A Blessed Marian Pilgrimage to Mount Mary

By Ms Jancy Dharamraj

The Archdiocesan Board of Education, Mumbai, organised a Marian Mass for Std. X Catholic students on Thursday, 17th September 2026, at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra West.

This was the first time Don Bosco High School, Matunga, participated in this pilgrimage. Five Grade 10 students Ethan, Brucelyn, Fabian, Peter and Jayden accompanied by Ms. Jancy, attended the Holy Mass.

The main celebrant, Fr. Gavin, in his homily focused on treating everyone with respect and equality and loving one another as God has loved us. He reminded the students that this is the true sign of a Christian.

To illustrate this, he narrated a touching story about a child with special needs who wished to play baseball with a group of children. Though he was initially overlooked in many activities, the losing team welcomed him to join them. When it was his turn to bat, the opposing pitcher gently threw the ball, allowing him to hit it. Encouraged by everyone, the boy ran around the bases and joyfully crossed home plate, scoring a home run. Fr. Gavin explained that giving this child an opportunity and treating him with fairness was a true act of humanity. Although the boy passed away later that same year, he and his family would always cherish the kindness shown to him by the baseball players.

Fr. Gavin also took the opportunity to explain how the game of baseball is played, making the message engaging and meaningful for the students.

Around 800 participants from various schools across the Archdiocese of Bombay attended the celebration. At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Thompson Kinny thanked Fr. Gavin and acknowledged all the participating schools and teams. Refreshments were distributed after the Mass.

The students returned happily, grateful for the beautiful experience and the immense blessings received from Mama Mary, the Basilica and Jesus Christ, our Saviour.