By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

The Salesian Province of Bombay had its Commissions’ Meet on 20 July 2022 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga. Around 75 Salesians and lay persons attended the meeting.

After a short moment of prayer, the meeting began with words of welcome by the Vice-Provincial, Fr Ashley Miranda. Then, he invited the Provincial, Fr Savio Silveira, to address the gathering. Fr Silveira began thanking the members of the province commissions last year, who were relieved from their responsibilities this academic year. In a special way, he expressed his gratitude to late Fr Bernard Fernandes, whose presence is dearly missed.

In his address, Fr Silveira stressed on the importance of the province commissions in giving direction to the works of the various sectors. They were, as he rightly put it, the animation think tank of the province. Having pointed out that almost two-thirds of the participants were a part of the Provincial Chapter 2022, he said that they were now tasked with the obligation to carry forward their own suggestions that were voted for in the Chapter. He also explained how the commissions need to own up the objectives of their respective sector, and systematically draw out lines of action for the year ahead and the triennium 2022-25.

After the address, the participants met in their respective commissions for the rest of the morning. In the afternoon, the four dimensions of the province – Education to Faith, Education and Culture, Social Experience, and Vocational Guidance – met and discussed their objectives and lines of actions.