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.
By Alphonse George & Blany Pinto for BIS Mumbai
Twenty-eight students and seven staff members from four schools gathered at Don Bosco Lonavla on July 27- 28, 2026 with a clear purpose: to confront environmental challenges and turn concern into action. This is part of Don Bosco Lonavla’s efforts at EI-Environmental Intelligence Integral Ecology initiative.
The two-day workshop on Integral Ecology, animated by Fr Savio Silveira (International Coordinator Integral Ecology-Youth Ministry, Salesians of Don Bosco), challenged participants to look beyond headlines and examine their own role in shaping the future of their town.
Fr Silveira opened the programme with a direct question: “What are some of the environmental issues faced by Lonavla?” Participants identified concerns affecting the town and its surroundings. He then pushed the discussion further, inviting them to reflect on how their daily habits and choices might contribute to those problems.
The conversation revealed a powerful insight. Environmental damage is caused not only by industries and governments but also by everyday actions. Participants recognised the impact of single-use plastics, wastage of water and electricity, excessive consumption, and improper disposal of waste.
Moving from the local to the national picture, Fr Silveira outlined five major environmental challenges facing India: air pollution, water pollution, climate change, poor waste management, and biodiversity loss. He highlighted how air pollution from vehicle emissions, industries, and the burning of fossil fuels affects human health, especially that of children. He explained how water pollution limits access to safe drinking water and contributes to waterborne diseases. He pointed to climate change as a driver of extreme heat, irregular rainfall, floods, droughts, and changing monsoon patterns that affect agriculture, water availability, livelihoods, and health. He also noted that poor waste management pollutes soil and groundwater, while biodiversity loss weakens ecosystems and threatens many species.
On the second day, the focus shifted from problems to solutions. Participants explored the UNESCO framework for Green Schools, a whole-institution approach to Education for Sustainable Development built on four dimensions: School Governance, Facilities and Operations, Teaching and Learning, and Community Engagement.
The challenge was practical. Each school identified five initiatives under each dimension, recorded them on charts, and explained how these actions could strengthen both the school and the wider community.
Reflecting on the workshop, Yuga Padwal, Eco-Captain of Auxilium School, said the programme gave her “a clearer understanding of environmental challenges” and inspired her to help make Lonavla cleaner and greener. Maira Masuldar of Kaivalya Vidya Niketan expressed gratitude for the opportunity and hoped to share what she had learned with her family, friends, and fellow students.
The programme concluded with a shared commitment to build Green Schools through practical action, collaboration, and care for our common home.
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.