Vivian D’Souza sdb
MATUNGA, JULY 25, 2008: The Delegates of the Salesian Family from the various houses of the province met at the Provincial House on July 24, 2008. At the meeting, Fr. Elias Diaz, the Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family, presented the document on “The Common Mission Statement of the Salesian Family” through a Power Point Presentation. The presentation was lucid, thought provoking and well appreciated by those present. After the presentation, Fr. Diaz asked for feedback on the document. Some of the members felt that this document was primarily meant for the Catholic element of the Salesian Family and did not specifically address persons of other faiths who are also part of the Salesian Family. We felt that we could add an appendix to the document wherein we could spell out the same mission from a multi religious and multi cultural background, that would make it specifically Indian and contextual. It was also pointed out that the document stresses that the animator should necessarily be a Salesian Priest. We felt that a Salesian Brother could also be given the opportunity to animate the Salesian Family in our institutions. Fr. Diaz then asked the group how we could better animate the Salesian Family in our institutions. It was suggested that we have Regional meetings of the Salesian Family, to foster unity and a fruitful sharing of activities and ideas for better coordination and animation. There was also a suggestion that each house bring out a Directory of the Pupils who have passed out of their Institutions with the relevant details. This could be useful for the Institution and for the Centre as well. The Provincial Commission for the Salesian Family met in the afternoon, to discuss the suggestions given in the morning session and to plan out Animation Programmes for the Salesian Family, to be carried out during the year.