SALESIAN CO–OPERATORS CELEBRATE SILVER

Philomena Mendes
  
KURLA, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011: It was a time of gratitude to God, a celebration of a Salesian vocation and reason to appreciate commitment and fidelity with joy.

Mrs. Theresa Pereira, Mrs. Philomena Mendes, Mrs. Rita D’Souza, Ms. Angeline Mendes, Mrs. Alice D’mello and Mr. Leo Pereira came together on Sunday, September 25, with family, friends and Salesian Co-operators to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of taking their promise as Salesian Co- operators.
           
At the Eucharist, concelebrated with the Salesian Community of Kurla, Fr. Adolph Furtado the Rector commended and thanked the Jubiliarians for their work and wished them well. He reminded them of Don Bosco’s expectations of the Salesian Co- operators especially in the area of the media. It was an emotional moment when the Jubiliarians renewed their promise surrounded by the Salesian Family.

A Get-together followed wherein the Past Pupils, Salesians, Salesian Co-operators, family and friends felicitated the Jubilarians. The presence of the Provincial Delegate Fr. Wilfred Dsouza as well as Mrs. Claudia Pinto, Provincial Coordinator was an expression of appreciation for the work and commitment of the Kurla Jubiliarians and the Unit.

Thanks to the capable organization of the local delegate Fr. Joe Braganza. It was a day that will be remembered with happiness by all.

SALFAM RECOLLECTION CUM WALKING PILGRIMAGE – BANDRA

Philomeena Mendes
MATUNGA, SEPTEMBER 7, 2011: On Sunday September 4, 2011 eighty members comprising Salesian Cooperators, ADMA, FMA, and Past Pupils gathered at St. Andrews High School, Bandra from 8.30 am. Fr. Wilfred D’Souza, Salesian Family Delegate welcomed Fr. Bastin Thomas sdb the preacher, as well as all the participants. A prayerful meditation on Psalm 94 before the Blessed Sacrament, interspersed with Hindi bhajans helped us spend time with Jesus.

After a short break and fellowship, Fr. Thomas presented the topic “Don Bosco the Exorcist” very vividly with excerpts from the Biographical Memoirs. Don Bosco had to fight the harassment of the Evil one against him and his boys. Spiritismrampant in Turin also lured away good Catholics. The participants interacted very well and various points were raised. It was clear that we have a duty to proclaim and not compromise our faith in every challenging situation.  Fr. D’Souza in his homily at the Eucharist, concelebrated with Fr. Thomas, showed how God made Ezekiel responsible for admonishing God’s people. Jesus too wants us to help those who are going astray. Don Bosco calls the Salesian Family to bring the young to Jesus. He also made a mention of the Pastoral letter the Cardinal had just issued, concerning the new texts of the Missal to be in use from Advent this year.

Fr. Magi Murzello, Principal of St. Andrew School was profusely thanked for giving us the A.V. hall as well as organizing the canteen for our snacks and lunch. A bouquet of flowers and a Thank You card will be taken by Sr. Alka to him as he could not be present.

After a brief Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Claudina, the group started walking in procession to the Mount reciting the Rosary and the Divine Mercy prayer and singing hymns to Our Lady. After venerating our Blessed Mother and a cup tea, all dispersed having participated in a spiritual feast.