BIS # 4012 INTRODUCING SALESIAN COOPERATORS TO SALESIAN VISITORS

NORTH ARABIAN VICARIATE, JULY 1, 2014: Frs. Constantine and Clive from the Salesian Konkan Province addressed the gathering of the Salesian Cooperators of Kuwait on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. Fr. Constantine began the session speaking of his call to the priesthood and to the Salesian way of life. In his inspirational and simple style, he shed light on the role of a Salesian Cooperator. He encouraged the group to continue doing their good work even though at times it would seem discouraging. He reiterated that the Cooperators were an integral part of the Salesians. He said that having devoted their lives to the betterment of youth would automatically usher in abundant blessings. By focusing on the 'NOW' and leaving the future in the hands of the Lord, they would find true joy and peace.
Thereafter Fr. Clive re-energised the group with a lively action song, awakening the child in every Cooperator. He spoke to the group about the Salesians in his province and their works. He also gave insight to the innovative educational venture of the Cooperators – a mobile school. The mobile school was a bus that 

was converted into a class room. It drove through the streets collecting children and after finding a suitable resting place, the classes would begin. Highlighting the importance of the Salesian Cooperators in the Salesian mission, Fr. Clive echoed the words of Don Bosco "people in cassocks cannot do all the work. We need ordinary people as they can achieve better results with the community." Thus motivating the Cooperators to continue their good works, Fr. Clive ended the session asking them to pray for more vocations and for all the works of the Salesians.

 
One of the delegates then presented a beautiful medal of our Lady of Arabia to each of the twelve aspirants. Of the twelve, ten took their promises on May 24, during the Holy Mass and two would take their promises to be cooperators on  August 16, 2014 at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Mumbai. A medal was also gifted to Melissa Fernandes, a Salesian cooperator, who was leaving Kuwait along with her family, and moving to Canada. Finally, those celebrating their anniversaries and birthdays were invited to cut the cake as the others sang a hymn of blessing for them.