MATUNGA, JANUARY 27, 2012: Thirteen Salesian youth from various Salesian Parishes and Movements in Mumbai are preparing for a ten-day Cultural Tour to Poland from May 20-30, 2012. As part of the preparation, a day's animation program was conducted at the Auxilium Provincial House, Bandra on January 26, 2012. The program consisted on activities for Team Building, Salesian Youth Spirituality and a pilgrimage to Mount Mary's, Bandra.
Preparations for the Poland Youth Cultural Tour began over a month ago. Every one of those chosen had to go through a selection process at the local and regional level. Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial of the Mumbai Province introduced the youth to the purpose of the entire cultural tour and together with Frs. Isaac, Glenn, Roy and Sr. Rita Lobo drew up a calendar of events that would prepare the youth for a holistic tour ahead. Preparations included were Spiritual Animation, Team Building Activities, and Research into various aspects of Indian Culture and Heritage, Practices for the Various Dances and Songs. The group meets every Saturday and Sunday for various practices and research work. At the very start, every young person had to make a personal commitment to the entire formative process.
As part of this process, the youth were given moments for Team Building and for getting to know one another through a session organized by Fr. Glenn Lowe. Fr. Isaac was introduced to the group. The youth were presented a session on the Salesian Youth Spirituality by him.
After lunch, the youth undertook a Walking Pilgrimage to Mount Mary. A brief presentation about the history of Mount Mary was presented by Mr. Donald and Malaica. Along the walk, the rosary was prayerfully said. Personal testimonies on the role of Mary in one's life were also shared by many.
"This is a first of a kind Pilgrimage experience for me," said Blossom, "and I take with me very happy memories." All the young people are highly charged and motivated at the prospects of showcasing Indian Culture abroad. "You are representing the face of Salesian India and the face of Cultural India," said Fr. Fernandes at the start of the initial preparation.
The entire Cultural Tour is sponsored by the Salesian Province of Poland. Fr. Isaac and Sr. Rita Lobo will accompany the young people on this unique experience.