Rev. Fr. Angel Artime Fernandez, the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, visits Don Bosco Lonavla as it concludes its Diamond Jubilee Celebration. The community along with all the past-pupils, benefactors, and well-wishers take a look down memory lane as we complete 60 years of nurturing Salesian vocations.
Holy Eucharist at 10:30 am presided over by Fr. Angel Artime Fernandez, Rector Major
The Community, aspirants, students, and past-pupils felicitate the Rector Major with a Cultural Program that showcases singing, dance and music. Fr. Angel Artime Fernandez visits Don Bosco Lonavla as it completes its Diamond Jubileee this year!!!
The novices of Salesian Training Institute-Novitiate, Nashik, accompanied by their formators, embraced the opportunity to visit Don Bosco Lonavla for a one week experience of Salesian assistance from 6 to 12 September 2022.
Having arrived on 6 September, the novices were warmly welcomed by the community at Don Bosco, Lonavla. Fr Joyston Machado addressed them, briefing them on the three purposes of their stay at Lonavla: to have a spiritual renewal, to have an experience of Salesian assistance, to help out in the ‘Come and See’ Camp.
The novices took turns assisting the boys throughout the day. Apart from this major responsibility, they were given various inputs by the Salesians at Lonavla. Fr Chrys Saldanha took sessions on the different types of vocations in the Church, and on the two forms of the Salesian vocation – Priest and Brother. Fr Machado spoke to them about Salesian assistance. Fr Velasli Bandya, the Province Vocation Animator, also met the novices to plan the responsibilities for the ‘Come and See’ Camp. In the evening, the novices joined the community for the monthly recollection that was preached by Fr George.
On 10 September, the ‘Come and See’ Camp began at Don Bosco, Lonavla. The 62 campers came from different parts of the province (Wadala, Nashik, Andheri, Vasai, Uttan, Lonavla). The novices joined with the Class 12 Aspirants and the Salesians in assisting and animating the campers during sessions, meals, recreations, games, and prayers. The camp ended with tea in the evening of 11 September. At the end of both the two days of the camp, all animators gathered for the evaluation of the program. The camp was successful, and there were many learning experiences both for the aspirants and the novices.
Later Fr Machado gathered the novices for the evaluation of their one week experience at Don Bosco Lonavla. He asked them to reflect on their prayer life, their animating presence among the boarders and campers, and their learnings from the programme.
On 12 September, the novices went for a morning walk to Tungarli lake. It was a refreshing moment of serenity after a week of hard work. Later, that afternoon, they headed back to their community at Nashik with memories worth cherishing of an amazing experience at Don Bosco, Lonavla.
To help strengthen the vocation animation in the Province, the community of Don Bosco, Lonavla, organized a two-day vocation team meet on 24 September 2022. The vocation teams from the Salesian presences in Virar East, Makarpura, and Yerwada took part in this meeting wherein they shared, evaluated and suggested various strategies to facilitate vocation animation in the province.
Fr. Chrys Saldana initiated the meeting with a session on the role of lay people in the Church. He spoke of the importance of lay people and lay collaboration especially in helping the Church to understand the young and also to actively take part in the mission of the Church in the world. During the Eucharist, Fr Blany Pinto spoke of the call of all Christians to be witnesses of the Good News to the world. He stressed on the importance of lay people as leaven in the dough of the world wherein they spread the Good News to others by their daily dealings. Fr Joyston Machado, along with a few aspirants, organized an activity that helped the participants understand how one ought to stand up for one’s values. Likewise, when the concern is vocation animation, the importance needs to be given to God’s call with no other compromises.
In the evening, the vocation team members enjoyed some time to be one with nature by way of a short trek. Later that day, they participated in a vocation adoration where they prayed for each other, the aspirants, and for many more vocations to the Church and Salesian Congregation. The day concluded with a movie on Don Bosco which followed a discussion moderated by Fr Pinto.
