Don Bosco Parish and School, Nashik

hi there!

2011-10-17T07:57:00.005+05:30

I am back! And some news from Don Bosco Parish, Nashik! Some people have not been well: Claude Noronha had a similar health problem as before; his blood count went down and was admitted in the hospital; he is back home resting; do say a prayer for his speedy recovery.

Loraine Goveia, Mr. Cecil Goveia's wife was operated at Pune and is being moved from Sahyadri hospital to In-Laks hospital, Koregaon Park; she is recovering but rather on the serious side; I am in touch with Cecil; the family is asking for prayers and they believe that only prayers can save her and bring her back to health. Incidentally, it happens to be Loraine's Birthday. I just wished her happy birthday. She is personally asking for prayers. I promised her that I will be asking the whole DB Parish to pray for her good health.

Martha from Home for the Aged is somewhat ok now! do pray! Shepherds, Doughlas and Daphney are gracefully ageing; they are at Nashik, unable to attend mass. Do say a prayer for them.

Bye! see you sonn!

hi everybody!

2011-10-05T18:27:00.004+05:30

For a long time I have been thinking of getting on to blogging and especially the parish blog. So here am I, after I received an invitation from Fr. Ivo. I am happy to be here and be connected with you from my parish office. Interestingly, this first blog of mine, I am writing over a hot cup of tea after a day's work. It seems as if it is going to rain here at Nashik! It is 6.30 pm and in a short time I will be celebrating the holy eucharist; definitely I will pray for you and you too keep praying for me. Bye for now!

Confessions for the Sunday School children

2011-09-05T12:00:00.003+05:30

Confessions are an integral part of the Christian faith. It is here that God comes to us and forgives us of all our tresspasses. He initiates us to the part of living in the image and likeness of Him who is all good. He calls us back to Holiness from our falleness.

Small children are the apple of God's eye. They are the focal point of his love. He cares for them and understands their heart's desire. Yet small as they are, these children can stray away from Gos presence in their own tiny ways. As part of the initiating these children to come closer to God's love, a General confession was organised at the Salesian Novitate (Nashik) for the Sunday School Children of the Don Bosco Parish, Nashik. The confessions began at 5 pm which culminated at 6 in the evening with action songs taught by brothers Ashley ofm cap and Nv. Derek. Fr. Solomon Rapol sdb, the Novice Master and Fr. Valerian Pereira sdb were the confessors for the day.

From Jerusalem

2011-08-30T16:34:00.000+05:30

This post is from Jerusalem... I want to say a big thank you to all of you, dear parishioners as well as staff and students of the school, for the great love and affection I experienced from you over the last 2 years, and especially in the last 2 weeks.

If you have any news or views for this blog in future, do feel free to contact either Fr Nelson or Bro Rickson.

Of course, there is also the Don Bosco Parish group on Facebook.

Thank you once again, and blessings and wishes from the Holy City. This afternoon I will pay a visit to the Holy Sepulchre, the great site of the Burial and Resurrection of Jesus.A promise of prayers for all of you!

Ivo Coelho, SDB

Jacklin Francis' mother-in-law passes away

2011-07-11T09:33:00.000+05:30

Jacklin Francis (Zone A) lost her mother-in-law on Friday, 8 July 2011. She left immediately with her sons, Kevin and Darryl, for the village in M.P. Quite journey, and with two kids.

Please keep the deceased person in your prayers, as well as Jacklin and her family.

Nikhil's father in hospital

2011-07-10T09:45:00.001+05:30

Nikhil John's father had a mild heart attack yesterday. Luckily he got to a good doctor in time. Much better today, in Vijan Hospital, College Road. Prayers please.

EPCC meeting

2011-07-01T12:32:00.000+05:30

The first meeting of the Council of the Educative-Pastoral Community (EPCC) of Don Bosco Nashik met at 1800 hrs, 25 June 2011.

Those present were: Sr Anelfreda Miranda, FMA; Sr Mariette, FMA, Superior, Maria Vihar; Ms Cecilia Sable, Clerk Don Bosco School; Ms Lily Nirmal, Teacher Don Bosco School and Salesian Cooperator; Ms Meena Tribhuvan, Supervisor and Teacher, Don Bosco School; Agnelo Sagar, Salesian Cooperator; and SDBs of DB Nashik.

Deaths

2011-07-01T12:27:00.002+05:30

Don Bosco parish lost three senior parishioners in the last few weeks:

Mrs Olive D'Souza, mother of Dominic D'Souza
Mr Vincent Dias, father of Christopher Dias
Ms Myrtle Paul, Nirmala Home for the Aged.

RIP.

Don Bosco HSC inauguration on 4 July

2011-07-01T12:26:00.000+05:30

The Higher Secondary Section of Don Bosco School, Nashik, will be inaugurated at 1130 hrs, 4 July 2011. Fr Michael Fernandes, SDB, provincial of the Mumbai province of the Salesians, will be the chief guest.

Though permission has been obtained for 3 streams, only Science and Commerce will begin this year. The capacity is 80 students per stream.

Staff is in place, as well as laboratory, library, and other facilities. Timings will be from 1415 hrs up to 1800 hrs.

Admissions began soon after the SSC results were declared. The response has been encouraging, though the final lists have yet to be put up.

SCC results 2011

2011-07-01T12:23:00.000+05:30

Congrats to all three Catholic schools in our parish for securing 100% results in the SSC exams. If the schools concerned send me the details, at ivo.coelho@gmail.com, I will be happy to put them up here.

Mr Gaikwad (Chandsi) hospitalized

2011-06-21T11:23:00.000+05:30

Vicky Gaikwad just told me that his father has been hospitalized - probably with a heart attack. Vicky and his sister Rosy are in Don Bosco School, while another sister Maria is in Kilbil.

Please keep Mr Gaikwad in your prayers. (The family used to live earlier in Chandsi. They moved to a relative's house near Pumping Station, off Gangapur Road, a couple of years ago.)

Youth picnic to Karjat

2011-06-20T08:51:00.000+05:30

The Don Bosco sector parish youth group went for an overnight picnic to Don Bosco Karjat. There are 10 of us, including two animators (Rickson and myself). The only disappointment was that there was no rain! Apart from that, the picnic was great: treks up the hill on the property, ghost stories, trekking up a waterfall, and great meals provided with much love by the Don Bosco community.

One of the highlights was Fr Xavier Devadas' explanation of what was happening on the campus: the MORD, the ecological iniatives, the animation centre.

Parish council meeting, 11 June 2011

2011-06-11T19:30:00.000+05:30

Parish Council Meeting just concluded, and also a Zone A leaders meeting.

One of the main topics was the Sunday School: how to have a better attendance. Suggestions: (1) A complete register of children, with marking of attendance; (2) Follow up of attendance through our 3 Catholic schools, and with parents; (3) Follow up through area leaders; (4) arrangements for transport to be worked out in the Areas.

Another topic was the planning of the 20 years anniversary of the parish (1991-2011), which coincides also with the Visit of the Relics of Don Bosco (6 August) and the International Year of Youth. Tomorrow, at the 1830 mass, the anniversary will be inaugurated.

Yet another important initiative was Training of Leaders and Catechists. Bishop Edwin Colaco will give a session to both groups, 1600-1800 hrs, Sunday, 3 July 2011. Fr Michael Gonsalves will give a session to Catechists, 1600-1900 hrs, Saturday, 9 July, and to Parish Leaders, 1000-1300 hrs, Sunday, 10 July 2011.

Zone A has decided to have an outing to Swami Shilananda's Ashram, Sinnar, on 26 June 2011. Your area leaders will contact you with more details.

Vincent Dias passes away

2011-06-10T22:21:00.000+05:30

Mr Vincent Dias passed away at around 1800 hrs this evening, 10 June 2011. He was 73.

A few days ago Vincent suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Sai Baba Hospital near Kalidas Mandir. He was also heavily diabetic.

The funeral mass will be at 1000 hrs tomorrow, 11 June 2011, at Don Bosco Church.

I remember Vincent as a happy man. He lived alone in his third floor flat at Eden Gardens, but was content and happy. He had a group of friends who used to pass the evenings in his house playing cards. I have never heard him complain or grumble. RIP, Vincent!

Our condolences to his family.

