By Tr Annie Gomez for BIS Mumbai

To mark the Jubilee Year with devotion and gratitude, the students of Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, embarked on a spiritually enriching pilgrimage to two Marian shrines in Mumbai – Don Bosco’s Madonna Shrine, Matunga, and Mount Mary Basilica, Bandra - on August 27, 2025. The day-long journey was organized by Fr Allwyn Misquitta, Catechist, in collaboration with Rector Fr Dr Barnabe D’Souza and Vice- Rector Fr Shekar Mariadas. Students from Classes V to XII, accompanied by their teachers, experienced a memorable day of prayer, fellowship, and joy.

The group left school at 8 a.m. with eager anticipation, enjoying breakfast packets served on the bus. Their first stop was the Madonna Shrine at Matunga, a place deeply linked to the Salesian family. They were warmly welcomed by Rector Fr Edwin D’Souza, who shared the history of the shrine and explained its devotion to Mary Help of Christians. The students also visited the crypt, which houses sacred relics and striking marble chip artwork modeled on the Basilica in Turin, Italy.

The highlight was the Eucharistic Celebration, with Provincial Fr Savio Silveira as the main celebrant. In his homily, he invited the young people to be living signs of God’s presence through kindness and hope. The solemn yet joyful Mass was animated by students’ participation in the choir and readings, allowing them to experience the Eucharist in a deeply personal way.

Following this, a sumptuous lunch was served at the basement canteen of Don Bosco High School, Matunga, where the priest, students and teachers shared joyful fellowship.

In the afternoon, the group proceeded to the Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra, one of Mumbai’s most loved pilgrimage sites. The grandeur of the Basilica overlooking the Arabian Sea inspired reverence. Here, the students also venerated the Jubilee Cross, a powerful symbol of faith and renewal, pausing in prayer before continuing their visit. Nearby, they visited the Pranam Maria Exhibition Centre, which presents the mysteries of the Rosary and moments from the life of Jesus through life-size statues. Students were moved by the displays, with Rochelle Varghese of Class IX describing the experience as “realistic and truly impressive.”

At 3 p.m., the students paused to recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet, uniting in prayerful meditation on the Passion of Jesus. Their voices joined together in trust and devotion, lifting personal and collective intentions to the Lord through the intercession of Our Lady. Returning to Don Bosco School, Nerul, at 4:15 p.m., they were greeted with an ice-cream lollipop, a simple yet joyful treat that added sweetness to the spiritual journey.

Back at school, students of Classes V to XII shared reflections on the pilgrimage. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting how the experience deepened their faith, brought them closer to Mary, and strengthened bonds of friendship.

The pilgrimage was more than a school outing—it was a journey of the heart. The Boscoites of Nerul returned inspired to live with faith, joy, and service, carrying Don Bosco’s vision into their daily lives.