The following day, the vocation team members joined the aspirants for the Holy Eucharist. During the day, Fr Machado shared the action plan of the aspirantate that focused on how the various activities of the house help in the aspirants’ overall growth. Fr Pinto then shared his views on vocation animation and also encouraged the participants to share in their ideas and insights as to how the task of vocation animation can be better facilitated. A few of the aspirants also interacted with the participants and shared their experience in the aspirantate and how the activities of the house have helped them to grow and also discern their vocation.
All the participants left with renewed ideas and insights as to how the vocation animation of the Province can be better facilitated to help garner more vocations for the Church and the Salesian Congregation.
The vocation team meet is to be held thrice annually. Having the meeting at Lonavla helps the team in visiting the Aspirantate while also interacting with the aspirants and getting to know their experience at Don Bosco, Lonavla.
The community of Don Bosco, Lonavla, organised a two-day ‘Come and See’ Camp for the boys aspiring to join the boarding on 10 September 2022. Around 60 boys from Salesian institutions all over the province participated in the camp. The seven Salesian novices helped in animating the camp.
The boys arrived along with their regional vocation team animators in the morning where they were welcomed by Fr Velasli Bandya, the Province Vocation Animator. Fr Joyston Machado introduced the team of animators to the boys while also touring them around the house, while explaining the focus of the aspirantate. A group of aspirants also spoke of the daily schedule, how they have grown during their stay at the boarding, and the various aspects of development focused on while in the aspirantate.
Post-lunch, the Salesian Brothers of the Province interacted with the campers. They shared their vocation story with the campers and the aspirants, stressing on how they received the call of being a coadjutor brother and the beauty of this specific vocation. They also shared the mission they carry out in their present apostolates while also touching on a few experiences from their own life. During the interactive session, some of the aspirants and campers asked about how they discerned their call to religious life. In answering these questions, the brothers also touched on the need to seek happiness in one’s life in the task that God calls one to, and the way one can better serve humanity.
Fr Bandya, in the Eucharist later that evening, oriented the boys into the idea behind the ‘Come and See’ Camp. He also added that the two-day Camp was a time to see how life in the aspirantate is, just as Jesus called the two disciples to come and see what he did and where he lived. After supper, the aspirants showcased the talents and skills that they picked up in the aspirantate. A few of the aspirants showcased their talent in music, in particular their skill in playing band instruments. Some others enthralled the campers with their tricks and skills on the skateboard.
The following morning, Fr Wyman Gonsalves presided over the Eucharist, wherein he elaborated on the scriptural aspect of the theme of the camp ‘Come and See’. Taking hints from the Gospels, he said that the Camp should encourage them to join the aspirantate. Later in the day, a few Salesians also shared their experience at Don Bosco, Lonavla, as students, and how it helped them understand and discern God’s call in their life.
The camp gave a fair picture of life in the aspirantate to those who had visited Don Bosco, Lonavla, for the first time. They were appreciative of the lovely interaction they had with the residing aspirants.
Mrs Sonali Shelke has been on the Don Bosco, Lonavla, outreach staff since 2009. She currently resides at Bhaje village near Karla, close to Lonavla.
Her association had a humble beginning as a craft teacher to the students of Maria Ashiana – a rehabilitation center for substance abuse youngsters. It was at that time, Fr Barnabe D’Souza initiated Mrs Shelke to work with the adivasi community in Lonavla. He introduced her to the community development projects with the adivasis in the villages.
Mrs Shelke was able to fit in easily and take up the tasks entrusted efficiently as she had the inclination and desire to work for the upliftment of the poor from her younger days. She also grew up with her parents and her teachers inculcating in her that what she has received she must share with the poor. All this motivated her to collaborate with the projects of Fr D’Souza, who taught her the basics of social work in the village.
Prior to embarking on her journey in social service, Mrs Shelke learnt about the rights of the poor and the various schemes available for the poor. She then commenced the social work by trying to obtain the various documents for the adivasis: Adhaar card, ration card, caste certificate, death certificate, school certificate. She began to explain the functioning of the gram panchayat to the adivasi community, and how they ought to raise their concerns in the panchayat meeting. She motivated the children to pursue school education, and began tailoring classes for the women.
