by Jacinta D'Souza
DAHANU, FEB 20, 2018: Fifty three members of the Salesian family, from the Mumbai province, including Cooperators, Past Pupils and ADMA members participated in an outreach programme to Dahanu on February 17.
The Salesian sisters of Auxilium, Dahanu welcomed the gathering, before the holy Eucharist was celebrated by Father Diego Nunes, the delegate. He enlightened the gathering on the day's Gospel regarding Levi, the tax collector, who encountered Jesus and experienced a change of heart. The encounter was so profound that he became a follower of Jesus and left everything.
Following holy Mass the gathering beat the heat by heading for the beach. Following lunch, Father Nunes addressed the gathering about several points discussed at the south zonal conference at Nuzvid. He stressed the need to be present at the meetings both at council and local levels. He added that the members should also actively participate not only in the activities but also spiritual formation. He congratulated the new Cooperators of Ahmednagar and a silver jubilarian present.
In the evening, the gathering visited the Warli tribe of Merpada. Sister Mangal spoke in detail of the courses like nursing which are being organised by the sisters in Auxilium. Father Nunes spoke about the various courses which included mechanic, electrical, carpentry for boys held at Chinchwad, Chakan and Kurla. The next day the gathering heard holy Mass at Our Lady of Dolours.
In his homily, the celebrant spoke of the temptations of Jesus, saying that Jesus was as human as we are. After breakfast a group of about 110 children visited the convent and interacted with the gathering from Mumbai. Sister Catherine, the FMA delegate, then spoke about the minutes held at Nuzvid and decisions made by the national delegate regarding active participation at meetings and responsibilities of office bearers.