Olive D'Souza passes away

2011-06-03T07:48:00.001+05:30

Olive D'Souza, mother of Dominic D'Souza, mother-in-law of Lucy D'Souza, grandmother of Bosco and Keith, passed away yesterday evening (2 June). She was 84. The funeral will be held this evening, beginning with mass at Don Bosco at 1500 hrs. RIP to Olive, who was one of our oldest parishioners, and our prayers for the family.

Transfers

2011-06-01T09:22:00.004+05:30

It is the time of transfers. Here's attempting an incomplete list of people moving out of our parish; please feel free to add to it.

DB Nashik: Bros. Ajay Shelke and Velasli Bandya.
Divyadaan: Frs Anton D'Souza, Aloysius Hemrom, Alapurackal Jose
STI: Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, Bro Dinesh Vasava
Kilbil: Srs Archana and Vincy.
Maria Vihar: Sr Sajan
Pallotti: Fr George (on transfer to Arunachal Pradesh)

A warm welcome to:

Fr Tony D'Souza, former provincial of INB (Divyadaan)
Fr Thomas Chalissery (Divyadaan)
Sr Rose Corte and Maria Carvalho (Kilbil)
Sr Supriya (SHTC)
Junior sisters (SHTC, which has become a Juniorate for this year)
SDB brothers from Gauhati province (Divyadaan)
SDB novices from INB and INP (STI)

Goa Pilgrimage

2011-06-01T09:20:00.000+05:30

About 70 parishioners from both sectors of the parish went on a pilgrimage to Goa, 18-22 May 2011, led by Fr Nelson. They camped at Don Bosco Odxel, and visited the relics of St Francis Xavier at Bom Gesu, Old Goa, Calangute beach, Mapusa Market, and the picturesque village of Soccorro in North Goa, near Porvorim.

For photos see Facebook.

Olive D'Souza

2011-06-01T09:18:00.000+05:30

Mrs Olive D'Souza, mother of Dominic D'Souza, was administered the Anointing of the Sick yesterday just before lunch.

Olive has not been taking solid food for almost two weeks now, and, while able to swallow liquids, is unable to speak or move much.

Prayers for her, and for Lucy, Dominic and the family.

Capuchin provincial chapter 2011

2011-05-09T11:24:00.001+05:30

The Capuchin Fathers and Brothers begin their provincial chapter at Capuchin Ashram, Don Bosco Marg, Nashik, tomorrow, 10 May 2011. We wish them well and assure them of our prayers.

Fr Diego's birthday

2011-05-09T11:23:00.002+05:30

Fr Diego celebrates his birthday on 12 May. You are all invited for the parish Eucharist at 1900 hours, 12 May, to wish and pray for him, and to join him in thanking God for the gift of life, faith and vocation.

Vocation Camp Lonavla, May 2011

2011-05-09T11:22:00.000+05:30

Eight youngsters left for the vocation camp at Don Bosco Lonavla this morning, accompanied by Bro Velasli and Ansilon Fernandes: Calvin, Charles, Kevin Francis, Kevin D'Souza, Shaun, Shyju, Richard and Vicky. They were accompanied to the station, where they took the 0535 Manmad-Pune Express for Lonavla.

Bro Velasli just phoned saying they had arrived safely at Lonavla station, and were in rickshaws proceeding to the school.

A valiant attempt was made to finish the various piles of idlis, chapatis, puries, chocolates and fruits (thanks to the offertory processions of yesterday).

The gang will be back on 12 May. The Pune-Manmad Express is due to arrive at 1930 hours at the station. Some arrangements will be made to bring them to Don Bosco Church.

First Communions

2011-05-09T11:18:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, 4 children received first communion at Satpur, another 4 and an adult at Don Bosco Church. The Don Bosco Church ceremony began at 1630, a somewhat odd timing; some parishioners were caught unawares and arrived for the usual 1830 mass, and were disappointed.

The 4 at Don Bosco were: Reetil, Mary, Vivek and Tuerry. The adult was Vikram.

Congratulations to all those involved in preparing the children: Stella Salve, Bro Velasli, the parents who did a great deal, and the parish priest.

Relic Pilgrimage of Don Bosco to Nashik

2011-03-27T16:39:00.000+05:30

The Relics of Don Bosco will visit Nashik on Saturday, 6 August 2011.

The van carrying the relics is expected to arrive in Nashik from Baroda in the early hours of 6 August. There will be a welcome at the Maria Vihar end of Don Bosco Marg, and perhaps a small detour into the Divyadaan compound. The Relics will be placed in Don Bosco Church, and will be available for veneration the whole day, except during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, which should be at 1830 hours and perhaps (in Marathi) at 1200 hours.

The Visit will be preceded by spiritual and other animation, and such events will continue after the visit well up to 31 January 2012, Feast of Don Bosco. The aim is spiritual revival for members of the Salesian Family, parishioners, youth, and all people of goodwill. The mission of Don Bosco is the welfare of young people, most especially those at risk in one way or another, and this can be shared and is shared by all people of goodwill.

Bishop Lourdes Daniel has welcome the Visit and extended his wholehearted support. He sees it as one more opportunity for helping the Diocese grow in faith.

In the evening, or perhaps early morning, the Relics will move to Ahmednagar, and from there to Pune, Lonavla, and Mumbai (Borivli, Andheri and Matunga).

Catechists felicitated

2011-03-27T16:32:00.000+05:30

The catechists of the DB sector were felicitated with a festive lunch this afternoon at Don Bosco Parish... Sisters from SHTC, Maria Vihar and Nirmala Convent; brothers from Divyadaan, Capuchin Ashram and STI...

Thank you dear brothers and sisters for your precious service to our children.

Youth meeting, Sunday, 27 Mar 2011

2011-03-27T12:07:00.000+05:30

This morning's youth meeting was attended by Cheryl Nirmal, Ansilon Fernandes, Nikhil John, Ross Lewis, Sushma Shrivastwa.

The lectio divina was on the gospel of the day: the Samaritan Woman (Jn 4:4-42).

The accounts of the Interparish Lenten Recollection were presented. The Way of the Cross on 1 April will be practised on the day itself. The rest of the meeting was dedicated to preparing the animation for this evening's mass.

And the photos from the Recollection were uploaded... to FB.

Forthcoming: recollection for youth of Nashik and Igatpuri

2011-03-02T17:34:00.000+05:30

Youth of Nashik and Igatpuri: you are all welcome to Divyadaan on Sunday, 13 March 2011, for our annual Lenten recollection. We will be having a penitential rite conducted by Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, with opportunities for your Lenten confession. After a lunch break and some fun, there will be a video, and then mass - early enough so that our friends from Igatpuri can catch the train back home.

Please give your names either to me or to Nikhil... asap.

Don Bosco Nashik on Facebook

2011-03-02T17:32:00.000+05:30

Nelson has created a new Don Bosco Parish group on Facebook, and it is going great guns. Congrats Nelson! FB is certainly the new meeting place.

Sunday School picnic to Pandavlene

2011-03-02T17:31:00.000+05:30

The Sunday School children (Don Bosco sector) had a picnic to Pandavlene and Phalke Smarak a couple of weeks ago. The children, whose enthusiasm was infectious, had a ball, and the animators no less. I paid a brief visit to them with Bro Rickson and a couple of youth (Nikhil and Ansilon), and had a hard time dragging these back... Congrats to Bro Velasli and the whole gang of teachers and animators.

Interparish Youth Session again at Igatpuri

2011-01-09T22:16:00.003+05:30

The youth of the five parishes of Nashik City and Igatpuri met again at Igatpuri for a one day session animated by Fr Roger / Raju OP from Goa.

Fr Roger led a very lively session, consisting of singing, talking, prayer, and mass. He challenged our youth to examine the values they live by, and to make their commitment to God in a conscious and deliberate way. Especially significant was the homily on the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This point bore clarification, because many have the idea that the presence of Jesus is 'merely symbolic'.

Participants from our parish: Nikhil, Cheryl, Carol, Ansilon, Rephan, Delvin, Sophia. From Holy Cross 1, St Ann's 7, St Patrick's 5, Igatpuri about 15. A group of about 40, counting also the animators.

