By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

On the morning of 26 April 2024, the second session of the Salesian Province of Bombay (INB) Provincial Chapter (PC2024) held in preparation for General Chapter 29 (GC29) concluded with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Savio Silveira, the Provincial of INB, at Don Bosco, Lonavla.

During the homily, Fr Silveira took the opportunity to reflect with the capitulars on the attitudes needed to contribute to the good growth of the province. Quoting the constitutions, he asked them to imitate the gratitude of our Lord for the many good things INB is blessed with - talented confreres, generosity of resources, and the opportunity to work with the young despite circumstances. Gratitude marked the life of Don Bosco; even in his old age, he wept tears of gratitude and joy at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome.

Fr Silveira then exhorted the confreres to cultivate an optimistic attitude, going forth to do God’s will, hoping it will work out for the best. Again, Don Bosco is a shining example of someone who never lost hope and optimism despite the disheartening circumstances of his life. Finally, the Provincial reflected on the spirit of initiative that the province must show to implement the ideas proposed during the Chapter. The past growth of the province has come due to the initiative of so many confreres. In these challenging times, there is a need to rekindle this spirit to find new ways of serving the poor and marginalised.

The previous afternoon, the Chapter elected Fr Michael Fernandes and Fr Ashley Miranda as the two delegates to represent the province at the General Chapter. Later, in the evening session, the capitulars voted on the documents of the Chapter, after which the Moderator, Fr Valerian Pereira, declared the Chapter closed.

Fr Pereira expressed his gratitude to the various persons who made the Chapter a success: the Provincial and his Council, the pre-Capitular Commission, the secretaries, and the heads of commissions. Especially, he said a word of thanks to the community of Don Bosco, Lonavla, for the excellent ambience and the hosting of the Chapter.