By Geeta Menezes for BIS Mumbai

To commemorate the 211th anniversary of Don Bosco on August 16, 2026, the Salesian Cooperators of Borivali Unit offered and animated the 10.30 a.m. Mass at St John Bosco Church, Borivali as a Thanksgiving Mass.

The Cooperators entered the church in a procession with Fr Manuel Murzello, Rector and Parish Priest, who celebrated the Eucharist.  This enhanced the sense of belonging to the Salesian Family. After the homily, 21 Cooperators stood before the altar and renewed their promises.  This filled the Cooperators with a fresh sense of commitment and vigor.

After the Mass, the Salesian Cooperators gathered together in the multi-purpose hall for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. They missed the presence of their delegate, Fr Mario Vaz, during the Mass as well as at the get-together, as Father was indisposed. However, the Cooperators were thankful to Fr Manuel and Fr Vishal Lopes who graced the occasion and made it lively with their pep talk and inputs.

Anil Noronha compered the programme with flair, welcoming all cordially.  After refreshments were served, a couple of spot prizes and a group game kicked off the afternoon of fun. Anil Noronha then conducted an interesting team game of biblical quiz, testing the mental faculties and dexterity of the participants.

Marie Rodriques then conducted an innovative housie game of biblical characters on the tickets. This housie game tested the biblical knowledge besides being entertaining. Fr Manuel then said the Grace before meals, which was followed by a delicious lunch. It was an enjoyable afternoon, filled with holiness, fellowship, camaraderie and fun.

The Cooperators remarked that they felt blessed and grateful to be a part of Don Bosco’s birthday celebration. It filled their hearts with gladness to see that most of the unit’s members attended the celebration. They valued the presence of the priests and appreciated the coordinated efforts of the various Cooperators who worked as a team. With heartfelt gratitude to the Lord for giving us this great Saint, Don Bosco, the Cooperators look to the future with hope and reinvest themselves in their mission of service towards the poor young.