Divyadaan Community Inaugurates Marian Month 2025

By Cl Alfonsius Nonglang SDB for BIS Mumbai

The inauguration of the Marian Month 2025 was solemnly held at Divyadaan, Nashik in the VV Hall on July 16, 2025, at 7.30 pm. The event was organized and animated by the Marian Group. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Walk with Mary, Mother of Hope.” The programme commenced with a brief introduction to the theme, highlighting its spiritual significance and relevance for our times. The EMCEEs then invited the assembly to join in singing a hymn to Our Lady, invoking her maternal presence and guidance throughout the month.

This was followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the light of faith and hope that Mary brings into our lives. Fr Ivo Coelho, SDB, together with the batch captains, performed the lamp-lighting ceremony with reverence. A Gospel passage centered on the Blessed Virgin Mary was then proclaimed, inviting the community to deepen their devotion and reflect on her life and virtues. Subsequently, a video presentation was screened, focusing on the Visitation, drawing attention to Mary’s compassion and service.

A reflective explanation of the theme was then delivered by one of the brothers, encouraging the community to journey with Mary in hope and trust. Fr Coelho was then invited to deliver a message, in which he emphasized the importance of Marian devotion in Salesian life. He then officially declared the Marian Month open. The Marian Calendar 2025 was distributed to all participants, with the first copies handed over to the respective group leaders. The community then stood together to take the Marian Oath, pledging to place greater confidence in the maternal intercession of Mary. This was followed by the singing of the Marian Anthem.

As part of the same gathering, the Community Plan for the academic year 2025-2026 was also formally released. The programme concluded at approximately 8.00 pm, leaving the community inspired and spiritually uplifted as it embarked on this sacred month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.