By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Fr Aegidius Pereira, Fr Christopher Nadar, Fr Jittin Varghese and Fr Sheldon Dias, who were ordained in December 2025 for the Salesian province of Mumbai, visited Rasquinha Don Bosco Technical Training Centre, Chakan MIDC, Pune district on the evening of Monday, January 19. They were accompanied by Br Royston Colaço, the province vocation promoter. They celebrated the Eucharist along with Fr Obedas Gaikwad (Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Chakan), Fr Sanjay Lopes, Fr Johnson Kshirsagar and Fr Cleophas Braganza.  The staff and students of the technical institute, religious sisters of neighbouring communities and members of the ADMA group at Chakan were also present.

Fr Jittin, who had previously worked in Chakan as a Salesian deacon, presided the Eucharist and expressed his joy in revisiting the institution and meeting the Salesian community, other religious and parishioners. He thanked the Lord for the grace of their ordination as Salesian priests. During the homily, Fr Christopher commenting on the readings of the day, reminded us that like King Saul who disobeyed the Lord’s command, we often find pretexts to circumvent the policies and regulations of the Church or of our congregation; the Lord invites us to greater fidelity and obedience in our faith journey.

After the Eucharist, Br Royston and the new priests were invited to share their vocation journey. Br Royston spoke about how he decided to become a Salesian lay brother and how he finds fulfilment in his vocation. Fr Aegidius shared his experience of being sent home from Don Bosco Lonavla as a boy, but he was grateful that the then rector gave him another chance to follow his calling. Fr Christopher spoke about how his life took a turn for the worse after the untimely death of his mother, but how his interest in the Salesian vocation completely changed the course of his life. Fr Jittin spoke about the void he felt after his elder sister left home to join the convent, and how he gradually realised that the Lord was calling him too through the dissatisfaction he felt deep within. Fr Sheldon spoke about the cultural, linguistic, spiritual and physical challenges he faced as a young brother being sent to work in the African continent, and how he struggled to overcome them.

The new priests spoke about the joys and difficulties they experienced, the opportunities and the challenges they faced, along with the support and encouragement they received from their parents and spiritual guides. The Sisters and the ADMA members also asked a few questions to the four priests regarding their spiritual journey and the way ahead.

It was an occasion where we gave thanks to God for the wonderful way in which he guides young persons to be his instruments, and also for the generosity of their families who offered them for the service of God and young people today.