by Jacinta D'Souza
MUMBAI, SEP 7, 2016: The Salesian Family of the Mumbai province, consisting of Salesian Cooperators, ADMA, Past Pupils, SDBs and FMAs gathered for their annual Recollection at Auxilium Convent, Pali Hill on September 4. After lunch they undertook a walking pilgrimage to Mount Mary's Basilica, and entered through the 'Door of Mercy'.
The Local unit of Pali Hill, Bandra undertook the organisational details of the recollection and the walking pilgrimage. The recollection began with a Prayer Service conducted by the Bandra unit.
Father Vivian D'Souza, the Provincial Delegate then welcomed the participants and had a word of praise for the group of 20 cooperators from Ahmednagar. He then invited Father Thomas D'Costa, the delegate of the Wadala (W) unit to take up the first session.
Father D'Costa highlighted three women: 'Mama Margaret' the mother of Don Bosco, 'Mother Teresa' and 'Mary, the Mother of Jesus. He traced out their role in witnessing to God's love and invited all to live their Christian Faith to the fullest.
Being the day of the Canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the group was shown a power point presentation on the life and works of Mother Teresa, as well as the comments made by some great personalities. They also listened to the song composed by Usha Uthap on Mother Teresa, with accompanying slides on her life.
Later, Father D'Souza conducted a reflection on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He formed groups and provided 10 questions for discussion. He then commented on the sharing and gave his reflections on the elements of human life and the experience of sin and God's mercy.
In the Holy Eucharistic celebration that followed, Father D'Souza dwelt on the 'Choices' we make in life and the consequences of our choices. The Sacrament of Confession was also made available to the group.
After lunch the pilgrims began their walking pilgrimage to Mount Mary's Basilica. It took them almost an hour to reach the Mount. They recited the Rosary along the way.
Upon reaching the Basilica, they entered the "Holy Door" and experienced God's mercy. It was a very enriching experience for the Salesian family.