MATUNGA-MUMBAI, JULY 29, 2013: The Annual General Body Meeting of Salesian co-operators was held on the 14th of July 2013 at the Provincial House Matunga. Sixty Co-operators and Eight Delegates were present.
The meeting started with half an hour Adoration in the Crypt of the Shrine of Don Bosco's Madonna animated by the Wadala (West) unit. After tea and snacks Mrs. Claudina Pinto welcomed the delegates and all the Co-operators and thanked them for coming in good numbers. Representatives from Narukot, Andheri, Borivali, Kurla, Bandra, Matunga, Wadala East & West, Yerwada and Koregaon Park were present.
Fr. Wilfred in his welcome speech sincerely thanked all for coming especially those travelling from outside Mumbai; he applauded the outgoing Provincial Council members – particularly Mrs. Claudina, Mrs. Philomena Mendes and Mrs. Jacinta D'Souza and Mr. Christopher Gomes - for their regular attendance at each monthly meeting, as well as the dedication in carrying out their responsibilities as Coordinator, Secretary and Treasurer. He said many aspirants made their Promise this year. What was admirable was that the Formation was seriously done, the relevant documents were sent in time to the Council and the Rite well conducted for the Promise.
Elections for the provincial council were also held, only the Local Unit Councillors were eligible to vote and they proceeded to do the same. The new Provincial Advisory Body will now comprise Mrs. Sharon, Mr. Richard, Ms Dolly and Mr. Anthony, and some representatives of the Local Units.
Fr. Wilfred made a surprising announcement that he was stepping down from the position of SDB Provincial Delegate of the Salesian Family. His decision had been accepted and his replacement would be Fr. Vivian D'Souza. The latter was requested to release the issue of the SALFAM Bulletin for the year 2012-2013. A copy was then handed over to each of the Local Coordinators present.
The minutes of the last AGM were read and passed; similarly the Statement of Income and Expenditure was passed. Mrs. Geeta Menezes next presented a Power point programme listing the activities of all the Units instead of each Unit reading its Report.
The meeting ended at 8.30 pm with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Annette Alvares.