Fr Roger pointed out that in Jn 6, Jesus uses one word for eating his flesh (phagein), till the Jews challenge him. Then, in Jn 6:54, he uses another word (trogon), which originally meant animal eating.... This, he says, was meant to stress for us the reality of his gift of his flesh, and the need for us to devour him, live by him.

So: phagein, trogon. Flesh is not really 'meat' or 'piece of meat' except in the most direct, literal type of understanding and translation. It is SARX, which has a wealth of meaning in the NT, as has, I suppose, eating, in both OT and NT. Frank Moloney in The Gospel of John is quite good on this point: he says this 'eating with the teeth' hints at the violence of the Passion, as does the separation of flesh and blood.

Another site, http://www.lectionarystudies.com/studyg/studyn/sunday20bgn.html:

oJ trwgwn (trwgw) pres. part. "whoever eats" - the one feeding on, nibbling, munching, gnawing. The participle functions as a substantive. Now the eating is present tense, rather than aorist. The verb was originally used of animals eating, later of humans, but of eating in a rough manner. Brown sees this literalism as an evidence that the eating and drinking is a reference to the Lord's Supper. Again, this seems unlikely. The present tense may indicate continued action. "Our Lord meant the habit of continually feeding on him all day long by faith. He did not mean the occasional eating of material food in an ordinance", Ryle.

Whatever. We need to strengthen our catechesis. The presence of the Lord in the Eucharist is not 'merely symbolic' in the greatly devalued contemporary sense of symbol.

Satpur youth and mahila mandal picnic

2011-01-09T22:14:00.001+05:30

Fr Oscar Tuscano celebrates New Year Midnight Mass

2011-01-09T22:13:00.000+05:30

Fr Oscar Tuscano celebrated the New Year Midnight Mass at Don Bosco Church. This was also his First Mass in our parish. Fr Oscar did his novitiate at STI, his postnovitiate philosophical studies at Divyadaan, and then 3 years of college studies at Don Bosco Nashik. He was ordained 29 December 2010 by Abp. Felix Machado in his home parish of Holy Spirit, Nandakhal, Vasai.

Fr Oscar is a missionary in Albania, under the Province of Naples. His provincial and 3 other salesians from his province were with him for the ordination, and also for the Midnight mass on 1 January 2011.

Christmas Tree parties

2010-12-26T16:19:00.000+05:30

Going on: Christmas Tree parties for the kids on both sides of the parish...

In the Don Bosco sector, not all the children have turned up, but the kids are having a bash anyway. Perhaps the Sunday came too close to Christmas...

Installation of Bishop Lourdes Daniel

2010-12-14T16:43:00.000+05:30

Memorable line from Bishop Lourdes Daniel at his installation this morning: "What do I expect from you? Nothing. Because I believe God has given you everything. All I say to my priests is: pray every day."

Bishop Lourdes Daniel was installed as the third bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nashik at a ceremony this morning at St Philomena's Convent grounds. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Metropolitan Archbishop of Mumbai, performed the installation. He was accompanied by Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes of Gandhinagar, Archbishop Felix Machado of Vasai, Bishop Valerian D'Souza, Bishop Thomas Dabre of Pune, Bishop Thomas Elavanal of Kalyan, and Bishop Allwyn Fernandes of Sindhudurg.

In his speech, Bishop Vally reported a layperson telling him: "I have travelled the length and breadth of the country, and have met many priests, but none so outstanding as Fr Lourdes Daniel."

Bishop Lourdes Daniel considers Bishop Vally as his mentor and guru. As a young priest, Fr Vally was his parish priest and principal at Dehu Road. Lourdes joined the diocese of Pune after working for a while, and then Vally was his bishop. Later he served as spiritual director in the Papal Seminary - Bishop Vally said that many others had many degrees after their names, but all wanted to go to Lourdes for direction - and then as Vally's Vicar General. He was appointed Bishop of Amravati about 3 years ago. Bishop Lourdes said he loved his diocese of Amravati and his priests; he accepted the new appointment out of obedience, and because he believes God is working always.

Bro P.M. Thomas passes away

2010-12-12T11:00:00.002+05:30

Bro P.M. Thomas, SDB, first principal of Don Bosco School, Nashik, passed away in the early hours of this morning, 12 December 2010. He had been in the ICU for an infection of the pancreas the last week.

The details of the funeral are awaited. The funeral will most likely be on Tuesday, 14 November 2010.

Bro Thomas was born 20 August 1934. He made his first profession on 24 May 1955, and his perpetual profession on 24 May 1961.

Please see MUSINGS http://ivocoelho.blogspot.com/ for a persona note about Bro Thomas.

Death

2010-12-07T22:39:00.000+05:30

Please pray for Mr Agnelo D'Souza (behind STI, opposite Fab India) who passed away a few days ago. He was just 49 years old. The funeral was held this morning. He leaves behind his wife and two sons, Aldrich and Adlon.

News bits

2010-11-24T11:19:00.000+05:30

Bro Ajay Shelke celebrated his birthday yesterday, 23 November 2010.

Sujata Castelino's brother met with an accident a couple of days ago, and is still in the ICU at Suman Hospital, College Road.

We have two Salesian provincials on the campus, Fr Michael Fernandes (Mumbai) and Fr Ian Figueiredo (Konkan). Don Bosco school felicitated Fr Michael on the Silver Jubilee of his ordination this morning.

The Nashik Diocesan Altar Servers Rally will be held at St Ann's Parish, Nashik Road, Sunday, 28 November 2010. All youth who wish to help are most welcome.

Arangetram

2010-11-14T18:59:00.000+05:30

Mrs Mala Robins, guru of the Bal Yeshu Academy of Dance & Music, held an "Arangetram" for 4 young dancers: Akshata, Aishwarya, Poornima, and Shreya, at Raosaheb Thorat Auditorium, Law College, near KTHM College, Gangapur Road, Nashik, at 1730 hours.

Arangetram is the first public performance of young students. It is like their graduation ceremony, and a very important occasion. One of the four students has been in training for 12 years, one for 8, and the other two for 6. The guru decides when they are ready for their Arangetram.

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Robins on this important occasion.

Altar servers to Mumbai for Rally

2010-11-14T10:09:00.000+05:30

A group of some 18 altar servers, boys and girls, left for Mumbai with Ms Stella and Bro Velasli, to participate in the Altar Servers' Rally tomorrow at Don Bosco Matunga.

After several changes in plans, they left in a mini-van provided by Mr Claude Noronha. Their parents and the parish team were there to see them off.

The trip has generated great enthusiasm among the youngsters. We hope all goes well, that they have a good experience meeting other altar servers at the Rally, and that they have a safe trip back home.

Wedding

2010-11-13T13:08:00.001+05:30

Robinhood Nair (s/o Sandra Nair) and Candida Santos will be getting married at Secunderabad on Wednesday, 17 November 2010. We wish the new couple God's blessings and protection, and we pray for the two families too. Special wishes to Mr and Mrs Nair.

Second novitiate of FMAs begins Monday, 15 November, at SHTC

2010-11-12T09:08:00.000+05:30

The 'second novitiate' or preparation for perpetual vows of the FMAs begins on Monday, 15 November 2010, at SHTC, Nashik.

This time, sisters from 4 FMA provinces of India - Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai - will be participating, a total of some 22 persons.

We wish the sisters well and assure our prayers as they begin their preparation for perpetual vows.

Khristapurana seminar at University of Pune

2010-11-12T07:34:00.000+05:30

The University of Pune will be holding a seminar on Fr Thomas Stephens' Khristapurana on 15 and 16 November 2010.

The initiative has been inspired by Bishop Thomas Dabre of Pune, who is himself a Tukaram scholar of note, and therefore well-known to and appreciated by the academics in Pune.

Among the speakers are Fr Nelson Falcao, Fr Francis D'Britto, and Prof. Dr. Kalyan Kale, who was one of Fr Nelson's examiners on the board of his doctoral defence.

The seminar will be in Marathi. All are invited. The invitation has been put up on the parish notice board.

