CHINCHWAD, OCTOBER 6, 2010: The Salesian cooperators took a couple of days off from their family life and spent two days in the calm of the Don Bosco non formal technical setup at Chinchwad. The group of fifty four enthusiastic members of the Salesian family came in on the evening of October 1, 2010. Fr. Vivan D’souza was the animator. At the outset of the retreat Fr. Corlis and his community welcomed the members. Mrs. Claudina Pinto gave a warm welcome to the cooperators, thanked Fr. Vivan for accepting to preach the retreat and Fr. Corlis and his community for making it possible to conduct the retreat at Chinchwadi. Fr. Vivan D’souza then took over to initiate the group into recollection through an introductory talk and the power point presentation. The next day was spent on self–emptying process and on the sacrament of reconciliation.
The last day was dedicated to Christ experience this culminated into a beautiful and unique experience of surrender. Fr. Elias Dias celebrated the concluding Holy Eucharist. In his homily he said that Don Bosco was a guide for many people who wanted to climb the mountain of holiness. Don Bosco offered a few means to achieve his holiness:
· Word of god
· Spiritual reading on the lives of saints
· Reception of the sacrament of reconciliation and communion
· Popular devotions
· Practice of virtues and get involved in the active charity.
Do all these simple things for the greater glory of God. Mrs. Philomena Mendes gave the vote of thanks. She thanked Fr. Dias for organizing the retreat, Fr. Vivan for his animation and for Fr. Corlis and his community for their kindness, generosity and hospitality.