Due to this, the villagers began to benefit from the various government schemes. Consequently, these villages were on the path to progressive development as there were lots of improvements within the villages and among the villagers. Villagers obtained various certificates, children got educated, roads were constructed, provision for water was made, and few obtained houses through various government schemes. This brought contentment and self-satisfaction to Mrs Shelke, and she was motivated to do more and more for the villagers. Mutalne village, thickly populated with adivasis, began to invite the Don Bosco staff to dedicate time for the improvement of their lives.
Mrs Shelke’s family has been very supportive of her venture. Her husband, Ravi, decided to leave his job and dedicate his time and energy to work with Sonali for the adivasis. Due to this, during covid, with the help of Mrs Unita Doulton, around 10,000 food kits were distributed to 14 villages in a period of five months.
Recognizing her dedication and efforts for more than a decade for the upliftment of the adivasis in and around Lonavla, the Adivasi Welfare and Savardhan Society, Pune, presented her with an award on 9 August 2022. This has motivated Sonali to pursue her studies in the field of social work and she wants to dedicate her entire life for the upliftment of the adivasi community. She is indeed grateful to Don Bosco, especially to Fr D’Souza who initiated and mentored her, and to Fr Xavier Devadas who supported her. She is also grateful to her teachers, Mr Ramesh Bondre and Mr Ranganath Vare. She is also deeply grateful to her husband Mr Ravi Shelke for all the support he extends, and his continued cooperation with her.
On 5 August 2022, Don Bosco High School & Junior College, Lonavla, organized an inter-house dramatics competition to hone the acting skills of the students. The students of different houses were asked to present short instances from Don Bosco’s life. The event was also held as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Don Bosco, Lonavla.
The students exhibited their hidden talents in acting and presented great performances. The backdrop of the competition conveyed the message that ‘the world is a stage and we are all actors’. The month-long preparations by the students paid off as each house put up wonderful performances which left the judges in dilemma to choose a single winner of the competition. Mrs Marina Neves, a former teacher of Don Bosco High School & Junior College, and Fr Shaun D’Lima were the judges of the competition.
Fr D’Lima remarked that he was quite impressed with the finesse in the presentation of the various life events of Don Bosco Lonavla. Mast. Rex Menezes, the leader of the Yellow House, said that the participation in the dramatics competition was a wonderful learning experience where he learned to script a short skit and execute it to perfection.
A Singing Competition ‘Sing with Joy’ was organised at Don Bosco High School & Junior College, Lonavala, on 29 July 2022. Mrs Elizabeth Walanj and Mrs Anuprita Yadhav were the judges for the event.
The students were divided in three categories for the competition: Juniors (Classes 5 – 8), Intermediates (Classes 9 and 10) and Seniors (Classes 11 and 12). During the course of the week before the finals, elimination rounds were held and the finalists were chosen.
On the day of the competition, the program started at 09:00 a.m. with the three categories performing in succession. The participants impressed the judges with their melodious singing. At the end of the performances, the judges expressed their thoughts on the event. Mrs Walanj said that she believed that everyone was a winner because of the quality of singing at the competition. Following this, both the judges performed, enthralling the students with their beautiful voices.
The winners were awarded with the certificates by the judges and the management. This was followed by the Principal, Fr Ranson D’Souza, expressing his views about the program, and congratulating the winners. Fr Joyston Machado also spoke to the students, encouraging everyone to make the most of the opportunities they receive at Don Bosco, Lonavla. A vote of thanks given by Ms Rhudvi Padwal and Mast. Angel D’Mello brought the event to its conclusion.
The programme was organised by Mrs Asgari Sayeed and Mrs Asha Verma. The aim of this competition was to provide an opportunity to encourage students to showcase their talent in singing.
Don Bosco High School and Junior College organized an elocution competition on 22 July 2022, to hone the public speaking skills of the students. This was the first elocution competition to be held offline after the pandemic.
The first group consisted of students from Classes 5 and 6. The students were asked to prepare and recite a poem of their choice. The second group of students, from Classes 7 and 8 focused on their story narration skills as they narrated moral stories. The seniors from Classes 9 and 10 voiced out their opinions on current affairs of their choice. The students of the Junior College spoke extemporaneously on various topics dealing with social problems.
