By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

On 21-23 June 2023, the leaders of the communities of the Province of Bombay met at the Don Bosco Provincial House. Around 40 Salesians were present for this meet.

The meeting began on 21 June with a solemn Eucharist celebrated by the Provincial, Fr Savio Silveira, at 9 a.m. in the crypt of the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna. During the homily, he stressed that leaders are called to be a light to the community, guiding them on the right path. They are called to be the salt of the community, bringing joy and enthusiasm to the community

In his inaugural address, Fr Silveira welcomed the new members of the Provincial Council and the new rectors. He pointed out that while leadership is attractive, it is also challenging and demanding. He later presented the report of the province.

The day went on in revising articles from the Constitutions and Regulations that pertained to the leaders of communities. A booklet on missionary animation compiled by Fr Michael Bansode, the Provincial Councillor for Missionary Animation, and his team was released by Fr Silveira. Mr Glen Gonsalves, a charted accountant, spoke to the gathering about FCRA and income tax issues.

The following two days were formative in nature, animated by Fr Johny Nedungatt SDB, a Salesian priest from the Kolkata Province with a Licentiate in Missiology, a Master's Degree in Spiritual direction, and certification in Human Sexuality from the Christian Institute for the Study of Human Sexuality, Chicago. 

The course was entitled ‘Psychosexual Spiritualty’ wherein Fr Nedungatt dwelt on the process of integrating sexuality into our lives which is essential to living the Salesian consecrated life, particularly living celibacy for the kingdom in a fulfilling manner.  He touched on emotional life and the process of integrating emotions into day-to-day life.  Finally, he concluded with a discussion on interpersonal conflicts and how one can deal with this unavoidable part of community life in a healthy manner.

This was a wonderful occasion for the leaders to gather, share in the fellowship, and understand their responsibility as fathers of their respective communities.