Welcome Bishop Lourdes Daniel

2010-11-12T07:31:00.000+05:30

Bishop Lourdunada (Lourdes) Daniel hails from Pune, and belonged originally to the Diocese of Pune, where he was a much appreciated spiritual director, and eventually vicar general of the diocese. He was appointed to the see of Amravati in June 2008. In December 2009, when Archbishop Felix Machado was appointed to the see of Vasai, Bishop Lourdes Daniel was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Nashik, a task which he fulfilled with much enthusiasm and commitment, spending 2 or 3 days every month in the diocese, visiting each and every parish, and making himself available for various functions in the diocese.

Yesterday, at 1600 hours, Fr Ravi Tribhuvan, Chancellor of Nashik diocese, made the official announcement, before a small group of consultors and parish priests, that Bishop Lourdes Daniel had been nominated to the see of Nashik; he was asked to be Apostolic Administrator of the now vacant see of Amravati.

Bishop Lourdes is a kind-hearted person who cares deeply for people, and is deeply spiritual. Nashik diocese is fortunate to have a pastor like him. As we welcome him, we assure him our prayers and support.

Bishop Lourdes Daniel new bishop of Nashik

2010-11-11T18:16:00.002+05:30

Breaking news: NEW BISHOP FOR NASHIK: BISHOP LOURDES DANIEL. The news was announced at 1600 hours at Bishop's House, Nashik. Nashik now gets a bishop, almost a year after Abp. Machado was appointed to Vasai. Congrats Bishop Lourdes, and welcome to Nashik!

Don Bosco Girls / St Patricks Boys win the Tournament

2010-11-07T19:08:00.000+05:30

The Interparish Football and Throwball Tournament 2010 is just over.

Don Bosco Girls won the Throwball Tournament, winning two consecutive games in a set of three with the only other competitor, a formidable St Patrick's Girls team. Congratulations to both teams.

St Patrick's Boys instead won the Football Tournament, with a 1-0 lead over Don Bosco Boys. Our boys put up a very good show despite all the problems we had this year of getting a team together. Congratulations to both teams, and to Sacred Heart Igatpuri and St Ann's Nashik Road too.

A warm word of congratulations to St Patrick's for the magnificent way they organized the Tournament, and for all the trouble they have taken.

This year we have rolling trophies besides cash prizes. The Throwball trophy will probably be making the rounds of the houses of the team members...

GroMo 2010

2010-11-06T08:01:00.000+05:30

A busload of Std IX students participated with the PT sirs and our brothers in the GroMo 2010 - a Jamboree for Don Bosco schools - at Don Bosco Lonavla. They came back full of excitement and very enthusiastic about their experience of sleeping in tents in the open, putting up projects, the final Campfire, the food, and so on.

The GroMo 2010 is in preparation for the National Boscoree 2010, which will take place at Dimapur in North East India. We have not planned to send our scouts because of the great distances, but our scouts seem eager now to go....

Happy Diwali

2010-11-06T07:59:00.000+05:30

Today is the fourth day of Diwali - a little lull between Laxmi Puja and Bhau Beej. A very happy Diwali to all our staff and students who are celebrating this great festival of lights.

Football and Throwball tournaments approaching

2010-11-06T07:58:00.000+05:30

The annual Interparish Football and Throwball tournament is approaching: Sunday, 7 November 2010. Furious practices are going on, with the boys trying to get a team together, and the girls also. Yesterday I think the girls' team practiced a full 3 hours, from 0900 to 1200, on the Divyadaan grounds.

Movements

2010-11-06T07:56:00.003+05:30

Fr Diego is making his annual spiritual retreat these days at Lonavla.

Fr Nelson has gone to Papdy to preach the triduum and the feast day mass there, but should be back by tomorrow evening.

Bro Rickson is in Pune for a course for practical trainees and college brothers and will be back only on 11 November.

Death announcements

2010-11-06T07:55:00.000+05:30

Mr Paulus Vamanrao Adhav of Chunchale passed away last night at around 2230 hours. The funeral is expected to take place this morning at around 1130 hours.

Earlier in the week, the father of Mr Prakash Rohom of Satpur passed away. The funeral was held on 3 November 2010.

RIP.

Fr Tony George not well

2010-10-15T16:30:00.000+05:30

Fr Tony George, SJ, parish priest of Holy Cross, has been quite unwell since 2 October 2010, with chicken guniya complicated by severe diabetes. He was admitted to St Elizabeth's Hospital, Mumbai, on 3 October, and was discharged just yesterday, but is still in Mumbai, at Seva Niketan, recuperating. Please keep him in your prayers.

Don Bosco champions in Inter-school athletics

2010-10-14T14:56:00.000+05:30

The Don Bosco School athletics team did very well at the recent Inter-School Sports meet at Bhosala Military School grounds, Nashik, 4-6 October 2010, coming out as champions and qualifying for the Divisional Level sports at Jalgaon.

The under-17 relay team consisting of Anthony Mohite, Pramod Thapa, Abhijeet Singh and Joel Mohite came first, while the under-14 relay team (Tejas Thakare, Arun Chellapan, Akash Sitoke, Debamit Kar and Himanshu Malunjkar) came second. Anthony Mohite and Pramod Thapa stood first and second in both the 100 m and the 200 m runs. Joel Mohite came first in the 400 m run, while Akshay Chandekar came third in the same run. Abhijeet Singh stood first in shotputt and long jump, and third in the javelin throw. Tejas Thakare came first in the under-14 100 m dash.

Congratulations to all our sportsmen and to their coaches!

Outing to Sinnar

2010-10-11T08:35:00.002+05:30

Good outing to Sanjivan Ashram, Sinnar, yesterday. 5 young people, 8 MPh brothers from Divyadaan, Bro Rickson and I set out from Don Bosco Parish at around 0715 - by rick and bus to Nashik Road Bus Station. Amol and Gloria joined us there, while the Holy Cross Youth proceeded on bikes. We met up at Sinnar Bus Station, and walked the 3 kms. to the ashram, which is hidden in a clump of trees on the right of the Nashik bypass - the road from Sinnar to Gothi. No board and no publicity, so one has to know where to go. I think we were at the ashram by 0930 or so... Swami was busy with some friends of his from Kalyan, who were helping him with his visa work. We had snacks, and then Swamiji joined us, answering questions, telling us about his 62 years in India (he arrived in 1948, went for a home visit only in 1983, spent some 14 years in his ashram at Panchavati, behind the Sundarnarayan Temple, and then, in 1987, came to Sinnar to set up Sanjivan Ashram at its present location).

The first house to be built were the two rooms where he now lives and works. Later on the temple and the other house were built (in 1990), and finally the two rooms at the back.

It was amazing to see the photos of the early days: not a tree in sight, not even grass. And now: it's beautiful. Great contribution to the ecology. Swami does not believe in cutting the grass. The villagers keep telling him to cut the grass, but he says it's the hair of the earth: just as our hair is given to keep our brains cool, so grass is given to keep the earth cool. Very true.

Unfortunately there is very little water in the talav. Most of it seeps away, since it is on the upper part of a gentle slope towards the road. And no sign of the ghorpad.

We had mass at 1130 or so, and then games, and lunch, and then it was time to move back to Nashik... 5 youth from Devlali turned up during mass, they came on bikes (it is only 12 kms to Bhagur to Sinnar, they said), and spent a lot of time searching for the ashram.

The gospel lent itself to the day: living in a spirit of thanksgiving, making life eucharistic. We gave thanks for the great beauty of the earth, the trees, the grass, the water, the fresh air, the amazing silence when there is absence of traffic noise... for Swamiji's extraordinary life of witness and courage and joy and even humour...

Interparish Youth outing to Sinnar

2010-10-09T12:07:00.000+05:30

The youth from the various parishes of Nashik and Igatpuri will go to Sanjivan Ashram, Sinnar, tomorrow, Sunday, 10 October 2010, to meet one of the legends of Nashik - Swami Shilananda, SJ, all of 83 years old, and fighting fit.

Youth of Don Bosco will meet at the parish at 0645 hours, and take a bus to Nashik Road Bus Station, where we hope to meet up with the other youth (from Holy Cross and St Ann's). St Patrick's youth will proceed directly by bike, and the Igatpuri youth will also reach Sinnar by themselves. Some brothers from Divyadaan will also be joining us.

From Nashik Road we take a bus, hopefully latest by 0800, for Sinnar. From Sinnar to the Ashram is a walk of about 3 kms., but there are also rickshaws for those who want.

