By Fr Augustine Pereira for BISMumbai

It was an auspicious day as the General Councillor for South Asia, Fr Biju Michael, who represented the Rector Major, visited Rasquinha Don Bosco Technical Training Centre on 18 November 2022. The community was indeed blessed with this visit. The Salesians and the students, along with instructors, were excited to see him personally and to meet him.

Having arrived in the morning, Fr Biju Michael began his visitation by an opening conference to the Salesians, inviting the community to reflect on a scriptural text. He then met each of the Salesians individually. His main concern was the growth of the community, focusing on the spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional growth of each person.

In the afternoon he went about the technical section looking at the different departments of the institute, and interacted with boys and the instructors. While addressing the technical staff, he insisted on making use of the campus for production.

During the Eucharist, later that evening, Fr Biju Michael spoke on the role of Saints Peter and Paul, the pillars of the Catholic Church. He also thanked the neighbouring religious communities who provide their services to the institute. As a token of his appreciation, he gave each one of them a religious medal reminding them of the love of Don Bosco towards his benefactors and well wishers. He also appreciated the new venture of Fr Ivan Rodrigues for having formed the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) and the Youth Group at Our Lady Fatima Church, Chakan. He interacted with them and welcomed these groups for having among Salesians and blessed each one of them.

After supper, he joined the community for an informal program organised by boys. He was felicitated by Fr Augustine Pereira in a traditional way with typical Maharashtrian topi and shawl. In his talk to the boys, he told them that their entire future and the future of their family depended on the training they received during their stay at Don Bosco Chakan.

In the concluding conference, Fr Biju Michael presented a report of the institute, showing some concerns and recommending the important factor to work on. All in all, it was a grace filled event for the community and for the institute at large.