by BISMumbai Correspondent

The Strenna 2020 of the Rector Major, Father Ángel Fernández Artime, "'Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven' (Mt 6:10). -Good Christians and Upright Citizens," invites the entire Salesian Family the world over, in 133 countries, to fructify Don Bosco's outreach to the young, as educators and evangelizers. The Rector Major calls for "internalizing a life programme which involves service to others, commitment to public life, personal honesty, an "allergy" to all types of corruption, sensitivity to the world of migration, to creation and the "common home" that has been given to us. All this in our commitment to protecting the defenceless, those who have no say and who are discarded."

In order to further reflect, deepen and arrive at a concrete action plan, around 350 representatives from the 31 groups of the Salesian Family have converged at Valdocco-Turin for the International Spirituality Days of the Salesian Family, from 16-19 January 2020. These 04 days of prayer, meeting, sharing and deliberating in typical Salesian style embodying the family spirit of Don Bosco, is expected to serve as a revival of the Salesian mission to the young.

2 of the Mumbai Salesians, Fathers Goyal Anthony-Spiritual Director of ADMA Mumbai and Pravin Makwana-Principal Don Bosco School Kawant are also part of this vast gathering. Prior to their departure from Mumbai. both Fathers Goyal and Makwana spoke exclusively to BISMumbai. Father Goyal said, "these are days of grace and blessing for me personally, as I am fortunate to visit the 1st works or the initial beginnings of Don Bosco's outreach at Valdocco. Having heard and studied all through my Salesian life about the Valdocco Model, I am really blessed to get this opportunity." He further added, "I will be representing the ADMA Mumbai unit, whom I am blessed to animate and I do hope to learn something here, and experience the spirit of Don Bosco which will not only benefit me, but also the many ADMA members who are praying for me." Father Makwana was happy to be able to undertake this journey, saying, "For me, it is 1st and foremost a pilgrimage to visit the place where Don Bosco started his work for the poor. I hope to be enriched with this opportunity and return back inspired and motivated to continue to educate and mentor the young, especially the rural poor in Gujarat."

ADMA [Association of Mary Help of Christians] founded by Don Bosco himself, has a very successful presence in the Salesian Province of Bombay [INB], since over a decade. Beginning with 21 members, as of date, the ADMA Mumbai has 48 promised members, another 48 in preparation, of which 17 members after a regular process of preparation for the last 01 year are due to make the promise on 24 May 2020, The seniormost ADMA Mumbai member is Rosa Farro - aged 89; while among its ranks are also 03 young people, of whom 01 is a working adult, 01 is a college youth and the youngest aspirant is appearing for his Std. X exams. Ashwin Fernandes, Secretary ADMA Mumbai, who claims to have shared a meal with Don Angel on his visit to Mumbai last, choking with emotion said, "It was really great meeting the Rector Major and wishing him, and what's more even sharing a meal with him, when he came to visit us here. As our Spiritual Director goes to Turin, and other pilgrimage sites, we accompany him with our prayers for his safe journey and successful participation, so that he can come back nourished to help us promote devotion to Our Blessed Mother through our lives, in our families and society."

The ADMA Mumbai has prepared a special Greeting Card for Don Ángel, which Fathers Goyal and Makwana will present at the meeting on the last day, Sunday 19, after the Eucharist in the Basilica, when the Rector Major will conclude the Salesian Family Days with a final message. Says Fernandes, "Father is going from our Shrine to the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, surely we are all blessed."

The event will be streamed live via the ANS Facebook page with regular updates on the official website: https://salesianfamilydays.com/