At the Ashram, we will meet Swamiji, have some snacks, then the Sunday mass, followed by lunch (each one to carry!). By 1530 we hope to move back towards the city.

So: travel expenses to be borne by each one; lunch to be carried too. Plus a Rs 50 per head contribution towards snacks.

Mission Fete

2010-10-09T12:03:00.000+05:30

The Mission Fete / Dassera Dhamaka is set to begin this evening at 1700 hours, and is expected to go on up to 2200 hours. The usual array of food stalls (veg and non-veg), games stalls, and the Garage Sale. So do come all of you for this good cause.

The evening mass will be celebrated as usual, in the usual place - Don Bosco Church. No change of venue or timing, therefore.

Scout camp to Valwande

2010-10-08T07:45:00.000+05:30

The Std IX boys of Don Bosco are leaving for a 3 day camp to Jungle Camp, Valwande village, near Jawhar. Jungle Camp is a site run by the Salesians; Fr Anaclete D'Mello is currently residing there with some staff. We wish the boys and the scout masters the very best, and a thoroughly enjoyable time outdoors.

Extraordinary Visitation begins at Don Bosco Nashik

2010-09-19T16:03:00.000+05:30

The Extraordinary Visitation began this morning, with Fr Maria Arokiam greeting the parishioners at the end of the 7.00 a.m. mass at Don Bosco. He then went over to Satpur, where he concelebrated the Eucharist. At the end of the Eucharist he was given a satkar, after which he planted two trees near the grotto of Our Lady. After this he had a meeting with the parish council. The members made two requests: (1) that Dominic Savio be erected into a parish; (2) that they be given mass on Wednesdays so that people can make the Perpetual Succour novena.

Jobs available

2010-09-17T16:43:00.000+05:30

One of our parishioners, Mr Tyrone Fernandes, is in need of workers for his factory at Ambad: youth with an ITI background (turners, fitters, machinists), or even with some work experience.

He also needs a couple / family who is willing to live on the factory premises. The husband can find work in the factory, while the wife could keep the premises and grounds clean.

Please feel free to contact me at 9420363953 or else Mr Fernandes himself at 9373903900.

Extraordinary Visitation

2010-09-16T17:38:00.000+05:30

Fr Maria Arokiam, SDB, General Councillor for South Asia of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has already arrived at Divyadaan, where he has begun the Extraordinary Visitation. He will visit our parish on Sunday, 19 September 2010, and the school on 20 September 2010. The program is as follows (those involved in the various meetings please take note):

Sunday, 19 September 2010

0700 Sunday Eucharist, DB Church

0830 Sunday Eucharist (Marathi), DS Church Satpur

Planting of sapling

0930 Parish Pastoral Council, DS sector

1630 Past Pupils

1700 Cooperators and VDB

1730 Parish Pastoral Council, DB sector

1830 Sunday Eucharist, DB church

Monday, 20 September 2010

0815 School Program in the hall

Planting of sapling

1030 Visit to school

1045 Meeting with school staff

1900 Evening mass (DB sector)

Confession opportunities for Sunday School children

2010-09-16T17:35:00.000+05:30

Bro Velasli gave an opportunity to the Sunday School children last Sunday to make their confessions. While the children were being prepared in their respective classes, Fr Nelson and I were available to hear their confessions. Almost all the children seem to have made their confessions. A very good experience, something which Bro Velasli hopes to repeat at least every three months. And perhaps, on some occasions, he might invite also the parents to participate...

Silver Wedding of Lorraine and Cecil Goveia

2010-09-16T17:33:00.000+05:30

Lorraine and Cecil Goveia celebrated their Silver Wedding on 14 September 2010. Raul and Ryan had come down; Royston could not as he is away in the US on training. The mass was presided by Fr Luis Heredia, parish priest of Todiwala Road parish, Pune, who is Lorraine's cousin. Congratulations to the silver couple!

Fr A.U. Jose's mother passes away

2010-09-16T17:31:00.000+05:30

Fr. A.U. Jose's mother Mariam passed away on 16 September 2010 at the age of 98. Fr A.U. Jose, who teaches at Divyadaan, has just left for Kerala to attend the funeral. RIP and our sincerest condolences to Fr A.U.

Workshop on Economics at Divyadaan, 9-11 September 2010

2010-09-05T18:13:00.000+05:30

A three day workshop on Economics is being held at Divyadaan from 9 to 11 September 2010. Prof. Philip McShane from Canada will be conducting the workshop, and he will be happy to interact with economists, industrialists, and people involved in business and management from Nashik and around. Those interested please contact Fr Robert Pen, Principal, Divyadaan, at robertpen.sdb@gmail.com. A notice has been put up on the parish notice board.

Sunday Catechism SMS's

2010-09-05T17:57:00.000+05:30

Bro Velasli has just completed the list of Catechism children of Zone A, and has been busy sending SMS reminders to the parents regarding the Sunday Catechism class. He will soon do the same for Zones B and C. So you parents might be getting regular such SMS's (from my number, really, since Velasli does not have a cell phone), reminding you to send your children...

If anyone has problems of reaching the children to the parish, please let us know. This is a problem we have to tackle. I am sure ways can be worked out to remedy the situation.

There are other who have problems with tuition classes. Parents, try dialoguing with the tuition teachers, see if some adjustment is possible. The Sunday Catechism is important, since most Catholic schools in Nashik do not have Religious Instruction during school hours. And of course the Sunday Mass: we really cannot afford to have our children missing Sunday mass the whole year - and I think this is happening!

Youth meeting, Sunday, 5 Sep 2010

2010-09-05T17:53:00.000+05:30

3 youth - Nikhil, Rephan and Delvin - turned up for the youth meeting.

We read and commented on the shortest book of the whole Bible - St Paul’s Letter to Philemon. Finding this 'postcard' was the first thing - it is sandwiched between Titus and Hebrews. After reading the letter, we commented a bit on it. Philemon is written by Paul from jail at Ephesus.

Jail (not prison) was for undertrials, and the one jailed had to even sometimes pay his own rent for the jail (as Paul seems to have certainly done in Rome), and his relatives and friends had to provide him with food, clothing, money, etc.

This sheds light on the situation of Onesimus, a slave belonging to Philemon. Older exegetes thought that Onesimus was a runaway slave, and that Paul was sending him back to his master, with exhortations to kindness. Now some scholars tend to think that he was actually sent by Philemon to help Paul in jail. In jail, Onesimus was converted to Christ and baptized by Paul; but Paul, not wanting to detain him, was sending him back to his master, with exhortations that he be received no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Paul even adds that he is ready to make up for whatever financial loss Philemon might undergo.

Great example of Christian authority: though Paul has the authority to command Philemon, he prefers to appeal to his faith and to his love for Christ, for him, Paul, and for Onesimus.

It is possible that this is the same Onesimus mentioned by Paul in Colossians 4:9; and that this Onesimus went on to become bishop in Colossae.

The rest of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the forthcoming picnic to Sinnar, and the Interparish Football and Throwball Tournament. It was suggested that one of our youth be contacted to organize the Don Bosco team.

Happy Teachers' Day

2010-09-04T07:52:00.000+05:30

A very happy Teachers' Day to all the teachers in our parish - and there are many!

Fr Joaquim D'Souza at Don Bosco School, Nashik

2010-08-31T11:21:00.000+05:30

Fr Joaquim D'Souza, SDB addressed the Don Bosco school assembly yesterday, 30 August 2010. It turns out that this was the very first time he was addressing the assembly after the new building had been built. Strange, because he has been General Councillor in charge of the Asia Region for a number of years, and, besides, visiting professor at Divyadaan every year! A great oversight on our part.

Kilbil St Joseph's attacked

2010-08-31T11:19:00.000+05:30

By now all of you must have heard about the sad incidents at Kilbil St Joseph's last week. Alleging disrespect for Indian culture, a group of activists from a certain party attacked the school, causing damage worth at least Rs 80,000 to furniture and building.

People have a right to question, and even to disagree. Do they have the right to inflict damage on property or on persons? And is that Indian culture?

