By Lata Dindor for BIS Mumbai

God still calls the young, both consecrated and lay people, to participate in the mission of Jesus as missionaries ad gentes, ad vitam. The passionate love for Jesus, beckoned the Macha village boy, Nilesh Dodiyar to live radically Don Bosco's motto "da mihi animas caetera tolle" and to labour in the secularised Western contexts. While still studying at the local school run in his parish and upon the advice of his parish priest, Nilesh chose to train himself in the spirit of Don Bosco. Upon completing his post-novitiate formation years, in the Salesian Province of Bombay, at his request to the then Rector Major Fr Angel Fernandez Artime, in 2018, Nilesh was transferred to the Salesian Province of St John Berchmans, Brussels for North Belgium & the Netherlands (BEN). Rooted in the charism of Don Bosco and with the gentleness of St Francis de Sales, Nilesh had moments of pruning and growth, in union with Christ, who is the true Vine and chose the biblical verse from John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches: apart from me you can do nothing" for his sacerdotal ordination. Overcoming hurdles, the Macha boy was ordained a priest on January 6, 2026 in the Shrine of Don Bosco's Madonna, Matunga.  Now, a Salesian priest missionary, Fr Nilesh, just as Don Bosco, looks forward to touch the lives of young more deeply and win them back to God.

 As the 'little flock' of Kevadiya village, Banswara sang "vela re vela, bhog chadava tamu avojo re" the principal celebrant and newly ordained priest Fr Nilesh Dodiyar was led to the altar in the local customary manner to celebrate the solemnity of Don Bosco, father and friend of youth. Aarati, the traditional way to welcome alter Christus was performed with due reverence, before the celebration of the Eucharist. Based on the Strenna 2026 of the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, the youth animated the liturgy calling all 'believers to serve in freedom and to do whatever He tells you.' Characterised in the local vadgi parlance, during his homily, Fr Nilesh drew attention of the parishioners to the life of Johnny Bosco, his challenges and difficulties to become a guide and shepherd for the young. "Don Bosco's love and integrity in the service of the poor and marginalised, the dream - to teach and transform wolves into lambs, today, is carried forward by his sons all over the world." To conclude the service, trained by Fr Michael Bansode, the youth sang privthi ke simato tak hai jung raha - Don Bosco, while the faithful congratulated and kissed the hands of Fr Dodiyar.   

After the Eucharist, the youth appreciated and thanked the Salesians for their dedicated pastoral care of the people even as Fr Dodiyar was felicitated by the parishioners with garlands and a safa turban. To express their joy the young girls of the Salesian Youth Movement sang Don Bosco teri jai jai ho and performed a dance. Party games, on the spot quizzing on Don Bosco were held for the children and youth with distribution of prizes and a festive meal marked the celebrations in honour of the saint.