The Extraordinary Visitation By Fr. Gildasio Mendes dos Santos SDB, 2024

Posted: Nov 25th, 2024

The Don Bosco Seminary Community had the honor of welcoming Rev. Fr. Gildasio Mendes dos Santos SDB, General Councillor for Social Communication, for his Extra-ordinary Visitation from November 11th to 16th, 2024. The visit began with a solemn welcoming ceremony, where the entire community gathered at the entrance to receive him with a band and singing. This was followed by an official opening conference in which Fr. Gildasio expressed his gratitude to the Rector and the community for the warm reception. He also highlighted the significance of the Extraordinary Visitation in the life of the Salesian family. Over the next three days, Fr. Gildasio met individually with confreres, beginning with the staff members of Mamma Margaret Home (MMH), the seminary staff, and the students. On November 12th, he celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the community, praying for Salesian missionaries worldwide. Fr. Gildasio visited youth center and inaugurated the flood light volleyball court on 14th November. Our youngsters were taken aback by the dynamic presence of Fr. Gildasio amidst them and he was actively present for the inaugural volleyball batch between Salesians and neighbouring volleyball club. The next day, father visited Sacred Heart Parish in Keezhmadu, where he was pleased to meet with the parishioners. In his message, he emphasized the importance of working together as a Catholic community for the common good, especially for the benefit of young people. The Extraordinary Visitation concluded on November 16th, 2024, with a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the afternoon, followed by a concluding conference in the evening. During this conference, Fr. Gildasio shared a report of his observations. As a token of gratitude, the community organized a special family circle with a band, choir, and instrumental music, along with an address of thanksgiving. The celebration concluded with dinner in the MMH refectory. The Extraordinary Visitation was a time of grace and renewal for the community. Fr. Gildasio’s interactions and reflections were deeply inspiring, rekindling the community’s zeal for continuing the mission for the young.