Lord, I Offer My Life to You! By Bro. Johnson Kshirsagar sdbMumbai, May. 30. Six Salesian clerics, Shaun D' Lima, Ajay D' Monte, Johnson Kshirsagar, Vishal Lopes, Mylin Noronha and Ajay Shekel made their Perpetual Profession on Friday May 24 , 2013 at a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the Crypt of Don Bosco's Madonna, Matunga, Mumbai.
The Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Michel Fernandes, Provincial of the Mumbai Province. Members of the Provincial Council and a number of Salesian Priests concelebrated at the mass.
In his homily, Fr. William Falcao, Rector of Don Bosco High School, Borivili, drew attention to three important points: Fr. Pascual Chavez, the Rector Major, in his recent letter AGC 416 on 'Vocation and Formation: Gift and Task' stressed the fact that his main concern was not the falling numbers in Vocations but the fragility and formation of the young clerics. He drew attention to Pope Francis and his emphasis that the Church was not just a Social NGO, but one that is focused on the 'Call to Holiness'. Finally, he invited the parents and members of the families of the newly perpetually professed Salesians, to accompany their sons at all times to help them be faithful in responding to God's loving Call.
In the presence of two witnesses, Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial, and Fr. Elson Baretto, Provincial Economer, the 6 Candidates solemnly and publicly professed before Fr. Michael Fernandes, the Provincial, to offer themselves totally and forever to the Lord and his Service. Each of these perpetually professed Salesians received a lighted candle as a sign that they are called to be the light of the world. In the presence of their parents, relatives, benefactors, and friends they also received a 'Salesian Cross'. They were thus warmly welcomed into the Salesian congregation in perpetuity by Fr. Provincial.
Bro. Mylin Noronha, on behalf of the newly perpetually professed, thanked everyone for their prayers, wishes and support. A special mention was made of all the Salesian Formators who journeyed with them all through their initial stages of formation. The youthful choir of Our Lady of Dolours Parish, Wadala West added a solemn touch to the celebrations with their well-prepared singing.
The Eucharist was followed by a felicitation of the six clerics in Don Bosco Primary School Hall, Matunga. Fr. Provincial, in his concluding address, thanked especially the parents for the gift of their sons to the Salesian Congregation. May Don Bosco continue to inspire many more youngsters to respond to God's loving Call!