By Melton Suares for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco Lonavla concluded its month-long Marian celebrations on August 15 on the Solemn Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, bringing to a close an elaborate programme that combined prayer, culture, sport and initiatives under the theme “With Mary, Listening to Jesus.”

Inspired by the 2026 Strenna of the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard -“Do whatever he tells you”- the 30-day observance began on July 16, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and was organised by the 06 Class 12 senior aspirants.

The entire month was structured around four themes drawn from Mary’s response at Cana: Look, Listen, Choose and Act. Through them, the aspirants led the community to reflected on Mary’s attentiveness, openness to God, discernment and willingness to respond.

Across the month, all the aspirants took part in a variety of activities designed to deepen Marian devotion and encourage participation. They wrote “Letters to Mary”, placing personal commitments in a time capsule that was returned to them on the feast day. A Marian Cup added a sporting element, while student teams presented Marian apparitions recognised by the Catholic Church. Animated Rosary-services in different languages, alongside activities were also organised. 

Also included was a half-day trek, a serenade, drawing and bookmark competitions, and a creative grotto-making activity. A bhajan service offered an Indian cultural Marian devotion experience. The Marian Quiz and the Marian Nite, brought together learning, creativity, teamwork and celebration.

The closing day featured a solemn Eucharist, indoor tournament and a long-walk to Auxilium, Lonavla, where the aspirants shared tea and participated in games before concluding the evening with an action flick- Uri: the Surgical Strike.  Unfortunately, due to varied constraints, this year, the traditional Marian sermonettes and declamations had to be sadly dispensed with, but this was not a dampener of any sort on the otherwise splendid animation. 

For many aspirants, the month was as much about community as devotion. Ankit Singhadiya, described the experience as joyful and said, "it helped me realise that devotion to Jesus and Mary can be expressed not only through prayer but also through activities and it helped me reflect on my faith. " 

Shaun Joshi, another aspirant, quipped, "The month helped me learn about Mary through different ways as the team presentations fostered cooperation and teamwork. " Another junior aspirant added, "this together different talents, and the Marian Nite was a very joyful conclusion. "

More broadly, the month invited students not only to hear Christ’s call, but to choose and act upon it, walking with Mary.