Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Don Bosco Monvila Celebrated
The Silver Jubilee (1999-2024) of Don Bosco Monvila, was celebrated on Saturday 7th December 2024 at Don Bosco Monvila, Trivandrum, with great enthusiasm and pride, marking 25 years of excellence in service to the less privileged children of the society. The celebration commenced at 10:00 a.m. with a Holy Eucharist presided over by Rev. Fr. Jose Koyickal SDB, Provincial, Salesian Province of Bangalore, concelebrated at the altar by the Vice Provincial, Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery, the Economer Fr. Joy Nedumparambil, Former Rectors of Don Bosco Monvila, Fr. Francis John, Fr. Thomas Varkey, Fr. Bosco Ponthokkan, Fr. Kuriakose Pallikkunnel, and Present Rector Fr. Philip Parakatt. About 40 other priests also joined as concelebrant for the Mass.
Following the Holy Eucharist, the Felicitation of Silver Jubilee Celebration began with a prayer dance by the KCYM youth of Sahayamatha Church, Manacaud. Rev. Fr. Philip Parakatt SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Monvila, welcomed the eminent personalities to the dais. During his welcome address, he briefed the history of Don Bosco Monvila, the Salesians’ journey from 1999 to 2024, and the various services the community offered and continues to offer for its beneficiaries.
Rev. Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery SDB, the Vice Provincial, Salesian Province of Bangalore, in his presidential address, likened Don Bosco Monvila to a lighthouse atop a mountain, illuminating the path for others. This analogy reflects the institution’s mission to spread its light of service to those in need. By doing so, Don Bosco Monvila embodies a beacon of hope, guiding and supporting children in need. Rev. Fr. Jose Thomas Koyickal the Provincial, in his inaugural address highlighted about the appreciation Don Bosco Monvila received from Fr. Fabio Attard, the Extraordinary Visitor from Rome during his visit of the Community in the month of November 2024 as an institution rendering exceptional service to the needy children of the Society. This acknowledgment is a testament to the institution’s dedication to its mission and its positive impact.
Smt. Sreedevi A, Councillor, Attipra Ward, Trivandrum City Corporation, in her felicitation speech, highlighted the services Don Bosco Monvila has provided to its beneficiaries over the past 25 years and wished the Centre success in its future activities. Rev. Fr. Francis John SDB, pioneer and in-charge of Don Bosco Monvila during 1999-2002, shared his experience educating dropout students and their success, one of the centre’s major projects until 2004. Rev. Fr. Thomas Varkey, in-charge and first Rector of Don Bosco Monvila, shared his experience with the psychotherapy clinic and its success. Rev. Fr. Bosco Ponthokkan SDB, former Rector of Don Bosco Monvila (2011-2017), highlighted the centre’s transition periods and its various services. Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Pallikunnel SDB, former Rector (2017-2020), highlighted the success of many young people working across the globe after their education at Don Bosco Monvila. Rev. Fr. Benny Neeliyara SDB, Vice Rector of Don Bosco Monvila, offered a vote of thanks.
During the program all the past Salesians, staff, volunteers and benefactors of the institution were honoured with Mementos for their contributions to Don Bosco Monvila. A Jubilee song was sung by the staff of Don Bosco Sadan under the leadership of Mr. Immanuel Silas, besides a melodious solo by him enthusing the Silver Jubilee celebration.
The Silver Jubilee Celebration Program was concluded successfully with the screening of “Dream Your Dream,” a music video directed by Rev. Fr. Jiji Kalavanal SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Manacaud. “Dream Your Dream” had previously won Best Music Video at the prestigious Don Bosco Global Film Festival in Rome, 2024. The day’s event ended with delicious lunch served to all persons who came to attend the Celebration. With Salesians, past and present staff and students, priests and sisters from the neighbouring institution, neighbours etc., there were about 200 persons attending the Silver Jubilee Celebration.
