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Province Catechetical Day Empowers Students to Shine with Faith and Rise with Hope

16 February 2026

Animation, Catechetics,

News reported by: Francis Xavier

A total of 187 students from nine Don Bosco educational institutions of the Salesian Province of Panjim-Konkan, spanning three dioceses, gathered at the Don Bosco Oratory on February 13 for the Province Catechetical Day. Centred on the theme “Shine with Faith, Rise with Hope,” the day offered teenage participants a rich blend of prayer, reflection, joy, and fellowship.

Designed as a dynamic encounter between faith and daily life, the programme unfolded through action songs, biblical hymns, inspiring stories of saints, brief scriptural reflections, and references to contemporary role models. These elements encouraged students to reflect on their own role as hopeful witnesses in a world often marked by uncertainty. Group-sharing sessions further deepened the experience, enabling participants to listen attentively to one another, articulate personal convictions, and grow in a spirit of communion.

The spiritual heart of the day was the solemn Eucharistic celebration held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. The Mass was presided over by Vice-Provincial Father Banzelao Teixeira, SDB, who reminded the young faithful that genuine hope flows from a living and personal encounter with Christ. Fathers Jonathan, Tamatur, Jacinto, Lionel, Ronald, and Melvin concelebrated. The liturgy was prayerfully enriched by hymns led by the Panjim School under the guidance of Cleric Darryl Cheradil, SDB, while students of Don Bosco Farm High School, Sulcorna, animated the celebration with devotion under the leadership of Cleric Elton Fernandes, SDB. The Eucharist stood out as the spiritual summit of the gathering.

The afternoon session brought renewed energy through a lively quiz competition that kept enthusiasm high for over an hour. After an intense contest, Don Bosco Farm High School, Sulcorna, emerged as the winner. Creativity was also encouraged through the Hope Journal initiative, which invited students to express faith and optimism through personal reflection. Vladlen Fernandes of Don Bosco High School, Quepem, secured first place, followed by Sheryl Gomes of Quepem High School in second place and Mackenzia Fernandes of Don Bosco Farm High School, Sulcorna, in third. Among the teams, Savio, Bosco, and Zeferino stood out for their active participation and teamwork.

At the close of the programme, each participant received a certificate and a keychain bearing the image of Saint John Bosco, a simple yet enduring reminder to live the values reflected upon during the day.

The gathering concluded with heartfelt thanksgiving as all joined in singing the traditional hymn Argam Tuka Somia. Echoing the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary—“The Almighty has done great things for me; holy is His name” (Luke 1:49)—the students departed with renewed joy, gratitude, and a commitment to shine with faith and rise with hope in their everyday lives.