SALESIAN COOPERATORS' DAY WITH GOD

Nerul Correspondent
NERUL, MARCH 15, 2010: The Salesian Cooperators of the Don Bosco Nerul Unit gathered together on the morning of March 14, 2010 for their half day with God. The Program began with an adoration service, where the group prayed for their needs, and the needs of the house and the province. A reflection on the 'Temptations of Jesus' was offered by Fr. Vivian D'Souza, the animator. The group then spent time reflecting on this gospel passage as it gave them a lot of food for thought for their personal lives. This hour concluded with a benediction service. After Tea break a power point presentation on "God speaks to us" made them rekindle the element of faith and trust in God's Word. This was followed by a beautifully animated "Way of the Cross" on power point, which took up the next hour. The final hour was devoted to personal reflection and to the celebration of the Eucharist at which Fr. Vivian initiated a lively shared reflection on the parable of the Prodigal Son (the day's gospel) and linked it up with the reflection of the 'Temptations of Jesus'. He challenged us to make a shift from a 'reckless faith' (the second temptation of Jesus & the younger son in the gospel), to a life of deep and lasting faith. This was exemplified in the parable, with the Prodigal Son's realization that his real place was not in the 'pig sty of the world' but in his Father's house, and hence the 'coming back' to the Father. He also emphasized the fact that our problems, anxieties and hurts come from our attitude of "rejection", as was manifested by the elder son. This area in our life needs a change. The Recollection concluded with a nicely prepared lunch. We thus left Don Bosco’s' nourished spiritually and materially