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Showing posts from July, 2025

A Conversation with Missionaries: Faith In Action

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Under the guidance of Fr Austin Fernandes, the youth of Don Bosco Benaulim hosted a remarkable event titled “In Dialogue With”, a unique opportunity for young minds to engage with Salesian Missionaries who have served in South Africa. The session was organised with the aim to encourage spiritual growth, and provide an interactive space for learning more about the Church's mission work. The session was mediated by Mr Aaron D’Souza, who helped guide the conversation smoothly and ensured that all voices and questions were heard. We were honoured to welcome and be in the presence of three distinguished missionaries: Fr Neville Luis, Fr Edwin Bracho, and Fr Mathias D’Chuna, who each shared their experiences with clarity, warmth, and humility. Their openness in answering the youth’s questions and clearing doubts created a meaningful bridge between generations and continents. A special highlight of the gathering was the participation of the Maina Curtorim Parish Youth, who attended as p...

Grow in Values, Grow in Humanity

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On the 24th of July 2025, Don Bosco Youth Services animated value-based session for the Students of Holy Rosary HS Nuvem, Margao-Goa. A total of 107 participated in a 2 hour 30 minute session organised by Fr. Austin Fernandes, sdb (Director of DBYS) and Luke Periera (Youth of Don Bosco Benaulim). The sessions comprised action songs, value-based games, activities and enriching sharing on the various topics. The main emphasis were laid on a life based on good values. Values of respect, focusing on things, listening were given great importance. In the second part, place of God in our lives, respect for parents, school, teachers were explained in details. Use of phones and social media were explained with real world examples. The enthusiasm of children and their frankness in sharing things was amazing. We pray and hope that they may grow in good values and grow in Humanity. - Fr. Austin Fernandes sdb

Young Hearts of Kudal rekindles bond with Nature through Paddy Farming

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The lush fields of Ranbambuli came alive with energy, purpose, and youthful spirit as the Don Bosco Youth Kudal, gathered for a Paddy Farming Activity on Wednesday, 23rd July 2025. Rooted in nature and community, this hands-on initiative was specially designed to support the local farmer by bringing young people directly to the field-helping them reconnect with the Mother Nature. This initiative was designed to ease the farmer’s workload, foster a sense of service among the youth, and build community through shared labor and learning. The event was animated under the guidance and joyful presence of Fr. Melwin Ferrao, Youth Director, whose encouragement and active participation uplifted the spirits of everyone present. The initiative also witnessed enthusiastic participation from catechism students, accompanied by their catechism teacher, making it a beautiful blend of faith, learning, and community action. In addition to experiencing traditional farming techniques, the youth actively a...

Youth Embrace Digital Detox as 'Connect 2.5' Returns Nature to Center Stage

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On July 20, 2025 at Don Bosco Sulcorna amidst Goa's monsoon-kissed landscape, over 100 young people from across the region gathered at Don Bosco Sulcorna for the much-anticipated annual retreat, Connect 2.5. Organized jointly by the Salesian Youth Movement and Don Bosco Youth Services, the event invited youth from Benaulim, Panjim, Shiroda, Tuem, and even as far as Oros in Maharashtra to disconnect from their digital screens and reconnect with nature and spirituality. Despite heavy morning rains, spirits remained high, and the downpour only amplified the day’s overarching theme of environmental harmony. The day began with a Eucharistic celebration led by Rev. Fr. Jacinto, whose message was deeply rooted in his missionary experiences in South Africa. He called the youth to realign their lives by placing God above all else, stressing divine justice, mercy, and the need for constant spiritual return. The celebration was concelebrated by Provincial Fr. Clive, and other Salesians includ...

Three-Day Animation Programme at St. Anthony’s HS, Koliwada, Vasai.

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Don Bosco Youth Services conducted a three-day animation programme at St. Anthony’s Convent High School, Vasai, Maharashtra, from 14th July to 17th July. Fr. Austin Fernandes, sdb, the Director of the Youth Services, planned this entire program for teachers The program was divided into three parts: the first day for the teachers' orientation and the next two days for the primary school animation. The 28 teachers' Orientation program included how their personality shapes their teaching style and how they could include it in their teaching career, and to build strong bonds with students. The second part focused on their memories of their teachers and what they could learn from their educators. This session had group sharing and understanding each one’s strengths and weaknesses. The third session focused on teamwork, understanding why they are here to teach, what their role is in the mission of the local community, and it was spiced with some creative activities that helped them...

Don Bosco Loutolim Hosts Dynamic Leadership Program for 68 Studying Youth

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On July 10, 2025 Don Bosco Loutolim successfully conducted a comprehensive Leadership Program that brought together 68 students from diverse academic backgrounds for an intensive session focused on developing essential leadership skills and understanding their role in society. The program, held at the Don Bosco campus in Loutolim, attracted participants from Higher Secondary School, NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling), and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Diploma Course programs, creating a rich mix of perspectives and experiences. Fr. Marvin Vaz SDB, Director of the college, opened the session by welcoming the participants and introducing the animation team from Don Bosco Youth Services. The facilitation was led by Fr. Austin Fernandes SDB, Director of Don Bosco Youth Services, alongside Luke Pereira, who brought their expertise in youth development and leadership training to the program. During his introductory remarks, Fr. Marvin explained the purpose and objectives of...

Don Bosco School, Oros Hosts Leadership Program for Student Council

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Don Bosco School, Oros successfully conducted a Leadership Development Program for its newly elected Student Council members on 7th July, 2025. The session aimed to help student leaders better understand their responsibilities and develop essential leadership qualities through engaging and interactive activities. The program began with a warm welcome by Fr. Ronald Vaz SDB, Vice Principal of Don Bosco School, who introduced the facilitation team to the student leaders. The session was led by Fr. Austin Fernandes SDB, Director of Don Bosco Youth Services, along with Luke Pereira, Franson Coelho, and Leha Fernandes, who brought energy, insight, and experience to the program. To get the students comfortable and involved, the session started with fun icebreaker activities, creating a friendly and open atmosphere. The main sessions covered three key topics: What is Leadership?, How a Leader is Built, and How a Leader Should Be. These sessions helped the students understand the real meaning o...