SALESIAN COOPERATORS' PROMISE DAY

Fr. Vivian D'Souza sdb

WADALA, FEBRUARY 06, 2012: The Salesian cooperators celebrated their Promise Day on January 29, 2012 at an impressive Eucharistic planned by the Salesian Cooperators. Fr. Wilfred D'Souza the Provincial Delegate of the Salesian Cooperators for the Mumbai Province was the main celebrant. Three of our Cooperators, namely Ms. Leena D'Silva, Mrs. Elizabeth Raut and Mrs. Irene Shah took their promise to be full-fledged Salesian Cooperators in the Wadala Unit.

The Local Coordinator, Mrs. Jacinta D'Souza, accepted the Promise in the name of the Association. She was responsible for the training and the paperwork involved in the process of accepting the candidates into the Association.  The relatives of the three candidates as well as the Provincial Coordinator Mrs. Claudinha Pinto and a few Cooperators from the other units of Mumbai were present for this ceremony that took place at the Parish mass. The candidates were prepared for this day by the local delegate, Fr. Vivian D'Souza with three intensive sessions on the Project of Apostolic Life as well as a year's preparation through study sessions and participation in the activities of the association. After the celebration of the Eucharist the guests were treated to a modest breakfast. The Parish team and the Cooperators of the unit joined in for a festive lunch. We are grateful to the Provincial Council for guiding us and for accepting the application of the  three candidates to take the promise on January 29.

SPREADING SUNSHINE AND CHEER

Salesian Cooperators' Desk

BORIVLI, FEBRUARY 01, 2012: Don Bosco would say, "Say your prayers devoutly. Perform all your duties exactly, and above all be cheerful. The Lord loves a cheerful giver." The Salesian Co-operators thought of adding sunshine and spreading cheer around as  they decided to treat the girl boarders at St Anne's, to a lunch. Most of these girls are orphans and have been brought up by the sisters. On January 28, 2012, the co-operators arrived at St Anne's High School at 11 am for an afternoon of fun and interaction with the girls.

In all there were twenty eight girls present who were very excited and eager. The Co-operators introduced themselves and enlightened the girls about their work, Don Bosco and the Salesian Family.  The girls then introduced themselves.  Most of the girls were in Std X, few others in Std IX and in Junior College.  

We began right away with a couple of team games where the girls were divided into four teams. Two games were played using newspapers which involved skill, co-ordination and team spirit.  Chocolates were distributed to the winning teams as well as to the others for their participation.  The girls and the co-operators then gathered in a circle and snacks were served.   While nibbling into the snacks, a round of mental dexterity was played.   A challenge was thrown to the girls to recite the English alphabet backwards, Z to A, without mistake.   Few of the girls took up the challenge.   Reflecting and pausing several times these girls tried their best but stumbled in between.  

After the refreshments, it was time for physical activity.  Two boisterous games, 'Musical Chairs' and 'Bombing the City' were played.  Two winners were declared for each game.  The girls then enjoyed themselves dancing to music.  'The Best Dancer' and 'Spot prizes' were also awarded to the girls who were thrilled to receive the prizes.  Finally lunch was served to whet the appetite. 

This interaction between the Salesian Co-operators and the girls brought about mutual enjoyment and pleasure.   After a thoroughly pleasant afternoon, the Co-operators took leave of the girls amidst a lot of thanks, handshaking and waving goodbyes.  Sayonara……..  

AN ADMA DAY OUT TOGETHER

Ashwin Fernandes

MATUNGA, FEBRUARY 01, 2012: The Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), Provincial House, spent time bonding with each other as they visited Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Seawoods Darave, Nerul, on January 26, 2012. Twenty-one members left at 9.30 am, by a bus sponsored by a member, Mr. Albuquerque.After our arrival, the Principal, Fr. Anthony Fonseca, warmly welcomed us and took time out to briefly speak about the history of the CBSE affiliated school. He explained the educational method of building a relationship between student and teacher which transforms and energizes the students to develop all their potentialities – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social. Thereafter, the group was divided into three, and each had to enact a parable from the Gospel. The Prodigal Son, Lazarus and The Good Samaritan were very well presented.

The ADMA members then celebrated Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Wilfred D'Souza. He briefly touched on the saints of the day [Ss Timothy & Titus], Republic Day and the role of ADMA. He urged all to be the change they want to see in our nation. The Mass aptly concluded with a hymn to Don Bosco, asking the saint to be their model forever.

We were then treated to a sumptuous lunch. After a brief break, Mrs. Mila Castelino took the members through three brain teasing quiz sessions, which had everyone scratching their heads. In the group sharing that followed, some lively points came up. A request to start "Adult Catechesis" sessions was accepted by Fr. Wilfred. We watched some gripping power point presentations that gave us good food for thought and concluded with shared prayer before leaving for a short visit to neighbouring Our Lady of the Visitation Church, at the Matru Milan Vikas Kendra,

ADMA founded by Don Bosco, on April 18, 1869 at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians Valdocco (Torino), promotes the Christological, Marian, Ecclesial and Salesian dimensions of the Christian life among its members.