Senior College at Don Bosco Yerwada, Pune

2010-08-31T11:16:00.000+05:30

The Don Bosco complex at Yerwada, Pune, is all set to begin a Senior College. Fr Michael Fernandes laid the foundation stone yesterday, 30 August 2010. For more news, see
http://www.donboscoindia.com/english/bis/default_ms.php?newsid=4150

"Emotional Growth" - Interparish Youth Animation at Divyadaan

2010-08-22T19:54:00.003+05:30

The Interparish Youth Animation Program at Divyadaan has just concluded. About 45 youth attended, from the 4 city parishes plus Igatpuri, including 3 from our own parish (Sophie, Ross and Nikhil).

Fr Anton D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Coordinator, began the sessions with an input on the ICYM - Indian Catholic Youth Movement. He encouraged everyone to feel part of the diocesan, national and even international Catholic youth scene, and said that he would soon be organizing a meeting of Presidents and Vice Presidents of the parish youth groups of the diocese.

Fr Robert Pen took the next two sessions on Emotional Growth, dealing mainly with anger and fear. His lively and friendly communication was appreciated by all. The brothers of Divyadaan were also a great help. A tag line: Stephen Covey's 90/10 principle: 10% of life is what happens to you; 90% follows from how you react to it.

The Program ended with the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist. Wonderful theme of the one family under God our Father: Isaiah speaking of all nations streaming to Jerusalem, and Jesus saying that people will come from East and West and take their places at table in the kingdom of heaven.... And the little gathering of youth as part of the ongoing fulfillment of that prophecy.

A warm word of congratulations to Sagar and Shirley, the two prime movers of the event.

For more photos, see http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30928131&id=1397104704#!/album.php?aid=2050279&id=1397104704

Next appointment: Sunday, 10 October 2010, outing to Swami Shilananda's Ashram, Sinnar. We meet at 0830 at St Ann's Nashik Road, and from there make our way, by line bus, to Sinnar. From Sinnar, a short 3 km. walk to the Ashram, which is on the Sinnar Gothi road. Come with lunch as well as swimming togs - hoping that Swamiji's 'swimming pool' will be full thanks to the good rains. There might be a small charge for the snacks which will be provided.

Youth Animation on "Emotional Growth," Sunday 22 August

2010-08-19T22:03:00.000+05:30

Fr Robert Pen will be animating the youth of the Nashik and Igatpuri parishes on the topic of Emotional Growth, coming Sunday, 22 August 2010.

The venue is Divyadaan, and the reporting time is 1330 hours. Contribution of Rs 30 per head to defray expenses. Tea will be provided. The organizers are St Ann's Youth, Nashik Road.

We expect to celebrate the Sunday Mass at around 1700 hours, and hope to conclude by 1800 hours.

Welcome, all you youth!

Meeting of leaders of Zone A

2010-08-19T18:09:00.000+05:30

The leaders of Zone A met on 17 August 2010. Those present were: Mr Robin Susainathan; Mrs Mabel De Souza; Mrs Sujata Castelino; Mrs Letitia John; Mr Henry Menezes; and myself.

The first point on the agenda was the election of a new Zonal leader, since Mrs Blessy Lewis has said that she will not be able to continue this year. The group warmly placed on record their appreciation for the services rendered by Mrs Lewis during the past year. They went on to elect Mr Henry Menezes as Zonal leader. Since they were not able to find an area leader, Mr Menezes will continue to carry out that responsibility too.

The second point was an update on the prayer meetings. Since the statue of Our Lady is going around the houses, the prayer meetings will be suspended. Each area leader will draw up a list of houses that are willing to receive the statue; Mr Menezes will coordinate 4 areas, while Mrs Mabel De Souza will coordinate her own area as well as Eden Gardens.

The third point was a Zonal outing. The place proposed was Swami Shilananda's Sanjivan Ashram, Sinnar. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a free date till November 2010. The matter will be taken up once again at a future meeting.

I congratulated the Zone, and especially Mr and Mrs Claude Noronha, for the lovely item they put up (Wedding at Cana). I also congratulated Mr and Mrs Robin for the wonderful dance by their troupe.

The meeting ended with a prayer.

Feast of the Assumption and Independence Day

2010-08-16T08:34:00.000+05:30

Yesterday turned out to be a busy day. The morning mass was anticipated to 0630; Fr Felix Fernandes presided. There followed the Don Bosco school flag hoisting ceremony, with Dr Vikas Ghogate as chief guest. Later Fr Nelson and team went to Satpur, where the feast day mass was at 1130, followed by a saha-bhojan for more than 400 people; the team returned only by 1600 hours. In the meantime, I was called on an emergency basis to bless the sakhar-puda ceremony of two young people, Sunil Gaikwad (Nashik Road) and Shweta Tupe (Pune) at the house of Mr and Mrs Bansode, Rohit and Amit's parents. By 1600 preparations were on for the Academy. The mass began at 1830 hours, the president being Fr Nelson, who preached the history of salvation from the Khristapurana, how Lucifer and his angels refused to do sastanga-namaskar to God, and how eventually God sent his Son, and Mary's sharing in Jesus' resurrection. Among other intentions, the mass was offered also by the Catholic employees of Mahindras.

The academy began at around 1945, with 14 items: band pieces by STI and DD; solo dances by Mary and Rinelda; group dances by the Satpur youth, Maria Vihar boarders, and Mrs Robins' troupe; skits by Nirmala Home and Zone A (a very French Jesus, played by Nicola, turning water into wine at the request of Mary, wonderfully done, thanks to Claude and Claudine Noronha); music by Bosco and Fr Nelson, and by Bosco's students Diana, Mellita and Isha; two wonderful choir pieces by the Capuchins and Divyadaan.

Thanks to Nikhil and Tina for doing the compering, and to all who participated.

Interschool Football

2010-08-14T11:28:00.000+05:30

The under-17 Don Bosco school football team had 3 or more matches yesterday. I went to watch a bit of the last match: they were playing Boys' Town. I was lucky to see two exciting goals, one by Boys Town, and the other by our own team. Unfortunately, our team lost (this was the semi-finals) - perhaps because they were too tired from 3 earlier matches, while Boys Town was quite fresh with only 1 earlier match. Congrats to our lads, anyway! They have been practising quite regularly, and we have some very good players, as Fr Diego told me.

One great difference is the size of the ground: our own ground is not quite full size, so when a team plays on a regular full size ground, they tend to be at a disadvantage. Some of this can be offset by rigorous stamina training, perhaps, according to the opinion of experts (mainly Velasli, Rickson and Ajay).

The forthcoming Marian Academy

2010-08-14T11:23:00.000+05:30

Practices are going on furiously for the forthcoming Marian Academy on 15 August, at around 1930 hours, after the evening mass.... I hear Zone A every day, or perhaps every other day, practising in the hall. Every now and then also strains of trumpets from Bosco and Fr Nelson... Then there are surely band pieces under new and old band masters: Bosco at Divyadaan, and Fr Nelson at STI... The youth were practising diligently for some days; of late they have not been heard.

So be prepared for a long, exciting evening!

Kickboxing bronze for Don Bosco boy

2010-08-11T19:15:00.000+05:30

Subhankar Tak of Std X, Don Bosco School, won the bronze medal at the kickboxing Nationals held last week at Kolkata. Congratulations Subhankar!

The under-17 team of the school did well at the tournaments recently, coming up to the finals. They lost in the finals to Bhosala.

Vianney Sunday

2010-08-10T16:06:00.000+05:30

Vianney Sunday was celebrated in our parish on 8 August 2010. The parish felicitated all priests who help with masses and other pastoral services to dinner. Unfortunately Fr Nelson, our parish priest, was held up at a function at Nashik Road, and could not make it for the Sunday evening mass.

We wish all our priests a happy feast day, and assure them our prayers.

Inauguration of Mahindra Service Station at Divyadaan campus

2010-08-10T16:04:00.000+05:30

"First Choice," a spanking new state-of-the-art Mahindra Service Station, was inaugurated this morning by Mr Rajeev Dubey in the presence of Fr Michael Fernandes, SDB provincial, and others.

The new complex facing Maria Vihar will eventually include also a Technical School (of a new kind... still in the planning phase) directed by Fr Anton D'Souza, SDB, and a shopping complex on the outer fronts.

We hope that the youngsters of our parish will make use of the facilities offered by the Technical School. For that we need to get moving with our statistics. Although we are not yet sure of what facilities will be offered, it will not be a bad idea to get together a list of youngsters, with their educational qualifications and aspirations, especially in the Satpur sector...

