CHRISTMAS SYMPOSIUM

“CAROLS, CAMARADERIE , AND THE CHRISTMAS CHEER”

LONAVLA, 20 DECEMBER 2024 – Amid the lush landscapes of Lonavla, the Down Hall of Don Bosco  Lonavla sparkled with festive fervour as students, staff, and guests gathered for the much-anticipated Christmas Symposium on 20 December. A joyful medley of music, drama, and heartfelt reflections brought the yuletide season to life, staying true to the programme’s theme: Understanding the True Meaning of Christmas.

The event unfolded promptly at 10:45 a.m. with a solemn prayer, setting the tone for the day. The compere’s warm welcome ushered the audience into a realm of wonder as the students enacted the nativity story with a theatrical finesse that rekindled ancient Bethlehem’s charm. From shepherds to angels, every detail felt as if plucked from scripture itself, reminding all present of the message of love that resonates through the centuries.

Adding to the enchantment, the choir’s soul-stirring carols echoed through the hall. With harmonies soaring like the angels’ song, each note touched the hearts of listeners, leaving them “lost in wonder, love, and praise.” The melodies, composed and performed by young student musicians, transcended the ordinary, weaving a thread of serenity and joy.

In the spirit of the season, the day culminated with a reflective address by Rector Fr. Blany Pinto. His words carried the essence of Christmas, urging the audience to embrace the virtues of peace and goodwill. “Christmas is not just a date,” he reminded them, “It’s an invitation to be Christ-like in a world longing for love and compassion.”

As the programme concluded, the smiling faces of children lit up the hall, mirroring the joy they carried home – a testament to a celebration rooted in faith and festivity.

As Dickens penned in A Christmas Carol, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” At Don Bosco Lonavla, this timeless pledge resonated loud and clear, encapsulating the spirit of the season in every carol, every story, and every heart.

Thus ended a day not only of celebration but also of renewed resolve to make Christmas an enduring way of life.