidance to the faithful.

The youth also staged a short skit that conveyed the powerful message that Jesus is the one who frees us from sin and brings us true joy. The rest of the morning was filled with interactive activities designed to blend faith with fun. Children enjoyed the Hail Mary Puzzle Relay, “Mary Says”, a Marian and Bible Quiz, and games that required teamwork, prayer, and attentiveness. Another activity included matching different Marian apparitions with the messages Mary gave during each one, deepening the children’s knowledge in a playful way.

The program concluded with the prize distribution ceremony led by Fr. Michael Fernandes, the Parish Priest. He congratulated the children for their active participation and encouraged them to make Mary their lifelong companion, imitating her virtues of faith, humility, and obedience. He also appreciated the youth for their dedication and creativity in animating the celebration.

The day was truly a beautiful blend of faith, joy, and learning. The Catechism children returned home with smiling faces, a greater love for Mary, and a deeper desire to follow Jesus. The tireless efforts of the youth, who conducted the event with zeal and enthusiasm, ensured that Marian Day 2025 will remain a cherished memory for the parish community.

A Catechism student: “I liked the games and learned more about Mother Mary. It was a very happy day."

With this the celebration concluded.