The meeting commenced at 9 AM with a warm welcome from Fr Balasamy, the Rector of Don Bosco House in Fujairah. The air was filled with a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia as former students reunited after many years. This was followed by a communal breakfast, where old memories were rekindled, and new friendships were forged over shared stories and laughter.
After breakfast, the formal proceedings began with a prayer and a welcome hymn, setting a reflective and spiritual tone for the meeting. The gathering was then jointly led by Inacio Rodrigues and Fr. Balasamy, who guided the group through the day's agenda.
Each participant had the opportunity to introduce themselves, sharing their personal and professional journeys since their days at Don Bosco. It was a moment of pride and reflection as everyone recounted how their experiences at Don Bosco had shaped their lives and careers. The diversity of backgrounds and professions present in the room was a testament to the far-reaching influence of Don Bosco's teachings.
One of the key discussions of the meeting centered around the status of the global Don Bosco Past Pupils network. The participants recognised the need to strengthen ties within the network and to expand their reach, especially in the UAE. A decision was made to hold an interim core meeting aimed at gathering more past pupils, not just from India but from different countries and religious backgrounds. The goal was to include a wider range of units such as Oratories, youth centers, social work centers, children's homes, collaborators, and parishes under the umbrella of the past pupils’ network.
The group outlined several aims for the past pupil unit in the UAE, focusing on the ongoing formation of its members, promoting family values, and committing to the education and overall development of the young. There was a strong emphasis on promoting respect for human dignity, fostering communion with all groups within the Salesian Family, and actively participating in charitable and educational projects in the UAE. The group also discussed the importance of maintaining an updated ecumenical awareness among Christians and being open to dialogue with other religions, while staying rooted in their Christian identity.
Plans for upcoming social events were also discussed, including games, music, and a grand event to celebrate St John Bosco's feast in January 2025. The group agreed on the date for their next meeting and devised a plan to reach out to more past pupils to join this growing network.
The meeting concluded with a hymn dedicated to Don Bosco, followed by a final prayer led by Roopa Rodrigues. After the meeting, the group visited the Don Bosco Salesian Parish in Fujairah, a place that holds special significance for many of the attendees. The gathering ended with a group photo, capturing the smiles and shared sense of purpose among the first participants of this historic meeting, alongside Fr Balasamy.
This gathering was not just a reunion; it was the beginning of a journey. A journey that aims to bring together past pupils of Don Bosco to collaborate on initiatives that reflect the values and teachings of their beloved mentor, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire and transform lives.
