Shirva: Feast of Don Bosco celebrated in Don Bosco Youth Centre

By Wilson DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Shirva, 14 Jan 2012: The extension of Don Bosco Youth Centre building in Shirva (Udupi District), built for the needy boys was inaugurated on the 12th of January, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. on the auspicious occasion of the anticipated feast of Don Bosco. It was inaugurated and blessed by the Salesian Provincial Rev. Fr. Ian Figueiredo in the presence of  Very Rev. Fr. Baptist Menezes Episcopal Vicar of Udupi, , Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro Parish Priest and Vicar Forane of Shirva Deanery, and Rev. Fr. Valerian Pinto former parish  priest of Shirva, who was instrumental in beginning the Salesian presence in shirva.

 

The extended part includes the Dormitory extension, the Refectory and Kitchen for the boys and for the priests and brothers of the community.

 

Rev. Fr. Valerian Pinto was the main celebrant of the Festive Eucharistic Celebration and he spoke on the life and work of Don Bosco during his Homily and exhorted the crowd to become witnesses of Christ in and around their surroundings.

 

 

Fr. Maxim the Director of the Don Bosco Youth Centre Shirva gave an elaborate and a very meaningful thanksgiving speech. He extended his heart felt gratitude towards all the friends and benefactors of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva.

 

The Holy Eucharist was followed by the Felicitation ceremony during which the Architect, the Contractor and the Benefactors of the Youth Centre, were felicitated.

 

Finally the program ended with an entertainment program put up by the boys residing in Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva.

 

History of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva:

Don Bosco Youth Centre, established in 2007 is a gift of Divine Providence. Through the generous offer of the local Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Valerian Pinto and his Parish Council and a generous Catholic family of Late Mr. Benedict Menezes, the Salesians of Don Bosco were able to establish themselves in this place surrounded by numerous catholic families and youth. They are placed in a rural set up from where they are able to easily launch out into apostolates on behalf of youth.

 

In the first year two Salesians and 7 boys began the Salesian presence in the renovated house of the donors. Later on the year was spent in developing the land, planning the building and initiating the construction and establishing contacts for beginning the youth work.

 

The present community of Don Bosco Youth Centre Shirva consists of Rev. Fr. Maxim D’souza (Director), Fr. Augustine Fernandes (Administrator), Fr. Joe Fernandes (Catechist) and two regent viz. Br. Merwin and Br. Kiran who are in charge of 25 boys residing in the youth centre.

 

Activities that take place in Don Bosco youth centre:

• Hostel for boys
• Pastoral Service at Pilar
• Vocation work
• Youth work in school etc.