Cl. Alfred Menezes and Mr Rajesh Jamdagani were the judges for the first three rounds, while Fr Godfrey D’Souza and Cl. Ethan Fortes were the judges for the extempore elocution competition. Fr D’Souza congratulated the participants for their courage in coming forward and delivering their speech, while Cl. Menezes suggested a few pointers as to how one could be a better and more effective public speaker.
The students were quite taken up with the oratory skills of their companions, and were eager to take part in next year’s competition. Ms Jenette Saju, one of the participants, remarked that she has gained more confidence after having taken part in the competition.
The community of Don Bosco Lonavla hosted the Class 10 students of Don Bosco International School, Matunga, for a two-day Value Education workshop on 9 and 10 July 2022. The whole programme was spaced out throughout the two days featuring sessions, activities and a short picnic.
The participants arrived at Lonavla where they were welcomed by Fr Blany Pinto, the Rector, and the staff of Don Bosco Lonavla. Br Alfred Menezes conducted the introductory session wherein the students prepared resolutions for themselves to keep up to during the workshop. Br Menezes also introduced them into what values are, and the need of being a truly human person in a world that seems to have lost all values. Fr Joyston Machado, along with the brothers, conducted a Value Shark Tank for the students wherein the students tried their best to defend a value against the opposition. Fr Velasli Bandya got the students to practically think of how they use values by way of various case studies.
In the evening, the students along with the staff embarked on a trek to Tungarli dam where they braved off the weather and had to encourage one another to give their best. Fr Pinto took a session on how teamwork and trust help us to move forward in life. The whole day concluded with a movie titled ‘Akeelah and the Bee’
The following day, Br Ethan Fortes conducted a session on media ethics, and how important it is for one to be a value influencer in today’s world. Fr Xavier Devdas concluded the whole program with a session on making a difference and being the change. Taking cue from Ryan Wells, he encouraged the students to make small changes in their life so as to bring about a bigger change later in the future.
The students really enjoyed themselves and wished the program would last a little longer. Tarun, one of the students, remarked that he was amazed with the creativity and the style in which the sessions were conducted.
On 10 July 2022, the community of Don Bosco Lonavla held their first Parent-Aspirant Meet for the Academic Year 2022-23.
A solemn Eucharist was celebrated with Fr Ranson D’Souza, the Principal of the School and College, as the main celebrant. In the homily, he spoke of forgiveness and reaching out of oneself to be merciful. Later, the parents gathered in the A.V. Hall where Fr Joyston Machado presented the views, goals and purpose of the aspirantate. He spoke of the activities to be conducted over the course of the year that would aid in the overall development of the aspirant.
After the meeting, the aspirants organized a talent show for the parents. The parents and family members present were quite taken up with the unique display of talents and skills.
Don Bosco High School & Junior College, Lonavla, held the Investiture Ceremony for the new Academic Year 2022-23 on 01 July 2022. The newly elected School & College leaders pledged to uphold the motto of the School & College, “Virtue Kindles Strength” in high regard and esteem.
The ceremony began with the welcoming of the guests, teachers and students by the compere. The newly-appointed leaders swore their respective oaths underscoring the importance of their role in maintaining the values and standards set by the school. They promised to serve the Institution and perform their duties with integrity, faith and excellence. They were conferred with sashes and badges, and flags were handed as a symbolic representation of handing over responsibility to the new office bearers.
The chief guest of the Ceremony, Fr Blany Pinto, the Rector, congratulated the newly-invested leaders, and stressed on leading by example. He highlighted the importance of self-discipline and selflessness, as these remain values to be imbibed by all. He also inaugurated the House Points System for the Academic Year. On behalf of all the leaders, the newly elected School and College Captain Master Dean Martis thanked all the students and staff for bestowing faith in them and assured to do his best towards the progress of the school in conduct, studies and extracurricular activities. He also thanked all the people involved in the coordination and execution of the programme.
The solemn ceremony concluded by thanking the Almighty for his Grace and Blessings. Indeed leadership for ‘Bosconians’ means to carry the spirit of Don Bosco in their hearts and make it a guiding light which will shine and radiate through them to those around.
