By Fr Avil Correa SDB for BIS Mumbai

The meeting for the catechists scheduled for August 7, 2025 began with the holy Eucharist celebrated in the Crypt of the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna at 9 a.m. It was presided by Fr Savio Silveira the Provincial of the Mumbai Province for the 22 catechists that were gathered. During his homily, Fr Silveira, threw light on the fundamental question of the Salesian identity that keeps presenting itself to the Salesians themselves timelessly. “Considering the themes of the last three general chapters – GC27, GC28, GC29”, Fr Silveira remarked “one notices a deeper understanding of the Salesian Identity; from being Mystics in the Spirit, Prophets of fraternity and Servants of the young, to ‘the kind of Salesians to the youth of Today’. At the present moment, we focus on being Salesians who are passionate about Jesus Christ and dedicated to the young! Following the homily, Fr Robert Pen was installed as the vice provincial of the Salesian Province of Bombay.

After the Holy Eucharist, the catechists gathered in the conference hall of the Provincial House, where Fr Savio Silviera, addressed them. Fr Silveira stressed upon the three fundamental responsibilities of the catechist in every Salesian community: Care of the spiritual life of the confreres and of the young people, Care of the health of confreres and the local delegate for missionary animation. Thereafter, the meeting consisted of 3 sessions – each divided into three parts, viz., a short presentation by the resource person, discussion in groups and a presentation of the group discussions. This methodology kept the participants engaged meaningfully, so that they not only listened to the resource person, but to also contributed by means of their personal experiences and current issues that were being faced.

Fr Robert Pen, in the first session presented from a catechist’s perspective the core 1A of General Chapter 29, i.e. the Centrality of Christ and the care of the confreres. A Salesian catechist, has Christ at the center of catechesis and thus is a witness of faith himself. The GC29 suggests that at the personal level, the ministry of the catechist should be rooted in Christ, who is the center and the goal. The methodology to be used would be storytelling and life testimonies.

Fr Ashley Miranda, the provincial delegate, was the resource person for sessions 2 and 3. Fr Miranda, said that the catechist is like the grease of the community, the sobering influence that brings people together to work together. With this metaphor he stressed on the practical aspects that need to be taken care of by the catechist, viz., preparing the animation timetable for the Eucharist, Lauds, Vespers, adorations, the 11th and the last day of every month. In order to ensure good quality catechesis in schools and parishes, the catechist needs to get things organized and follow them up. The catechist must also take due care of the sick confreres.

The meeting ended at 6 p.m. as scheduled. The Salesian catechists who attended the meeting returned to their communities, enlightened with the indispensable role they play in the smooth functioning of the Salesian mission.