Sheldon operated

2010-08-07T21:41:00.001+05:30

Sheldon, Sujata Castelino's nephew, has undergone an operation for the ear this evening. He is recovering at New Satyam Hospital opposite the Telephone Exchange. Prayers for his recovery. Get well Sheldon!

Parish council meeting

2010-08-07T21:40:00.000+05:30

The parish council of DB sector met this evening at 1730 hours as usual. About 14 religious, mostly women, and 8 laypeople attended. The agenda including planning for the Marian Academy on 15 August; and the request to the Salesian provincial for land for a new parish church.

Fr Nelson reminded the council of what the provincial had said: to improve the functioning of the SCCs, the catechism classes, the youth group, the Sunday Collections, the Church support, the attendance at Sunday masses. An interesting discussion followed, with several practical suggestions, among which that the Parish Priest should pay pastoral visits especially to families that were not regular. A list of catechism children is being drawn up by Bro Velasli, and each zonal priest in charge and the parish priest and zonal and area leaders will follow up the attendance. The parish councillors will also be reminded to attend the meetings, and efforts will be made to revive the SCCs.

Bhabhi sick

2010-08-05T07:53:00.001+05:30

Please pray for Mrs Naheeda Sheikh, popularly known as Bhabhi, who has been ailing the last week. She had to be hospitalized for a stomach condition, and was just discharged last evening. Fr Nelson paid her a visit together with Bros Rickson and Ajay.

Visit of Fr Klement

2010-08-05T07:51:00.000+05:30

On 13 August 2010, we expect the visit of Fr Klement Vaclav, SDB, Salesian General Councillor for the Missions. Fr Klement is a native of the Czech Republic, has worked several years in Korea, and speaks Korean fluently. Before being elected Councillor for the Missions at the last General Chapter, he was Regional Councillor for East Asia.

Fr Klement will celebrate the Eucharist for the Salesians of the campus at 1545 at the Divyadaan chapel.

This is his very first visit to India and to Nashik.

Welcome, Fr Klement!

Visit of Fr Franco

2010-08-05T07:49:00.000+05:30

Fr Franco Pereira, SDB was here the other day. We took the chance to invite him to address the school assembly, which he readily accepted. Despite the rain, he gave a talk to the students, with the Std X boys standing in the two corridors. Thank you, Fr Franco!

Fr Franco, for those who do not know, is currently posted in Kuwait, where he helps with the parish and school.

Mother Marchetti: 70 years of religious profession

2010-08-05T07:47:00.000+05:30

Mother Virginia Marchetti, FMA, celebrates today 70 years of religious profession. There will be a Eucharist at 1030 hours in the SHTC hall, the president being Fr Ashley Miranda. The FMA provincial and her team are here; several other sisters are also expected for this extraordinary occasion. Unfortunately none of Mother's relatives could come, but there will be a few Italians, guests of Sr Aruna Castelino.

Our warmest wishes to Mother Marchetti on this jubilee. We remember with great affection her loving and caring ways. She always had a good word for all the fathers and brothers, and great concern. Thank you, Mother. Our prayers and love.

Demise of Anjali's husband

2010-08-05T07:44:00.000+05:30

Mrs Anjali Shah, teacher at Don Bosco, lost her husband a couple of weeks ago. He had been suffering from cancer. Our sincerest condolences to Mrs Shah and her family.

Sick parishioners

2010-08-04T08:36:00.001+05:30

I've heard that Sera Susainathan is down with jaundice. Prayers, Sera! Get well soon.

Jerome Hill was down with viral fever last week; and then his sister Flavia. Prayers for them too. Jerome celebrated his 21st birthday in bed... Belated birthday wishes, Jerome!

Rita D'Souza and John Borde in an accident

2010-08-03T11:56:00.000+05:30

Pray for Rita D'Souza and John Borde who were involved in a little accident yesterday, as both were returning home after mass in the evening. Rita has sustained scrapes and cuts on one side, while John might have injured his back. Hopefully nothing serious for both of them.

The accident happened on Don Bosco Marg, just outside Kilbil. Rita was on her two-wheeler, while John was walking in a black raincoat. With the rain and the black raincoat, Rita must have not seen John.

The Prodigal Son

2010-08-02T07:58:00.000+05:30

Congrats to the Divyadaan brothers - and the Tanmaya novice - for the fine performance of Lawrence Waddy's The Prodigal Son. It was obvious that a lot of effort and thought went into the performance. Everyone did well. Sunil Pinto sang wonderfully as the father, Malton was the typical confused young man as the younger son, Rohan was a strong and solid elder son, and Larsen Iyengar as the chief devil was very good too. The parable never fails to move.

What struck me once again in Waddy's interpretation of the parable is that, once the tempters fail with the younger son, they move their efforts to the elder son, making him angry and resentful that his waster brother is coming back. And in fact, that was Jesus' point: his parable was directed mainly to the Pharisees.

The hall was full last night, and I got the impression that there were several people from Devlali and Holy Cross, besides religious and our own parishioners, school staff and children. Adrian even came all the way from Igatpuri.

Fr Savio's birthday

2010-08-01T15:13:00.000+05:30

Today is Fr Savio D'Souza's birthday. Fr Savio is Rector of Divyadaan. While we thank him for his contribution to the parish, we wish him a very happy birthday, and many happy returns.

Fr Savio presided at the parish eucharist this morning at 0700 hours. Frs Provincial and Vice Provincial were among the concelebrants.

Don Bosco youth visit Satpur youth

2010-08-01T12:11:00.000+05:30

A small group of youth from the Don Bosco sector paid a visit to Satpur this morning: Suraj, Sushma, Sophia, Mellita, Rephan and Delvin, and Bro Rickson. It was a good idea, and one that seems to have worked out at short notice. Some of the youth had never been to Satpur, some had not seen the renovated Church, and some spent their earlier childhood at Satpur. They joined the mass at 0830 and then met the Satpur youth - about 8 of them.

The Satpur youth are some 40 or 50, but some are working, others probably have things to do on Sundays.

We had lectio divina, and then a round of introductions and sharing. Sandeep Ohol, President of the Satpur group, requested more sharing of information. We said that the next event was the Marian Academy on 15 August, and invited the Satpur youth to put up an item. They readily agreed. Later, on 22 August, a youth animation program was being planned at Holy Cross Church. We also mentioned the outing to Swami Shilananda's ashram at Sinnar (10 October), the Football and Throwball Tournament (7 November), the get together (29 December), the animation program at Igatpuri (January), etc.

We exchanged emails and telephone numbers. Suryakant offered to send messages also to the Satpur youth.

A very fruitful meeting, all in all. Everyone seemed quite happy with the event. Thanks especially to Suryakant for the mobilization.

Don Bosco school students roaming in Divyadaan...

2010-07-30T17:15:00.000+05:30

Some file photos of our Don Bosco school students ... 3 years later they certainly look different!

Happy birthday Fr Robert!

2010-07-30T16:58:00.002+05:30

Fr Robert Pen, SDB, principal of Divyadaan, celebrates his birthday today. Happy birthday Robert, and thanks for all you do in our parish.

Team Visit 2010

2010-07-30T16:55:00.000+05:30

Fr Michael Fernandes, provincial, and Fr Ajoy Fernandes, vice provincial, are currently in Nashik for the annual "Team Visit". This evening they are in STI; tomorrow morning in Divyadaan; and tomorrow evening in Don Bosco. Fr Elson Barretto, provincial economer, was unable to come for reasons of health.

Bro Alex Gonsalves at Don Bosco School

2010-07-28T08:43:00.002+05:30

Bro Alex Gonsalves, SDB, gave a talk to the Don Bosco school assembly this morning. He spoke about his 24 years of work in Ahmednagar. In 24 years, he and BGVK were able to carry out watershed projects in 22 villages of the taluka. Where formerly people were with difficulty getting one crop, now they are able to get three crops in a year. The average village income has gone up many times. Bro. Alex invited the school kids to do their little part for ecology: growing trees in little plastic bags, planting them where they could, using water sparingly, recycling waste water, etc.

Bro Alex was given the Indira Priyadarshini national award, and the Vanashri Maharastra state government award for his work.