On account of International Yoga Day, a yoga session was arranged for the students of Classes 5 to 8 at Don Bosco High School and Junior College Lonavla. The session was held in the presence of the guest instructors Mr Shivam Gautam and Mr Aditya Supekar.
Mr Gautam and Mr Supekar are members of Sukshma Yoga Foundation. Sukshma Yoga Foundation is a small initiative in Lonavla started by a few yoga enthusiasts who aim to create a self-healing environment using the means of traditional Yoga. The event was divided into two sessions, in which the guest instructors gently guided the children into a few basic asanas. Under the supervision of and assistance of the respective class teachers, the children successfully attempted the exercises. In his concluding remarks, Mr Gautam spoke of the importance of yoga in one’s daily life. He said that yoga is not merely a set of exercises to keep the body fit but rather it is a lifestyle to help calm and rejuvenate oneself.
A similar programme was arranged by Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute and Research Centre for the students of Classes 9 and 10 from all schools of Lonavla, wherein the students of Class 9 of Don Bosco High School participated in it.
Many of the participants were quite pleased with the way the instructors guided them into doing the various asanas. Some of them even vowed to take up doing yoga daily in order to improve their overall well-being.
By Cl. Ethan Fortes for BISMumbai
In memory of Fr Bernard Fernandes, a prayer service was held on 18 June 2022 at Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Lonavla. Fr Bernard had served as a principal at Don Bosco Lonavla from 2000 to 2009.
Many past pupils, well-wishers, and students were present for the moment of prayer, for indeed Fr Bernard had touched the lives of so many of students who have passed out of Don Bosco, Lonavla. The prayer service was a fitting tribute to a wonderful Salesian and an extraordinary educator.
In the evening, the community along with the aspirants took part in the Holy Eucharist where they remembered the beauty in the life of Fr Bernard Fernandes. Fr Blany Pinto, the Rector, in connection to the solemnity of Corpus Christi, spoke of how one ought to offer oneself to the work entrusted giving undivided attention and total dedication in all that one does. At the end of the Eucharist, Fr Joyston Machado shared his experience with Fr Bernard as his principal when he was an aspirant.
The aspirants were truly impressed with the sharing about Fr Bernard in the prayer service and the Eucharist. He has truly left us all with a legacy to carry forward, and a life that continues to inspire many young people.
By Cl. Ethan Fortes for BISMumbai
On 15 June 2022, the staff and students of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Lonavla, inaugurated the new academic year with a prayer service.
The prayer service invoked God’s blessings on the year ahead. Through the theme ‘Imploring God’s Blessings’, they asked the Lord to grant them a year that would be filled with ample opportunities for them to grow and become better people.
Fr Blany Pinto, the Rector and Manager, then addressed the assembly on the importance of education and instilling values in oneself. He then introduced the new members of the staff and management for the academic year.
All in all, the management, staff and students of Don Bosco High School and Junior College were grateful to God for the year that had gone by, and looked in excitement for the year to come.
Please register at : https://bit.ly/requeim
Dear Boscoites Lonavla
Due to change in plans due to the pandemic, we will not conclude the Diamond Jubilee on 12th June when we will complete 60 years.
We will have a grand celebrations on Sunday, 23rd October 2022, when our Rector Major will be in our Province to have a double Jubilee celebrations. Province celebrates its Golden Jubilee on 22nd and our celebrations will be on 23rd.
We are also planning to have a celebration on 12th June in our Aspirantate and School on 12th June and then a recollection around the 15th August as planned, and another event before we wind up Hence block your dates and start planning to be in DBL on 23rd October 2022 in large numbers to greet our Rector Major.
We will organise the events and inform you shortly.
– DJ CORE TEAM
Six of our young men make a rather uncommon choice to join religious life.
The dream if Don Bosco lives on in their lives.
Here are some highlights from this significant Eucharistic celebration.
During this spring season, we are glad to share the several developments that have been springing up are finally attaining fruition with the efforts of our social outreach staff. The 03 villages (Vaksai, Karanduli and Mundhavare) have been availing the facilities of government provided food packets through the gram panchayat for children below 5 years and pregnant women. Our staff is regularly ensuring that the villages are receiving their provisions.
