By Fr Mario Vaz for BISMumbai

On the morning of 18 August 2022 the General Councillor for South Asia, Fr Biju Michael was welcomed to Don Bosco Centre for Learning, Kurla, by the Salesian community.

In his opening conference to the community, Fr Biju Michael used the experience of Paul and Silas’ deliverance from imprisonment as well as the interaction between the sacristan, Don Bosco and Bartholomew Garelli to point out to the community how God works. He helped the community reflect on their Salesian Identity, and how they need to respond to the mission that God has entrusted to them.

After breakfast each Salesian of the community had an opportunity to meet him personally. A ‘Meet and Greet’ of the Principals of the four institutions as well as the Deans, HoDs and other significant persons of the institutes followed. Accompanied by the respective Principals, a quick walkabout the institutions gave him an idea of the set up and the working of the institutions.

Addressing the 70 students from the institutions of the campus, Fr Biju Michael conveyed the greetings of the Rector Major and shared about the Worldwide Salesian Organization with them. The motive of the Organization, and the future plans which included expansion into a further three countries were also spoken about. A spirited Q&A session then ensued.

Fr Biju Michael spoke about being motivated by Saint Francis Xavier; his journey as a young kid from Kerala to Assam, from his first steps in the way of Don Bosco to his current position: He shared his vocation story. He shared about Don Bosco Institutes’ commitment to Green-Sustainability, and the Green Alliance which was formed to handle that, while also explaining about the institute’s efforts during the pandemic and finally about the principles and ethos of the Salesian way of life.

As one student put it; “I felt it was extremely informative as we got to hear first-hand about the life and choices taken by a Salesian priest, the difficulties he faced, and how he persevered to overcome them to get to where he is, motivating us to push ourselves and become better versions of ourselves too in the future.” His speech addressed a lot of pertinent questions in a regular student’s mind, providing some comfort knowing others go through the same issues and more importantly - offering valuable advice to overcome the challenges of life.

Fr Biju Michael together with the Salesian community and the principals were treated to a delicious Maharashtrian meal prepared and ably served by the Hospitality students in their training restaurant.

During the Community Mass in the evening together with the Salesian Co-operators, Fr Biju Michael broke the Word of God, reminding the congregation about the Lord’s promise to make His people a new nation filled with the Spirit.

Fr Biju Michael concluded his visit with his report and recommendations for the Community of DBCL and the Blessing of Mary Help of Christians after lunch on 19 August 2022.