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.

SALESIAN COOPERATORS' DAY WITH GOD

Nerul Correspondent
NERUL, MARCH 15, 2010: The Salesian Cooperators of the Don Bosco Nerul Unit gathered together on the morning of March 14, 2010 for their half day with God. The Program began with an adoration service, where the group prayed for their needs, and the needs of the house and the province. A reflection on the 'Temptations of Jesus' was offered by Fr. Vivian D'Souza, the animator. The group then spent time reflecting on this gospel passage as it gave them a lot of food for thought for their personal lives. This hour concluded with a benediction service. After Tea break a power point presentation on "God speaks to us" made them rekindle the element of faith and trust in God's Word. This was followed by a beautifully animated "Way of the Cross" on power point, which took up the next hour. The final hour was devoted to personal reflection and to the celebration of the Eucharist at which Fr. Vivian initiated a lively shared reflection on the parable of the Prodigal Son (the day's gospel) and linked it up with the reflection of the 'Temptations of Jesus'. He challenged us to make a shift from a 'reckless faith' (the second temptation of Jesus & the younger son in the gospel), to a life of deep and lasting faith. This was exemplified in the parable, with the Prodigal Son's realization that his real place was not in the 'pig sty of the world' but in his Father's house, and hence the 'coming back' to the Father. He also emphasized the fact that our problems, anxieties and hurts come from our attitude of "rejection", as was manifested by the elder son. This area in our life needs a change. The Recollection concluded with a nicely prepared lunch. We thus left Don Bosco’s' nourished spiritually and materially