By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

The Salesian Brothers of the Province of Bombay (INB) met at Don Bosco, Lonavla, from 8 to 10 September 2023, for moments of formation, reflection, and togetherness. Eight out of the 12 Salesian Brothers were present; four were unable to attend due to ill health.

Fr Joyston Machado was the resource person and animator of the meeting. Through well-planned sessions, he led the Brothers through moments of self-introspection. The schedule was very flexible, keeping in mind the ongoing ‘Come and See’ camp, which was being held simultaneously by the Vocation Animator.

Fr Machado touched on religious life and discipleship, inviting the Brothers to go back to their first religious profession and experience the joy of dedicating their lives to Christ. Through practical sessions, which literally involved creating objects from clay, he demonstrated the various phases of life and how a person gets shaped into what God intends. More importantly, Fr Machado did not pack the schedule with sessions and activities; by keeping ample time between sessions, he fostered moments of self-reflection and dialogue.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the interpersonal sharing of the lives and apostolates of the Brothers. Each Brother took turns introducing himself and the portfolios entrusted to him. This turned out to be one of the most profound sessions, as many opened up not just about their work but also about their community life and the many challenges they have to face, especially as they grow older.

Another moment of grace was the interaction with the aspirants and the campers. In the morning, the Brothers had a chance to meet the aspirants in their respective groups and share about their vocation. In the afternoon, they introduced themselves and the Salesian vocation to the campers. These moments provided an opportunity to bear witness to their vocation, even as they answered curious questions from both groups.

There were adequate moments of prayer during the Meet to facilitate deeper reflection. Both, the animated meditation on the lives of St Artemide Zatti and Bl. Stephen Sandor and the adoration service in the afternoon, aimed at introspection into the Brothers’ consecrated life lived out in their ministry. 

The Brothers’ Meet concluded with the Sunday Eucharist on the morning of 10 September. It was indeed a moment of bonding, sharing and formation.