By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

The Salesian Brothers of the Provinces of Bombay and Panjim met at Don Bosco Panjim on 10 and 11 March 2023. Eleven of the participants were from the Province of Bombay while one was from Panjim.

The Meet commenced with a short prayer service, during which the Brothers prayed for a spirit of fraternity to prevail in the Salesian community and apostolate, while also praying for each Salesian Brother of the two provinces. Fr Clive Tellis, Provincial of the Province of Panjim in his opening talk welcomed the Brothers to the Province and dealt with the importance of mentorship. He spoke of the need to be spiritual guides to the young while also being guided in their vocation by competent spiritual directors.

Br Aliester D’Souza, in his session, dealt with the need for religious to be good at social communication. He mentioned that while there are countless possibilities literally at one’s fingertips to spread positivity, good values and to evangelise, one needs to be aware of them and take appropriate measures to communicate the Good News in a way that is attractive.

The evening visit to the prenovitiate at Don Bosco, Loutolim, enabled the Brothers to meet the future of the Salesian congregation while also giving the prenovices an opportunity to interact with the Salesian Brothers. After more than an hour of an enthusiastic and never-ending volleyball match, the prenovices had a Q&A with the Brothers. Some of the brothers shared their vocation story while others shared about the vocation of the Salesian Brother. After this, the prenovices organised a prayer service for the Brothers, and after a short cultural programme, all had supper which prompted more interaction.

Fr Loddy Pires, was the resource person for the two sessions on the following day. He, reflecting on the Visitation of Mary, drew practical wisdom from scripture, the Salesian Consitutions, and his vast pastoral experience. He spoke of the need to imitate Mary in her simplicity, humility and caring for those in need inviting the brothers to connect emotionally with people.

The Brothers lunched at the Provincial House at Odxel, and then proceeded to visit the Salesian communities at Sulcorna, Quepem, Benaulim and Fatorda. Truly, the Brothers’ Meet was a wonderful experience thanks to the able organisation of Br James Marcus and Br Royston Colaco.