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PUNE, August 16

Inter-Parish Marian Evening Brings 96 Confirmation Students Together in Pune

18 August 2026

Animation, Catechetics,

News reported by: Alisha Khemali

The Salesian Catechetical Centre, Pune, organised the Inter-Parish Marian Evening 2026 at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Koregaon Park, on August 16 for confirmation students of the Diocese of Pune.

Sixteen parishes participated in the Marian Quiz, with six confirmation students from each parish, for a total of 96 young participants. Around 60 catechists, parents, brothers and sisters also attended. The programme was animated by the Salesian Catechetical Core Team, Sisters of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, and members of the Salesian Youth Movement.

Held on the theme “To Live and Love like Mary,” the evening focused on prayer, catechesis, fellowship, games, and a quiz to help young people deepen their devotion to Mary and reflect on her virtues.

The programme opened with the prayer hymn Mary Did You Know, during which participants offered flowers to Mary as a symbol of entrusting themselves to her care. Fr Ian Doulton, Rector of Don Bosco Youth Centre, welcomed the gathering and encouraged the young people to see Mary as a model for daily life. He highlighted her faith, humility, courage and readiness to say “yes” to God as qualities that continue to inspire Christian discipleship.

As the event coincided with Don Bosco's birthday, the animating team presented a lively playlet titled Birthday Bash in Heaven. The performance showed Don Bosco’s continued concern for young people and reflected the Salesian spirit of joy, dedication and celebration.

The Inter-Parish Marian Quiz was conducted by quiz masters Fr Bosco Carvalho and Ms Alisha Khemali. Six rounds tested participants’ knowledge of Mary's life and virtues. Popular rounds included “Will You Come with Me for a Date?” and “Mary Picks a Lucky One.” The “Kaun Banega Crorepati” round added excitement as teams used the “50-50” and “Phone a Friend” lifelines. Fr Doulton conducted the final Rapid Fire round, allowing teams to score additional points.

Quiz rounds were interspersed with games and relays based on Mary’s life, keeping participants engaged throughout the evening.

Participants and catechists appreciated the programme for its blend of faith formation and entertainment. A participant described the evening as enjoyable from the opening prayer to the prize distribution, while a catechist praised it as a meaningful occasion for catechesis on Mary.

The event concluded on a joyful note, encouraging the young participants to carry Mary’s “yes” into their homes, parishes and everyday lives and to live and love like Mary.