Feast of Don Bosco Celebrated amidst 250 child labourers
Hyderabad Feb. 1: Annual feast of Don Bosco on 31st January 2015 was celebrated with a difference at Don Bosco Rehabilitation Centre, Ramanthapur. Children who have been rescued from Bangle Industry from Old City, Hyderabad were brought to our home on 24thof January 2015. Last eight days they have been residing at our campus. This year, they were our special guests for the feast of Don Bosco. We were blessed to have them amidst us.
We approached Mr Imtiyas, District Child Protection Offer (DCPO) of Hyderabad to allow them to be with us for the cultural programme staged by our children on the occasion of the feast of Don Bosco and for the special meal served for these children. He was kind enough permit them to with us.
The ground in front of outdoor stage was packed with the presence of these children. They were welcomed with a Band piece and Navajeevan theme dance by our children. On this occasion the Director of Don Bosco Navajeevan Homes Fr Bellamkonda Sudhakar, welcomed every one for the programme and wished Happy Feast of Don Bosco. In his message, he has called upon the gathering to be alert to protect the children, in this year 2015, let us spread Child Line No. 1098, which is a toll free number and helps to save children in difficult who are in need of care and protection.
As part of the raising funds towards education of the children we organized a Lucky dip and draw taken during this function. We had Ms Gloria from ISB and Fr. Kondaveeti Anthaiah, Administrator, St. John’s Seminary, Ramanthapur were our guest for the draw of the winners. Our children at Ramanthapur put up colourful dances for these children. They were so happy and enjoyed every bit of the programme.
The festive celebration began with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Bellamkonda Sudhakar, Director for the all the inmates of the DBRC, Ramanthapur Community. During Mass, the Director said that, we all should become another Don Bosco to be ambassadors of the Change in the society. Don Bosco personally accompanied every child and everyone felt each one was loved more than the other. His presence was very formative presence.
Fr Provincial made a visit to Ramanthapur to wish Salesians and children for the feast. He was happy to see rescued children in our campus. He also interacted and spend time with these children. He also congratulated the community for going out of our way to take care of these children. DCPO of Hyderabad thanked Fr Provincial and Don Bosco for providing place for these children in our campus.
The Feast Day Mass was celebrated by Fr Thathireddy Vijay Bhaskar, Vice Provincial at our campus Don Bosco Navajeevan, Nampally. The staff and Students of New Bhoiguda and Nampally present for the celebrations. All local donors and religious of in and around Nampally home were invited. In his message Vice Provincial said that Don Bosco was send by God. He also that Don Bosco began Operation Smile programme in 1841 itself when he around in Turin city and gather all the children with the aim make them as “God fearing people and honest citizens”.
After Mass, children at Nampally also put up a short cultural programme to thank guests for their generosity. Director also thanked Vice Provincial for accepting to be our main celebrant. He also thanked everyone for being part of Don Bosco Navajeevan family members through your contribution to help these children. He also thanked Sr. Chinnamma Provincial, Holy Spirit sisters for taking care of our children at Nampally.
