HYDERABAD, MARCH 23, 2011: The Sixth Annual Assembly of the Southern Zone of the Salesian Cooperators was held on March 20, 2011 at Provincial House, Hyderabad. Twenty three participants of the Southern Provinces of India- Chennai, Bangalore, Trichy, Konkan, Hyderabad and Mumbai along with Fr. K.J Louis, Sr. Phyllis Fernandes, National Delegates and Mr. K.V Francis the world coordinator of the cooperators were present.
The inaugural ceremony began with a prayer service by Sr. Phyllis Fernandes followed by lighting the lamp. Mrs. Freda D’Souza, coordinator of the Southern zonal conference formally welcomed the participants and introduced the theme “With Don Bosco”. Fr. Showrulli the Provincial Delegate of Hyderabad also gave a warm welcome on behalf of the Provincial. The minutes of the fifth southern zonal conference were read by Mrs. Philomena Mendes followed by the reading of the reports by the Provinces. Fr. K.J Louis in the first session explained the Common Identity Card of the Salesian family. This document is rich in content but very difficult to understand by the lay people. He said that the Salesian family is a charismatic community called, lead and guided by the Holy Spirit and belonging to the church. Sr. Phyllis Fernandes in the second session with the help of the power point presentation exposed the Common Mission Statement. With her liveliness she explained all the articles of the document. She stressed on the three formulas of Don Bosco: a) upright citizen and good Christians, b) educating by evangelization, and evangelization by educating, c) give me souls and take away the rest.
Mr. A.B. Bosco the formation incharge of the cooperators spoke on the formation of the Salesian cooperators following the statutes of PAL. He brought out the meaning and importance of formation. It is very important to have personal and common formation with the help of a spiritual director.
In the discussion the participants insisted that we should follow our uniform method of election. This would encourage more leadership within the church. Mr. Wilfred Rebello, the Administrator of the Southern Zonal Conference read the accounts of the year 2010- 2011. Mr. Jerome D’Souza of the Konkan Province gave the vote of thanks.