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Don Bosco Shrine, Bandlaguda Jagir, Hyderabad, January 28, 2024: In a jubilant dance of colours and whispers of prayer, the global Don Bosco community gathered today, beneath the azure skies of Bandlaguda Jagir, to weave tales of celebration and introspection on the Feast of St. John Bosco. A sacred day that knows no boundaries, it seamlessly united Salesians, students, and devotees in a global symphony of gratitude and joy.
At the heart of this spiritual carnival, the Annual Feast of Don Bosco Shrine unfolded in grandeur, casting a luminous spotlight on the mystical First Holy Communion and Holy Confirmation Ceremony. The maestro orchestrating this divine spectacle was none other than His Eminence Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, a beacon of wisdom and humility.
The Cardinal, embraced by the warmth of welcome extended by the Parish Council Members from BIRDY, embarked on a ceremonial journey. With the angelic procession of First Holy Communicants leading him, accompanied by a celestial retinue of 20 concelebrants and devout altar servers, the scene resembled a living tapestry of reverence and hope. Father Santiagu, the Provincial of the Hyderabad province, graced the congregation with his presence, adding an extra layer of spiritual grace.
In the sanctuary of the Don Bosco Shrine, Fr B. Rayappa, the Parish Priest, opened the gates to a realm where prayers mingled with the fragrance of incense. His warm embrace of His Eminence Cardinal Poola Anthony set the tone for a day not just of rituals but of profound connection and shared devotion. With prayers ascending for the 55 First Holy Communicants and only 4 Holy Confirmation candidates, the air pulsated with a sacred energy.
Amidst the vibrant hues of almost 1600 parishioners, the ceremony unfolded like a cosmic ballet. The Liturgy committee, akin to celestial choreographers, directed the faithful in a dance of worship and reflection. The communion of souls found expression in the meticulous beauty of the liturgical proceedings.
Cardinal Poola Anthony, in his address, wove a tapestry of words, painting portraits of Eucharistic Union, Spiritual Nourishment, the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and the sealing with the Spirit. His words were not mere echoes but ripples in the collective soul, resonating with the hearts of the congregation. The melodious choir, akin to celestial troubadours, added a symphony of devotion, making the celebration a feast for both the ears and the spirit.
As the echoes of prayers and hymns gently dissipated into the ether, what remained was an indelible mark etched on the hearts of the faithful. The day was not merely an homage to a saint but a recommitment to the ethos of Don Bosco – an unwavering dedication to education, youth empowerment, and a faith that transcends temporal boundaries. In the echoes of this celebration, may the spirit of St. John Bosco continue to guide the community through the tapestry of faith in the years to come.
