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Matunga, Mumbai

Altar Servers from Across Mumbai Gather for a Day of Learning, Prayer and Joy

23 January 2026

Animation, Catechetics,

News reported by: Rhea Vaz for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco Youth Services (DBYS) Mumbai organised a day of learning, prayer, and celebration for altar servers on Sunday, January 18, at Don Bosco High School, Matunga. The event brought together 140 altar servers, along with their animators, from Salesian houses across Mumbai, representing eight parishes. The gathering aimed to nurture the spiritual, emotional, and communal growth of young altar servers while strengthening their commitment to joyful service.

The programme was guided by the theme, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), highlighting the role of joy as a source of inner strength in serving God. Linking the theme to contemporary Church teaching, reference was made to Pope Francis’ 2026 message, which emphasises that true witnesses of Christ are “humble and free.” The altar servers were encouraged to embody these values by serving humbly and freely, not only at the altar but also in their daily interactions with others.

The day began on a prayerful note with the invocation of God’s grace, followed by a welcome address by Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rector of the Shrine. In his message, he inspired the young participants to “serve the Lord with gladness,” urging them to carry out their responsibilities with commitment, reverence, and joy. A key highlight of the programme was a session led by Ms. Joynel Fernandes from the Archdiocese Heritage Museum, who offered a reflective and engaging interpretation of Nehemiah 8:10. Through stories of saints such as St. Carlo Acutis, St. Lawrence, and St. Francis of Assisi, she illustrated how true joy flows from a close relationship with God and how service is a privilege rather than a mere obligation.

The event also featured vibrant presentations by participating parishes. These included a skit on being a good altar server by Dominic Savio Church, Antop Hill, and an action song titled “Kaun Hai” by Jyoti Mata Church, Virar. Additional performances and action songs, animated by DBYS youth, maintained a lively, enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the day.

A short but powerful film on the life of St. Carlo Acutis further inspired the participants, encouraging them to pursue holiness in ordinary life and to use modern means responsibly to spread the love of Christ. The latter half of the programme was dedicated to interactive games creatively linked to altar service, reinforcing key values through teamwork and fun.

The day concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Joyston Machado, who urged the altar servers to remain close to God through prayer and to let joy radiate through their service and daily lives. The event served as a meaningful milestone, reminding young altar servers that the joy of the Lord is indeed their strength, both at the altar and beyond.

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