Through the Chiraj project, an NGO, sponsored the villages with solar panels for street and home lights. Vaksai village received 03 solar panel for street lights and 35 solar panel for home lights; 02 solar panels for streetlights and 30 solar panel for homelights was distributed to Mundhavare village; and 10 solar panels for homelights for the Bhaje village.
Thanks to the constant follow-up by Ashok Jadhav, the coordinator for the Karanduli village with the Gram Panchayat, the road leading from the village to the main road is now complete.
With the aforementioned accomplishments, Sonali and Ravi Shelke are working towards obtaining benefits for the villages from various government schemes available. They are currently explaining and assisting the villagers of Karunduli village to avail the benefits of the scheme for land allotted to the families on which they are presently living and ensuring that the money reaches the families for building the house. Our staff is also helping the widows to acquire the required documents to avail the new government schemes – Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojna, whereby widows and single women get a small monetary amount from the government for sustenance.
Our staff is also scouting to help those families who can avail the scheme for the seniors who are physically unable to work and have no means of income. Simultaneously, the villagers are being made aware of the voting rights and guiding them to acquire their voting cards.
Follow-up and discussions are underway with Gram Panchayat leaders with regard to the road that was promised to be built in Vaksai village for which the finances were sanctioned but the road work has not yet begun. Alsi, MLA Sunil Shelke was made aware of the difficulties the adivasis are facing and the impending works that were promised but not yet begun and some of which have begun but not yet completed.
A big thanks to Mr. Sunil Dutt, who sponsored food items to Vaksai village to cater and provide khichdi thrice a week to the children who attend the tuition classes.
During this month of August, due to the heavy and incessant rains which continued throughout the month, many families in the villages were affected. We successfully reached to their aid and managed to distribute food grains to nearly 167 families in the three villages of Vaksai, Karandhuli and Mundhavare in Lonvala. Each food kit weighing 15 kgs of grocery was handed over to the families to sustain themselves during this difficult monsoon period.
Every year, 9 August is celebrated as a Jagtik Adhivasi day in India. This date has been declared by the government of India. Our social outreach staff had planned various activities for the villagers. However, due to heavy rains we could not celebrate the day. Nevertheless, a short history of Birsa Munda, a freedom fighter from Ranchi, was shared with the villagers as he is associated with the Jagtik Adhivasi day.
Ensuring a progressive effort of our social outreach despite the incessant downpour during the month, the staff continued to entertain the children on days when the showers were light by teaching and engaging them with paper craft activities. They were also taught to prepare miniature fruits or vegetables with clay. The children enjoyed working with clay. The villagers were taught to prepare eco-friendly rakhees and were explained the significance of raksha bandhan which was celebrated on Sunday, 22 August 2021. Nagpanchmi is a big feast in Maharastra. All the girls and small boys were given an opportunity to apply mehendi on their hands. We also distributed sweets to celebrate the feast.
For the month of September, we have planned to resume the tailoring classes that were suspended due to heavy rains. The students will be prepared for the government exams. This is a certified course and once they pass the exam and obtain a government certificate they will be entitled to the various schemes of the government meant for tailors, one of which includes acquiring a tailoring machine free of cost which could assist them in taking up tailoring as a profession or a source of livelihood.
The House Team of Don Bosco, Lonavla (DBL) along with the Past Pupils kicked of the Diamond Jubilee DJ60 celebrations on 15th August 2021 with a threefold ceremony of Feast of Assumption of our Lady, 75th Day of Independence of India and Inauguration of Diamond Jubilee Year of DBL.
The Core Team and Planning Committee of DBL led by Fr. Blany Pinto, Rector and Fr. Godfrey D’Souza, Vice Rector had planned many activities and events starting from 15 August 2021 and Concluding with closing event on 12 June 2022.
The Staff of Don Bosco attended the Flag raising Ceremony in the morning with enthusiasm and gusto. Fr. Blany Pinto hoisted the flag which marked the commencement of the Diamond Jubilee year. The Principal, Fr Ranson shared some inspiring words while conveying good wishes. National anthem was sung, and Constitution Preamble was read.
