MATUNGA, JANUARY 19, 2012: January 15, 2012 was a day of great celebration for the Salesian Family. SDBs, FMAs, Delegates, Past Pupils, Salesian Cooperators, VDBs, SMIs, and ADMA from Mumbai, Lonavla, Ahmednagar, Virar, Vasai, Pune, Chotta Udepur, Nerul, and Narukhot met together at Don Bosco Primary School Hall, Matunga. The response was overwhelming as we were in all about hundred and seventy in number.
Fr. Ajoy Fernandes presided over the Holy Mass concelebrated by Frs. Thomas D'Costa, Joe Braganza, Brian Moras, and Vivian D'Souza. The programme started with a prayerful Dance prepared by PP of FMA. Fr. Wilfred introduced the Salesian Cooperators of the twelve units; the new group of Aspirant-PP from Lonavla, and each of the other groups present.
The Chief Guest, Fr. Ajoy was felicitated with a bouquet of flowers. He then addressed the gathering, conveying the greetings of Fr. Michael Fernandes, (Provincial). He stressed that we as Salesian Family are collaborators and we all share in the common mission of reaching out to the poor youth in the rural areas following the Don Bosco India Project. The Strenna of 2012 by the Rector Major: "Let us make the young the mission of our life, coming to know and imitate Don Bosco", was then presented with the DVD prepared in Rome, by Fr. Wilfred, Salesian Family Delegate. He invited all the units to spend two meetings to discuss this Strenna. Few dance and song items then enlivened the programme. Fr. Wilfred thereafter gave special thanks to Claudina and Ketan. Later he called on the units to fill in bio data forms, and fulfil certain norms before taking the Promise, and informed of the forthcoming outreach programme to Karjat on February 12, 2012.
Claudina raised the vote of thanks. The Salesian Family Day concluded with Fr. Joe Braganza blessing the meal. While some served themselves, the rest enjoyed a quick round of Housie and spot prizes all organized by the Past Pupils Federation. The function came to an end by 1.30 pm.