ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF SALESIAN CO-OPERATORS

Claudina Pinto
MATUNGA, JULY 6, 2010: The Annual General Body meeting of the co-operators Bombay province was held on July 4, 2010 at A.V hall Provincial House Matunga.

Rev Fr. Brian Moras the national delegate of the vocation, Sr. Phyllis Fernandes the national delegate of the Salesian family, Rev. Fr. Elias Dias the provincial delegate of the Salesian family Mumbai. A group of Salesian co-operators from Kuwait and fifty-six Salesian co-operators were present for the meeting. The celebration began with a con-celebrated mass. In his homily Fr. Brian said “Jesus called his disciples for the kingdom of god and gave them values opposite to the world. This kingdom consists of justice, peace and love. And we are all called to spread his kingdom on earth.

After the holy mass Fr. Elias Dias welcomed the gathering. Mrs. Philomena Mendes read out the minutes of the previous AGM. Mrs. Jacinta D’Souza read the annual report as Mr. Christopher Gomes read out the statement of accounts.

Mrs. Claudina Pinto upraised the co-operators about the activities to be held during the coming year. Fr. Elias Dias spoke on the fund raising project of the Salesian family on July 6, 2010 he praised the few co-operators for their work and enthusiasm.

Since the general election of co-operators of Don Bosco of the Mumbai province was due. The assembly decided to re- appoint the same committee. All agreed and the election was held according to the norms of the constitution of the co-operators.

Mrs. Claudina Pinto- Provincial Coordinator, Mrs. Philomena Mendes- Secretary, Mr. Christopher Gomes- Treasurer, Mrs. Jacinta D’Ssouza- Counselor and Mrs. Priscilla D’Souza- Counselor. The new counsel was congratulated and the meeting ended with the vote of thanks by Mrs. Freda D’Souza.

SALESIAN FAMILY PICNIC ANDHERI UNIT

ANDHERI, APRIL 20, 2010: The Salesian Family members (35 Cooperators and 12 Past Pupils) went to Don Bosco Asha Kiran - Karjat, a project for street youngsters, for a picnic. It was the first time that both the Cooperators and the Past Pupils went together to Asha Kiran. A full bus assured there was a lot of excitement in the air. This year the Delegate made a special effort to increase the number of cooperators and get in some younger blood. The senior members were delighted to see new faces and welcomed them for the picnic.

At Asha Kiran the picnickers got ready for mass to make sure the Lord took the most important place in their lives. After a good breakfast Fr. Xavier sat with the group and gave them an idea of all that was happening at Asha Kiran. He spoke of the intake of the boys and youngsters who were admitted into Asha Kiran and said that those with any qualification or having passed their X standard or those who were able to pay fees were automatically disqualified. He also spoke about eco-friendly methods and how we need to preserve and save mother earth. The tour as expressed by many was very informative and relaxing.

Just after the tour, the Cooperators sat for a meeting for the elections of new Council Members. The following members were elected: Mrs. Benny Lobo as a Council member; Mrs. Audrey D'Costa as Assistant Coordinator; Mr. Joauquim Fernandes as Council Member; Mr. Joseph Serrao as the new Coordinator of the Cooperators; Mrs. Ida Rocha as a Council member & Mrs. Crispina Rebello as the Treasurer of the unit.

After lunch there were a couple of games that kept everyone on their toes. With the games and fun time it was time for tea and to make our good byes. After a set of thank yous and tokens of appreciation, it was certainly a day that the Salesian Family Members of the Andheri Unit will not easily forget.