By Dorothy Fernandes for BIS Mumbai

A retreat themed “Walking with Jesus” was conducted for all Catholic and Christian students of Don Bosco High School and Jr. College, Naigaon East on September 16, 2026. Approximately 200 students from classes V to XII participated enthusiastically. The retreat was animated by a team of preachers comprising Fr Velasli Bandya SDB, Fr Aegidius Pereira SDB, Fr Sebastian Joseph CSsR, Fr Agnel Dias SDB, Fr Jeswin Mastan SDB, and Sr Norma Fernandes PSOL.

The day commenced with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Velasli Bandya, SDB, and concelebrated by the team of preachers. Fr Joaquim Fernandes, Vice-Principal, welcomed the gathering and introduced the preachers before the celebration of the Holy Mass. A particularly meaningful aspect of the homily was that each preacher shared aspects of their personal faith journey and vocation story. Their personal testimonies were thoughtfully connected to the theme of “Walking with Jesus”.  

The students were highly engaged throughout the day and participated with great enthusiasm in the discussions, activities and reflections. A special session for the girls of Classes IX to XII was conducted by Sr Norma Fernandes, PSOL, Superior of the Poor Sisters of Our Lady. The students were subsequently given an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing them with a time for personal reflection, prayer and spiritual renewal.

After the lunch break, the students eagerly looked forward to the concluding activities of the retreat—the Bible Quiz and Skits based on the theme “Walking with Jesus.” Students presented meaningful and thought-provoking skits highlighting the importance of serving others, spreading love, making right choices even in difficult situations, as depicted by Daniel’s story from the Holy Bible and living joyfully as we journey with Jesus each day.

The entire retreat reflected the spirit of Don Bosco, who believed that young people are best guided through a combination of faith, reason and loving kindness. The presence and interaction of the preachers and teachers with the young people echoed Don Bosco’s belief in being present among the young, listening to them, understanding them and guiding them with love.

Alexia Fernandes, a student from Secondary Section shared, “I always thought that walking with Jesus meant only praying and going to Church. Today I understood that it also means helping others, forgiving people and being kind to everyone around me.” Leroy Salins, from the College Section, stated, “The personal stories shared by the priests touched me deeply. It made me realise that everyone has a journey of faith, and that Jesus is always with us, even during difficult moments.”

The day concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Rector, Fr Royal D’Abreo, who expressed his appreciation to the preachers, staff, students and everyone who contributed to making the retreat a meaningful and enriching experience.

The retreat left the students with a simple yet powerful message: Walking with Jesus means never walking alone, but an invitation to each student to walk with Jesus, walk with one another and become a source of love, joy and service in the world.