Cleric Aegidius Pereira for BISMumbai

Young Mumbai Salesians in initial formation (Practical Training and College Studies) gathered online on 21July 2020 from 11 am to 12:30 pm for their 1st online meet. The meeting was organized and coordinated by VicePrivincial Father Ashley Miranda, and was attended by 18 young Salesians from across the province.

Provincial Father Savio Silveira, began the 1st half of the meeting with a prayer and went on to enlighten the young Salesians about the present situation affecting the families, the Salesian provinces, the Church and the world. He encouraged the young Salesians not to lose hope due to the present circumstances but inspired by Article 115 of the Salesian Constitutions, to have a deeper living experience of the Salesian educative and pastoral action. He further encouraged them to grow in their personal and community prayer life; to be an active part of the present digital space; and to think of the future as to how we as Salesians can be more present in the digital space where the young people will continue to be even after the pandemic.

The 2nd half of the meeting was conducted by Father Ashley Miranda, who encouraged the young Salesians to be regular for personal and community prayer moments, spiritual direction and take initiatives for the better functioning of the community.

Each of the 18 participants then shared the happenings in their respective communities. Father Miranda concluded with a prayer and encouraged the young Salesians to be kind, loving, gentle, cheerful and enthusiastic, in their vocation.