The Fathers along with Clerics, Salesian Sisters, Don Bosco Co-operators, Past pupils, and Staff participated in the Celebration of Mass following all covid appropriate behaviour. We also remembered Fr. Casa. the Founder, Fr. Cajetan Lobo and Bro. P.M. Thomas and all those who helped us to reach here today. We were also made aware of the beginnings of DBL. This entire service was beamed live from the beautiful Chapel with Sacred Heart mosaic on YouTube, which was possible due to ParaVision Team, which helped 1400 well-wishers to witness the event all over the world.
After the Eucharist and Introduction of Fathers and Brothers of the House Team, the DJ60 Website https://donboscolonavla.in was launched. This website is exclusive for the Aspirantate of DBL. Then the DJ60 Anthem was played with a video taking us through a nostalgic Journey right from Arrival at Lonavla down the winding road up to the house, and taking us down the memorable corridors and spaces.
The Anthem, which was so beautifully composed and written by Fr. Peter, Roney & team, is still in our minds and in our hearts, the video of the anthem brought back treasure of our nostalgic memories of DBL, for everyone who were part of the DBL family.
The Ceremony concluded with an Interfaith prayer service by the Past Pupils and teaching staff from all faiths lighting the lamp and thanking God for all the good things given to all who had great experiences in Don Bosco Lonavla. Each felt united by wonderful memories of an all-round value-based education Don Bosco Lonavala. Delivering diamonds for 60 years.
Don Bosco Lonavla organised its August 1st Firday Service on August 06 2021, via Google Meet on the theme ‘Don Bosco’, since the 206th Birth Anniversary falls on 16 August 2021.
The prayer service PowerPoint Presentation [PPT] and a prepared script was forwarded to the subject teachers concerned, a day prior, together with a video and a hymn on Don Bosco. The scheduled prayer service was scheduled to be held before commencement of class.
The purpose of this prayer service was to celebrate in gratitude, the life and work of Don Bosco. Teachers Asha and Qaafiya coordinated the service.
During the rains, the villagers catch crabs and fish and they sell it for their livelihood. But due to the lockdown, their sale is badly affected and they are struggling for food. To help them in this situation, the Don Bosco Past Pupils Andheri unit networked with Tracelink India Private and obtained relief aid in the form of 177 food kits for the 177 families of the Vaksai, Karanduli and Mundhavare villages. Each food kit had various grocery items which would suffice for a fortnight for a family of four. In the Vaksai village, the Don Bosco past pupils came to distribute the food kits. In the Mudhavare village, the post-XII English Academy boys went to distribute the food kits, on 02 August 2021.
The new academic year 2021-22 started anew at Don Bosco Lonavla, as the institute aims to make it large in its Diamond Jubilee year.
On the 11 June, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, the Online Boarding 2.0 for aspirants and apostolic boys was inaugurated. Rector-Father Blany Pinto, welcomed the boys to the new academic year, inviting them to participate wholeheartedley in all the activities. Albeit online, the boarding offers means for spiritual growth through the daily online masses and goodnight talks. The social media page of the aspirantate engages the boys, keeping them up-to-date with the activities.
On 14 June, the 04 new Salesians on the staff of Don Bosco Lonavla, were welcomed by Father Pinto and the boarders via Google Meet. Father Ranson D’Souza, Deacon Joyston Machado, Cleric Ankit Devda and Cleric Ambrose Monteiro begin their stint as part of the management team. Father D’Souza said, “I am very grateful for this welcome, because it boosts our confidence to give of our very best for the apostolate.”
On 15 June, the Don Bosco High School and Junior College began its academic year. The inaugural day was dedicated to God as each class conducted a prayer service to seek God’s blessings. A video conveying the institute’s warm welcome to all the students was published on 16 June.
Don Bosco Lonavla has just entered its 60th year of existence. During this special Diamond Jubilee year many more celebrations and initiatives are yet to come. The management, staff, and students, are all set and ready to be and experience the magic of Don Bosco Lonavla.
