By BIS Correspondents for BIS Mumbai

July 16, 2026 marked the commencement of the Marian Month in communities in the INB Province. The inauguration of this month marks the beginning of a month dedicated to fostering a deeper devotion to Mary, and strengthening the spiritual life of communities in the Salesian tradition. During this month, communities organize activities for boarders or confreres with a designated Marian theme for the month.

The boarding community of Don Bosco Chatralaya, Kawant, prayerfully inaugurated the Marian Month with the theme “Behold Your Mother” (Jn 19:27). The highlight of the programme was the unveiling of the Marian Month backdrop and the Marian Calendar by the Rector of the House, Fr Mayank Parmar. The backdrop reflected the month's theme, while the calendar outlined the various spiritual activities, Marian devotions, competitions, and community celebrations planned throughout the month. Addressing the gathering, Fr Parmar explained the significance of the theme “Behold Your Mother,” reminding the boarders of Jesus' words from the Cross and encouraging the boys to welcome Mary into their lives as a loving mother stressing that devotion to Mary is rooted in a relationship with Christ. The programme concluded with a prayer of entrustment to Mary, seeking her maternal protection for the boarders, the Salesian community, and all those associated with Don Bosco Chatralaya.

The community of Divyadaan, Nashik held a solemn prayer service to inaugurate the Marian Month during which Rector, Fr Ivo Coelho, unveiled the theme for the month: Together with Mary, Growing in Faith. In his message to the community, he reflected on Mary as the Morning Star and the Dawn, leading us to Christ, the Light of the World. Encouraging each and every member of the community to deepen their devotion to Our Lady during this month, he invited the community to seek her intercession so that everyone may grow closer to Jesus. The inaugural evening concluded with the singing of the Marian Anthem, specially composed by one of the brothers for this Marian Month.

The Salesian Novitiate Community, Nashik, solemnly inaugurated the Marian Month with a meaningful prayer service centered on the theme "With Mary, Humanizing the AI World." The prayer service featured a reading from Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica Humanitas, highlighting Mary's invitation to see the world through the eyes of the vulnerable. After proclaiming the Magnificat, the Marian Month theme and calendar of activities were officially unveiled. In his inaugural message, the Novice Master, Fr Felix Fernandes, reflected on the significance of Magnifica Humanitas, and encouraged everyone to look to Mary as the model of authentic humanity, teaching us to cultivate compassion, relationships, and love—qualities that no machine can ever replace.

These inaugurations have marked a prayerful and joyful beginning to the Marian Month, inspiring communities to walk with Mary in a spirit of faith and discipleship gearing towards the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady at the end of this month.