Opening Doorz
“Celebrating Life”
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 04, 2025 On the feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle of India, yesterday, the Don Bosco School auditorium in Matunga, Mumbai, […]
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 04, 2025
On the feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle of India, yesterday, the Don Bosco School auditorium in Matunga, Mumbai, became the sacred stage for the release of Jubilate Jesus, Volume II. An initiative by Tej Prasarini, this release forms a significant part of the ongoing Jubilee Year celebrations. The first volume of the inspirational album was launched earlier this year, on January 1, 2025, at the Don Bosco School Grounds, during New Year’s Eve.
The release was officiated by Reverend Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, and attended by Salesians from across Maharashtra. The event also brought together the gifted singers and composers whose voices and talents shaped the album. Bishop Fernandes was warmly acknowledged for his enduring support to the Salesian Province of Bombay. Expressing gratitude, Fr. Savio Silveira, Provincial of Mumbai, thanked the Archdiocese of Bombay for its “consistent collaboration, encouragement, and support in various fields, including youth ministry, education, and social communications.”
More than a launch, the event unfolded as a spiritual retreat. Through a thoughtful presentation, segments of the album’s songs were interwoven with insightful addresses from dignitaries. The gospel-infused lyrics and music offered the audience an “impromptu encounter with Jesus,” elevating the album release into an immersive experience that celebrated both faith and artistry.
Fr. Peter Gonsalves was celebrated as the driving force behind the Jubilate Jesus, Volume II project. Fr. Silveira described him as “the chief architect not only of the Jubilate Jesus album but also the founder of Tej Prasarini—the Don Bosco Centre for Communications,” now commemorating 30 years since its inception.
Founded in 1995 (with groundwork beginning in 1994), Tej Prasarini was envisioned as a specialised communications hub. In 2002, Fr. Peter was called to Rome by his superiors to lead initial digital initiatives, including the creation of the province’s first website. “This was a great honour,” Fr. Silveira noted, “especially at a time when website technology was still emerging, and the congregation was just beginning to go digital.”
While in Rome, Fr. Peter actively engaged with international media, notably serving as President of SIGNIS International (2004–2007). After earning a Doctorate in Social Communications in 2007, he became a professor at the Salesian Pontifical University, eventually serving as Dean of its Faculty of Communication (2015–2018). He also served as a consultant to the Vatican Dicastery for Social Communications from 2017 to 2022.
Fr. Silveira praised him as “a visionary, pioneer, and trendsetter… extremely creative, innovative, and driven—someone who has done much, achieved much, and made us proud.”
The inspiration behind Jubilate Jesus stemmed from Fr. Peter’s foresight in planning for the Jubilee Year—an idea that took root nearly three years ago. Envisioned as a musical celebration of Jesus, production began in August 2024 and concluded in February 2025, involving diverse music groups who were given creative liberty to bring the compositions to life.
The technical excellence of the album has been steered by Amon Daniels, who was also instrumental in setting up Tej Prasarini’s studio. Fr. Peter commended Daniels as a “seasoned technician with an exceptional ear for detail.” Other key contributors included orchestrators and sound engineers Ronnie Gomes, Newman Pinto, and Clifton Rodricks.
The 30-year legacy of Tej Prasarini was also celebrated, with due credit given to past Directors. These included Fr. Darryl D’Souza, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes—who led for 14 years—and Fr. Chris Valentino, Br. Alistair D’Souza, and the present “young, dynamic, and dashing” director, Fr. Joyston Machado, who now carries the torch forward.
For the Salesians, youth ministry and communications remain at the heart of their mission. Fr. Silveira reaffirmed this: “Engaging young people in the digital realm is not just important, it’s part of our DNA. It’s essential to our charism. May God enable us to keep moving forward, especially in this digital age.”
In his concluding address, Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes lauded the work of Tej Prasarini and all those behind Jubilate Jesus.
“Jubilate Jesus is a fitting gift to the Church in this Jubilee Year, uplifting our worship and inspiring our communities to sing with faith and fervour,” he said.
Encouraging a spirit of creativity in evangelisation, Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes added, “May this celebration rekindle in each of us a deeper commitment to creative evangelisation. May Tej Prasarini continue to be a channel of light, hope, and truth—forming minds, touching hearts, and glorifying God through the power of media and music.”
Image Credit: Tej Prasarini
Also Read: Fr. Peter Gonsalves: Weaving Faith, Philosophy, and Music into Timeless Melodies
Also Read: Alex Silveira has run the good race!
