by BISMumbai Correspondent

The Mumbai Salesians' Provincial Commissions-Youth Ministry Sectors and Dimensions coordinators 'google met' from their own respective offices, from across the province on 10 July 2020. ViceProvincial Father Ashley Miranda moderated the hour and half initial meeting for planning the year-long possibilities for better province animation.

The Youth Ministry sector heads who participated were: Father Leon Ratinam [Oratories & Youth Centres], Father James Tuscano [ Academic Institutions], Father Colbert daSilva [Technical Institutions], Father Michael Bansode [PArishes & Missions], Father Rolvin D'Mello [Development works], and Father Christopher George [Social Communication]. Likewise, the participant Dimension coordinators were: Father Isaac Arackaparambil [Education to the Faith], Father James Tuscano [Education & Culture], Brother Bryce Fernandes [Social Experience] and Father Blany pinto [Vocational Guidance]. Father Glenford Lowe-Provincial Councillor Youth Ministry and Social Communication also participated as the Youth Ministry Coordinating Team Leader.

Father Miranda initiated the proceedings with words of welcome, and by invoking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit on the participants, through the intercession of Mary. Proposing the methodology, he said, "This is a time of confusion and chaos. However, our lives as Salesians of Don Bosco should not and cannot complete to a complete halt. There are various initiatives which we have taken during these difficult days to reach out to our young people. This is an initial brainstorming session, on the suggestion of Father Provincial to chalk out methods and means of better outreach through the various sectors and dimensions across the province."

Each sector head then shared the various accomplishments and plans on the anvil. Newer modes of reaching out, especially through the digital/online medium were proposed, in line with the July Provincial Circular. Father Lowe reminded, "the four dimensions are not parallel but are to better the one ministry. Our task is to help young people find meaning, to accompany them on this socio-cultural journey with the faith aspect and to help them discern their particular life-calling." Father Miranda exhorted, " Ultimately we have to look at this entire animation of young people in our various settings as part of one mission. This is not a competition, but a collaborative venture to better enhance our lives and that of the young."

The sector heads and the dimension coordinators are expected to organise similar 'google meets' or other online modes of discussing, planning and chalking out of the lines of action, in the days that follow. Father Miranda is to coordinate the schedules and Father Lowe is to participate in each of these sessions. This 1st time online Youth Ministry Sectors and Dimensions meet is expected to help enhance, enable and enthuse Salesians and the Salesian Family, amidst the called, consecrated, commissioned Golden Jubilee preparations.