ADMA GOES ON A MARIAN PILGRIMAGE

MATUNGA, OCTOBER 12, 2010: Saturday October 9 was chosen as a suitable day to go on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima at Karjat. The Marian Devotees left our Shrine at Matunga in a bus at 7.00 am and headed straight for the other Marian Shrine. We were greeted warmly by the Priest in Charge, Fr. Callistus Fernandes. Unexpectedly, we were joined by another group and were able to celebrate a Mass together in the little Church well decorated for the feast on October 13. ADMA members were content to have the opportunity to pray the novena prayer and spend time in personal prayer.
We then headed for Don Bosco’s. It was a first time visit that brought great ‘oohs and aahs’ to everyone’s lips. It seemed unbelievable what the Salesians are capable of.
Fr. Xavier was a most wonderful host spending the rest of the morning with us. His informative inputs left everyone so impressed and he certainly made many new friends as he had an eager, enquiring audience. A good lunch, a little siesta and a round of party games made up the rest of the afternoon, before we got ready for the journey back home. It was a memorable day that also served to offer members a chance to get to know each other better, this being their first outing together.

SALESIAN COOPERATORS RETREAT

Claudina Pinto
 CHINCHWAD, OCTOBER 6, 2010: The Salesian cooperators took a couple of days off from their family life and spent two days in the calm of the Don Bosco non formal technical setup at Chinchwad. The group of fifty four enthusiastic members of the Salesian family came in on the evening of October 1, 2010. Fr. Vivan D’souza was the animator. At the outset of the retreat Fr. Corlis and his community welcomed the members.  Mrs. Claudina Pinto gave a warm welcome to the cooperators, thanked Fr. Vivan for accepting to preach the retreat and Fr. Corlis and his community for making it possible to conduct the retreat at Chinchwadi.  Fr. Vivan D’souza then took over to initiate the group into recollection through an introductory talk and the power point presentation. The next day was spent on self–emptying process and on the sacrament of reconciliation.
   
The last day was dedicated to Christ experience this culminated into a beautiful and unique experience of surrender. Fr. Elias Dias celebrated the concluding Holy Eucharist. In his homily he said that Don Bosco was a guide for many people who wanted to climb the mountain of holiness. Don Bosco offered a few means to achieve his holiness:
·         Word of god
·         Spiritual reading on the lives of saints
·         Reception of the sacrament of reconciliation and communion
·         Popular devotions
·         Practice of virtues and get involved in the active charity.
     
Do all these simple things for the greater glory of God.  Mrs. Philomena Mendes gave the vote of thanks. She thanked Fr. Dias for organizing the retreat, Fr. Vivan for his animation and for Fr. Corlis and his community for their kindness, generosity and hospitality.