BIS #1989 ANIMATION PROGRAM FOR THE SALESIAN FAMILY

Ketan Gala
MATUNGA, AUGUST 23, 2010: The Salesian animation program for the members of the Salesian family was held on August 22, 2010 at Don Bosco Provincial house Mumbai. The animators were Rev Fr. Joaqim D’Souza Provincial of UPS and Fr. Elias Dias the Provincial delegate of the Salesian family Mumbai Province.

The theme of the animation was the historical aspect of the life of Don Bosco. There were seventy members from different branches of the Salesian family present for the program.
At the Eucharist Fr. Joaqim D’Souza was the main celebrant. In his homily he said that god wants us to be saints but he will not do it without our co-operation. We all are the members of the Salesian family and we want to be saved by following the spirituality of Don Bosco. Once Don Bosco said to his students that all are called to be saved. It is easy to be saved. God rewards to those who achieve his holiness. How can we achieve this holiness? Don Bosco gave us a short way to holiness. Be cheerful, do your duties well and engage in the apostolate. We will be able to do this only when we have apostolic charity in our hearts.

The topic of animation was dealt by Fr. Elias Dias. In the first part he explained the reason why we should study Don Bosco. He then spoke on the ancestry, childhood days; schooldays, seminary days, and the ordination of Don Bosco. In the second part he explained his life at the Convitto Eccelesiastico, Wandering Oratory and his settlement at the Penardi shed. In the third part he spoke about the development of the Oratory, founding and the spread of the congregation, his missionary zeal, his death and beatification and canonization.
The members of the Salesian family were very pleased to know and learn the whole life of don Bosco. Mrs. Claudina Pinto the Provincial coordinator of the Salesian co-operators proposed the vote of thanks.

THE FIRST COMMITMENT DAY FOR ADMA

Wilfred D’Souza sdb
MATUNGA, AUGUST 20, 2010: ADMA – The Association of Mary Help of Christians celebrated the Commitment made by twenty of its first Members on Saturday August 14, 2010. The occasion was even more special due to the presence of Fr. Klement Vaclav. They received their commitment at the 8.15 Mass. As they stood before God’s altar answered the questions put to them about their understanding of their enrollment and then recited the formula of the Commitment. Each of them received a Badge of Mary Help of Christians and Membership Card from Turin and the book of Regulations printed in the National Centre of the Salesian Family.

The Association started at the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, Matunga on September 8, 2009 and has been regularly holding their formation meetings on the first Saturday of every month under the direction of Fr. Wilfred D’Souza. On the May 24, 2010 the local unit was officially aggregated to the Primary Association at the Basilica in Turin and a Diploma to this effect has been received.

DOMINIC SAVIO PAST PUPIL (ANDHERI UNIT): AGM

Past Pupil Correspondent
ANDHERI, AUGUST 19, 2010: The AGM for the year 2010-2011 was held on August 15, 2010 at 11.00 am in the Conference Room, Dominic Savio School (Andheri East). It started with a pre-session of Registrations and snacks arranged by the Past Pupil Committee.
The AGM commenced with Edgar inviting Mr. Remeth Fernandes to lead the Past Pupil’s prayer. As we were also celebrating our Independence Day all joined in singing the National Anthem. Mr. Edgar then welcomed Father Edwin Colaco to forward the proceedings.

Our Delegate, Fr. Edwin Colaco then started the proceedings with a beautiful thought on the importance of having a Vision. He then welcomed all the members (approx. forty attendees) attending the Annual General Meeting. He welcomed and thanked our Chief Guests Fr. Godfrey D Souza, the rector, Fr. Godfrey D’Sa, Fr. Glenn Lowe, Mr. Sharma and Mrs. Iyer. He also thanked all the former board members who were present for the AGM. He also welcomed the reigning board members and wished them good luck for the coming years. Father then elaborated on the AGM Agenda.

Rector Fr. Godfrey in his short talk stressed on the spirit and greatness of our country India, Few encouraging words were also given by Fr. Glen and Mrs. Iyer on the eve of Independence Day. This was followed by the reading of the annual Reports and accounts.

The Past pupils then had an open discussion to plan for the year ahead. They focussed on social, spiritual and service needs. It was followed by a brainstoming session on how to collect funds to fulfil the vision of the past pupils. The past pupils no doubt are looking forward to the future activities with optimism and hope.