by Mrs. Irene Shah
AHMEDNAGAR, FEBRUARY 11, 2014: The Salesian Cooperators of the Wadala(W) unit, undertook a mission trip to Ahmednagar on the 31st January till the 2nd February 2014. It was a wonderful trip with very enriching and fulfilling experiences. Br. Ramesh, who organised the stay and visits to the villages, left no stone unturned to see that the cooperators had a comfortable stay, good food and kept them on the move to accomplish their mission.
Br. Ramesh received them warmly at the Ahmednagar railway station and took them to BGVK, from where they proceeded for the celebration of the Eucharist with Fr. Issu as the celebrant. They were then briefed about the mission. In the evening the group joined the Don Bosco Savedi Community for the feast mass at which Bishop Lourdes Daniel from Nasik was the main celebrant. The little girls praised and Glorified the Lord with a dance as the Bishop entered with the co-celebrants. The ‘Grace’ Choir was very good. They met the Salesian Sisters as well. They then visited St. Anne’s Church and met Fr. Thomas as he celebrated his Birthday, and also Frs. Nelson and Bento.
On the 1st and 2nd of February Br. Ramesh took the group on their mission. They visited 8 villages in all (5 on 1st Feb and 3 on 2nd Feb ) on the 1st of february they covered Mahaldhara , Sonewadi (saw in both the (VEP) village education programs), Pimpalgaon Ghat (SHG Women- self-help groups), Pimpal gaon, Malvi, Adhavadi villages. In the last two villages they were fascinated with the “Children Parliament” that functioned there.
On the 2nd of February they covered Himampur, Jeur, Nandgoan villages. Since Saturday was a half day, they did not visit many villages, but were happy to meet the members of the Childrens’ Parliament and interacted with them. The Parliament consist of the Prime minister, Health, Education, Sports, Culture, Environment ministers etc. It was very nice to see and hear the basics being inculcated in the children. Ms. Dolly also gave a little speech about cleanliness, attendance in the school and respecting teachers and elders and the necessity of going to school.
They sang, danced and played with them and also presented them with gifts like writing materials and sweets. It was nice to see them clean and disciplined. They also saw the watershed work done by the Salesian.
Br. Ramesh explained to them the Vision and the Motto of the Institution and the works. In conclusion one of the members said, “We enjoyed our mission experience and felt really proud to be part of the Salesian Family”.