The Association of Salesian Co-operators (ASC), Don Bosco Navajeevan Bala Bhavan (DBNJBB), Vijayawada, celebrated its 150th Anniversary on 10 October 2026 with a spirit of renewed commitment to the mission of St. John Bosco. The celebration was marked by a special “Bosco Mela” for the children of the scrap-collecting community in Tadepalli, followed by a Jubilee Holy Mass, the election of a new Unit Co-ordinator, and a fellowship dinner.

Bosco Mela: Bringing Joy and Hope to Children

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Salesian Co-operators, with the support and encouragement of Rev. Fr. P. Thambi Joseph, SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Navajeevan Bala Bhavan, organised a Bosco Mela for the children of the scrap-collecting community in Tadepalli.

For many years, the children and their families had lived in slum areas, earning their livelihood by collecting scrap materials from various localities and selling them at dump yards. Through the intervention and awareness initiatives of Don Bosco Navajeevan Bala Bhavan, a learning centre was established in the area. As a result, many children were encouraged to pursue education and were admitted to local Anganwadi centres and government schools. This commendable initiative reflects the Salesian mission of reaching out to the most vulnerable children and helping them build a brighter future. Heartfelt appreciation goes to the entire DBNJBB team for their tireless commitment to the education, protection and integral development of children in need of care and protection.

The Bosco Mela was a joyful and memorable experience for both the children and the Salesian Co-operators. Their innocent smiles, enthusiasm and spontaneous participation brought a special happiness to everyone present. As the Co-operators joined the children in games and activities, they experienced the beauty of childlike simplicity and were transported back to the joyful memories of their own childhood.

Indeed, it felt as though the Lord had sent these little angels into our lives to awaken hearts. The experience reminded everyone that serving children is not merely an act of charity but a sacred encounter with Christ, who said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5).

At the conclusion of the Bosco Mela, the children were presented with stationery pouches, encouraging them in their educational journey. The celebration continued with the sharing of cakes, spreading happiness. The Co-operators returned with hearts filled with gratitude to St. John Bosco and the Lord for the precious opportunity to bring smiles to the faces of young children and to experience the joy of serving the least and the last.

Jubilee Holy Mass: Renewing the Salesian Vocation

In the evening, at 6:45 p.m., the community gathered for the Jubilee Holy Mass, celebrated by Rev. Fr. M. Rayanna, SDB, Rector of St. Paul’s Regional Seminary, along with Rev. Fr. P. Thambi Joseph, SDB, Rector of DBNJBB.

During the celebration, the priests reflected on the life, charism and mission of St. John Bosco, highlighting the significance of the 150th Anniversary of the Association of Salesian Cooperators.

The message inspired the Co-operators to remain faithful to the Salesian vocation by accompanying young people, reaching out to children in need and becoming signs and bearers of God’s love in their families, workplaces, parishes and society. The celebration strengthened their resolve to continue Don Bosco’s mission with renewed faith.

The presence of Rev. Sr. Velvet, FMA & Rev. Br. Jack Clamacus, ASC Formation Co-ordinator added encouragement to the occasion. The Unit expressed its sincere gratitude to him for his valuable presence and fraternal support during the jubilee celebrations.

A New Beginning for the Unit

An important moment during the celebration was the election of Mr. S. Joseph Donald as the new Co-ordinator of the ASC–DBNJBB Unit, effective 10 October 2026. His election marked a new chapter in the life and mission of the unit.

The members expressed their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Mrs. M.L.R. Banu, the outgoing Co-ordinator, for her dedicated leadership and service to the unit. She stepped down from the role of Unit Co-ordinator as she undertook additional responsibilities as ASC Province Secretary and Secretary of the South Asia Region’s South Zone.