BIS #1989 ANIMATION PROGRAM FOR THE SALESIAN FAMILY

Ketan Gala
MATUNGA, AUGUST 23, 2010: The Salesian animation program for the members of the Salesian family was held on August 22, 2010 at Don Bosco Provincial house Mumbai. The animators were Rev Fr. Joaqim D’Souza Provincial of UPS and Fr. Elias Dias the Provincial delegate of the Salesian family Mumbai Province.
The theme of the animation was the historical aspect of the life of Don Bosco. There were seventy members from different branches of the Salesian family present for the program.

At the Eucharist Fr. Joaqim D’Souza was the main celebrant. In his homily he said that god wants us to be saints but he will not do it without our co-operation. We all are the members of the Salesian family and we want to be saved by following the spirituality of Don Bosco. Once Don Bosco said to his students that all are called to be saved. It is easy to be saved. God rewards to those who achieve his holiness. How can we achieve this holiness? Don Bosco gave us a short way to holiness. Be cheerful, do your duties well and engage in the apostolate. We will be able to do this only when we have apostolic charity in our hearts.

The topic of animation was dealt by Fr. Elias Dias. In the first part he explained the reason why we should study Don Bosco. He then spoke on the ancestry, childhood days; schooldays, seminary days, and the ordination of Don Bosco. In the second part he explained his life at the Convitto Eccelesiastico, Wandering Oratory and his settlement at the Penardi shed. In the third part he spoke about the development of the Oratory, founding and the spread of the congregation, his missionary zeal, his death and beatification and canonization.

The members of the Salesian family were very pleased to know and learn the whole life of don Bosco. Mrs. Claudina Pinto the Provincial coordinator of the Salesian co-operators proposed the vote of thanks.