A DVD of his work is available: it records the transformation of Dongargan, a village that is famous for its Sitechi Nhani and its ancient tamarind trees.

Don Bosco Narukot

2010-07-25T15:48:00.002+05:30

The Don Bosco school, boarding, technical school, parish, and development work at Narukot near Jambughoda in the Panchmahals District of Gujarat. Land gifted to us by Mr Piloo Mody. Wonderful place in the forest. Utterly beautiful scenes in the hills around.

Our Bro. Ajay Shelke did a year of practical training at Narukot...

Don Bosco in the Gujarat region

2010-07-25T15:39:00.001+05:30

I have always been saying that we ought to communicate more with our parishioners. How many of our parishioners know about the works of the Salesian province of Mumbai, for example? or of the works of the FMA, and the UMI, and the FHIC?

Here is a small start: Salesians in the Gujarat region. I say Gujarat region, because the houses spill over into neighbouring Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

I have just put up a blog entry about Suket in South Rajasthan, so that is more or less seen to.

In the state of Gujarat we have: a parish, school, neighbourhood classes, and work for street boys at Baroda; boardings, schools, parishes and development works at Narukot, Chhota Udepur, Kawant, Tanakhla, Dakor; an aspirantate, parish, catechetical centre and development work at Kapadvanj. The people in all the places apart from Dakor are adivasis belonging to the Rathwa tribe, also known as Bhilalas.

In Madhya Pradesh we have a boarding, school, technical school, parish and development work at Alirajpur, and a hostel for school youth at Jhabua. The people here are adivasis belonging mostly to the Bhilala and Bhil tribes.

Don Bosco Suket

2010-07-25T15:30:00.003+05:30

Some views of Don Bosco Suket - the school, the parish residence, the children. The Mission Fete 2009 collection of Rs 50,000 was sent to Don Bosco Suket. Fr Paul Antao, the Parish Priest and Manager of the school, has established three scholarships with the money: two of Rs 15,000 and one of Rs 20,000. The Hindi medium unaided school was up to Std VII; it was recently expanded to Std X. It used to be an aided school once; the people running it at that time thought that it was too much trouble to stay aided, and so voluntarily gave up the aid. It would be an uphill task now to get the aid back. The fees are Rs 50 a month, so the difficulties of running the school can be well imagined. Apart from the financial aspect, there is the difficulty also of finding good teachers.

St Michael's Parish, Salawad, Suket, has a small group of 1,400 parishioners largely clustered around the parish church. The men folk mostly work in the Kota stone quarries that abound in the place. They also cultivate the fields, which were gifted to the church and its people by some past ruler of the place.

We have 2 young men here in Nashik from Suket: Salesian novice Prince Bundla at STI, and Bro Clement Mathera at Divyadaan. The parish has given several priests and religious to the church, including a Salesian from another province, Edward Sacrawat. Lack of educational opportunities has, however, affected the fortunes of this hardy group of people in the southern tip of Rajasthan. With the upgrading of the school, there are hopes of returning to past glory, when Suket, with its school and boarding, used to be one of the well-known places for education in the Church of North India.

The Salesian pioneers of this mission were Frs Elson Barretto (now Provincial Economer) and Matthew Katara. Fr Paul Antao, the present parish priest, used to be administrator and teacher at Divyadaan.

Don't miss the blue skies of Suket - I have seen such blue only in the Italian skies! The famous Italian - or Mediterranean azurro... The climate is extreme: bitterly cold in winter, horribly hot and dry in summer. But you can't deny the beauty of the place.

The French Capuchin pioneers were of course creative: it is said that they had an underground pool beneath the Outhouse, where they could sit in the water during the summer. Sadly in disuse now, the pool must be full of snakes and things. Waiting for some enterprising Salesian missionary to clean up the place and revive old ways! Perhaps some future lad from Nashik....

For more photos, feel free to look up my albums on Facebook.

Youth meeting, Sunday, 25 July 2010

2010-07-25T14:37:00.001+05:30

5 youth turned up for the meeting this morning: Nikhil, Kenneth, Sophia D'Souza (new), Sushma and Suryakant. Rephan turned up towards the end. Delvin and Mellita were held up by their tests (tuition classes). Bro. Rickson was there of course.

The scripture input was about the Call Narratives: we compared the Call of the Disciples in the four gospels, and found that St John's account was significantly different. However, nothing to get panicky about: the four gospels are like four photographs of Jesus, all taken by people who loved Jesus and were fascinated by him. The sessions ended with 5 minutes of prayerful silence.

The agenda:

1. Communication circles. Suryakant has drawn up two circles, one with those who are regular for meetings, the other for those who are not. However, it was decided that he would also launch free SMSs to all. Besides, Nikhil agreed to begin a Facebook community called "Don Bosco Youth Group, Nashik". I offered to give him an updated list of youth.

2. I informed the group that I had written to Bishop Lourdes Daniel about the proposals of the Interparish Youth Leaders meeting, and that I was awaiting a reply. Copies had been sent to the Parish Priests and youth animators / leaders.

3. Suryakant said that 3 of them had met on Tuesday. They had planned for the Academy item as well as for the Mass Animation.

4. Calendar of our group for the year:

1 Aug: Outing to Satpur: 0830 mass followed by meeting with Satpur youth
15 Aug: Item for the Marian Academy
22 Aug: Interparish Youth Animation at Holy Cross.
29 Aug: Mass Animation
10 Oct: Interparish Outing to Swami Shilananda's Ashram, Sinnar. Organizers: Don Bosco Youth
17 Oct: Mission Fete
31 Oct: Mass animation
7 Nov: Interparish Football and Throwball Tournament.
16 Dec onwards: Carol Singing
29 Dec: Interparish Youth Christmas Get-together
9 Jan: Interparish Youth Animation, Igatpuri
29 Jan: Item for Don Bosco's Academy
30 Jan: Parish Feast of Don Bosco, mass animation
13 Mar: Interparish Youth Recollection at St Patrick's. Organizers: Don Bosco Youth
Lent: animation of one Friday way of the Cross
Good Friday: animation of one Station of the Way of the Cross

Pity we could not agree on a common date for an overnight picnic - perhaps to Lonavla, or if not, to Karjat. For Lonavla, if we want to go to Don Bosco, we will have to find time during the Diwali vacations. Otherwise there are the Jesuit holiday houses like Stanislaus Villa, Lonavla, or perhaps St Mary's Villa if that is still functioning... In Karjat we have a new building at Don Bosco's, with a large campus that includes a little hill... and perhaps the facility of a resort run by a parishioner from Wadala West.

PTA meeting in Don Bosco school

2010-07-24T13:20:00.000+05:30

The PTA meetings of primary and secondary schools (Don Bosco) concluded this morning, with the parents and teachers passing the proposal for a raise in fees so that the 6th Pay Commission might be at least partially implemented.

Fr Diego also communicated to the body about the recent pressure from some private TV channel to dismiss two teachers who have been recently employed, on the grounds that they had not completed their internship.

New at DB

2010-07-24T13:18:00.001+05:30

The DB church has acquired new furniture and a new washbasin in the sacristy, together with new vestments, sacred vessels, etc.

The sanctuary sports two images of Our Lady - in addition to the statue of Mary Help of Christians that was already there. Not too happy with the aesthetics as well as the theology... I know there is a non-linear theology of church spaces, but probably we have moved beyond that - or at least we might have to completely redesign our churches to integrate once more a non-linear catechesis and praying space.

In the meantime, the painting of the parish cum residence is moving to a completion.

Ajay and co. back

2010-07-24T13:15:00.003+05:30

Ajay, Rickson and Velasli are back - a bit tired and shaken, but otherwise fine, except for Ajay who has a fracture on his nose, which will need time and rest for healing. Fr Nelson went down to Andheri to get them back, after making sure that the B.Ed. admissions were done. Thanks very much to him for all the trouble.

Our warmest thanks also to Fr Joaquim Fernandes, Fr Bosco D'Mello, and Mr Nazareth Denis who drove to Bhivandi all the way from Mumbai in the night to pick up our brothers, and take them to the hospital at Andheri. Thanks also to Fr Godfrey D'Souza and Edwin Colaco and the community of Dominic Savio Andheri for taking care of our brothers.