By Mark Fernandes for BIS Mumbai

A week of faith, friendship and youthful enthusiasm came alive at Don Bosco Lonavla Aspirantate as FIFA Week 2026 was formally inaugurated on Monday, June 29. 

The opening ceremony was led by Mumbai Salesians Provincial, Fr Ashley Miranda, in the presence of the Salesian community of Don Bosco Lonavla and Provincial Economer, Fr Anton D’Souza.

FIFA - Friends in Faith and Action - is a week-long celebration dedicated to the life, spirit and holiness of St. Dominic Savio, the beloved pupil of Don Bosco at the Oratory of Valdocco. More than a commemorative event, it invites aspirants to encounter a model of youthful faith, integrity, joy and holiness.

The campus is swept up in the spirit of the celebration. Through declamations, sermonettes, vignettes, prayer experiences, games, creative presentations, interactive activities and a Savio Cup tourney, the week seeks to deepen appreciation for St. Dominic Savio while encouraging the boys to translate faith into action and conviction into character.

The celebrations will culminate on July 6 with the festal observance of St.  Dominic Savio. Although his liturgical memorial falls on May 6, the celebration has been deferred because of the school vacation period, enabling the aspirants to participate fully.

Addressing the boys, Fr Ashley Miranda reminded them that holiness is neither distant nor reserved for a select few. Inspired by the example of Saint Dominic Savio, he encouraged them to live with purpose, generosity and fidelity to God in the ordinary moments of daily life.

The following morning, Fr Miranda presided at the Holy Eucharist commemorating the First Martyrs of Rome and honouring the memory and charism of Don Bosco. Reflecting on God's loving providence, he reminded the aspirants that they are always under God's loving care. "God watches over you," He reminded the aspirants. 

Drawing from Don Bosco's enduring conviction that God has a unique plan for every young person, Fr Miranda encouraged the boys to view their years of formation as a privileged opportunity to discover their vocation and purpose. As they celebrate Saint Dominic Savio throughout the week, he said, their task is to discern God's plan for their lives and respond generously to that call.

As FIFA Week 2026 unfolds, the aspirants embark on a journey of faith lived in friendship and friendship expressed through action, inspired by the enduring witness of St. Dominic Savio.