BIS #1839 NEW RECTOR INSTALLED FOR PROVINCIAL HOUSE MUMBAI

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MUMBAI, MAY 26, 2010: Fr. Wilfred D’Souza was sworn in as the new Rector of Provincial House, Matunga in a simple yet meaningful ceremony on May 25, 2010. Surrounded by the members of the Provincial House community, Fr. Michael Fernandes, Provincial of the Mumbai Province read the official letter of appointment from the Rector Major and his council and officially installed Fr. Wilfred as Rector for the term 2010-2013.

In the presence of the Provincial and the members of the community, Fr. Wilfred then professed his Faith and act of fidelity. Fr. Wilfred brings to the community a deep sense of Salesian and Religious life, enthusiasm for pastoral and catechetical ministry, openness and availability to the needs of the confreres and staff and an ever growing optimism for the Salesian Family in the Province.

Fr. Provincial took the opportunity to thank Fr. Edwin D’Souza, the out-going rector for his dedicated service in leading the community during the last six year period. In spite of shouldering many other responsibilities as Rector of the Shrine, Propaganda Office and Secretary to the Provincial Council, Fr. Edwin was able to guide the community with his availability, sense of direction and welcoming presence. The space that Fr. Edwin provided for the confreres of the various sectors of the provincial house to operate fully and responsibly was also highly appreciated.

In a symbolic gesture, Fr. Provincial presented Fr. Wilfred with a manual ‘The Salesian Rector’, while Fr. Edwin presented him with the key to the Tabernacle. Fr. Wilfred now joins a band of illustrious Salesian Rectors who over the last forty years have guided the Provincial House of the Mumbai Province.