Media Release

Udupi, Jan 15: The extension of Don Bosco Youth Centre building in Shirva, built for the needy boys was inaugurated recently on the auspicious occasion of the feast of Don Bosco.

It was inaugurated and blessed by the Salesian Provincial Fr Ian Figueiredo in the presence of Fr Baptist Menezes Episcopal Vicar of Udupi, Fr Stany Tauro, parish priest and Vicar Forane of Shirva deanery, and Fr Valerian Pinto, former parish priest of Shirva, who was instrumental in beginning the Salesian presence in Shirva.

The extended part includes the dormitory extension, the refectory and kitchen for the boys and for the priests and brothers of the community.

Fr Valerian Pinto was the main celebrant of the festive Eucharistic celebration and he spoke on the life and work of Don Bosco during his homily and exhorted the crowd to become witnesses of Christ in and around their surroundings.

Fr Maxim the director of the Don Bosco Youth Centre Shirva gave an elaborate and a meaningful thanksgiving speech. He extended his heartfelt gratitude towards all the friends and benefactors of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva.

The holy Eucharist was followed by the felicitation ceremony during which the architect, the contractor and the benefactors of the Youth Centre were felicitated.

An entertainment programme was put up by the boys residing in Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva.

History of Don Bosco Youth Centre

Don Bosco Youth Centre, established in 2007 is a gift of Divine Providence. Through the generous offer of the local parish priest Fr Valerian Pinto and his parish council and a generous Catholic family of Late Benedict Menezes, the Salesians of Don Bosco were able to establish themselves in this place surrounded by numerous catholic families and youth. They are placed in a rural set up from where they are able to easily launch out into apostolates on behalf of youth.

In the first year two Salesians and seven boys began the Salesian presence in the renovated house of the donors. Later on the year was spent in developing the land, planning the building and initiating the construction and establishing contacts for beginning the youth work.

The present community of Don Bosco Youth Centre Shirva consists of Fr Maxim D’souza (director), Fr Augustine Fernandes (administrator), Fr Joe Fernandes (catechist) and two regents Br Merwin and Br Kiran who are in charge of 25 boys residing in the youth centre.