BIS # 3576 COMMUNICATION IN 21ST CENTURY

by Cl. Justus Mendis

 

MATUNGA-MUMBAI,JULY 22,2013: On 18th July 2013, a two day programme for the Practical Trainees was organized at Don Bosco Provincial House Matunga by the Vice Provincial, Fr. Ajoy Fernandes sdb. Nineteen clerics attended this meeting.

The Formation Councilor of the Mumbai Province, Fr. Ashley Miranda sdb, celebrated the Eucharist. He highlighted the Gospel quote, 'Come to me all who are weary and heavy burden and I will give you rest'; inviting all present to take rest in God. He later emphasized on being signs and bearers of God's love for the young after the example of Don Bosco.

After the Eucharist Fr. Elias Dias sdb spoke about his publications that could be used by brothers in their ministry with the boys. Fr. Ashley Miranda sdb then started the session saying, one has to be enthusiastic and use his potentials to the fullest to live the Salesian vocation fruitfully. Later, the brothers were guided in group sharing of their experiences in the communities, which served as a learning experience for all. The brothers expressed their happiness in being with the communities and also getting support when required. Fr. Michael Fernandes sdb, the Provincial of INB, interacted with the brothers. He reminded them of a few simple but important points regarding the demands made in this particular phase of formation. He ended by thanking them for their work and encouraged them to continue loving the boys and praying daily for their own vocation.

The afternoon and the evening sessions were taken by Fr. Savio Silveira sdb, who enlightened the brothers on the vitality of Communication in the 21st century. Pointing out the wider scale of influence which the social media has, he urged them to write articles of an accepted standard kept by BIS. He helped them by giving them useful tips. He also evaluated a few articles for them which were sent earlier to the BIS and were not up to the mark. The brothers were given practice to write articles and were later evaluated among their given groups. After the supper, the day ended with a movie.

Friday 19th July, began with the Eucharist celebrated by the Provincial. The Holy Mass was offered for the soul of Fr. Bosco Pereira, sdb. The brothers specially prayed for his soul and the community of Andheri. The Provincial in his sermon reminded us that God always does well in our lives.

Dn. Leon Ratinam sdb, conducted a session on New Media. He emphasized the need to be evangelized using the new media, quoting the late Blessed John Paul II. He also made them aware of the views of Fr. Filberto Gonzalez sdb, the Councilor for Social Communications at UPS, on the urgency of Salesians being available on Facebook and Twitter for their ministry. Furthermore, taking the brothers to the computer laboratory and asking them to design a creative methodology for New Evangelization using the New Media encouraged them to come out with variety of creative ways in Social Media.

 The brothers were grateful for the informative input sessions, which were meticulously planned by the Vice Provincial for this two day programme. After a fellowship meal, the brothers departed to their respective communities carrying renewed zeal in working for the young and to meet again for the awaited Grommo 2013.