By Marie Rodriques for BIS Mumbai

The Association of Salesian Cooperators convened their Congress cum Elections on November 9, 2025, at the Conference Hall of Don Bosco Secondary School, Matunga, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 Approximately 50 Cooperators from the Bombay Province, along with several unit delegates, gathered in the conference hall. The program commenced with a prayer led by Sr Iona Baretto, the FMA delegate, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by our esteemed Chief Guest, Mr Arthur Menezes, President of the Borivli Unit Past Pupils, alongside Fr Diego Nunes SDB, Provincial Delegate, Sr Iona Barretto FMA, Provincial Delegate, and the Province office bearers. Mr Arthur Menezes, who also served as the Election Officer for the event, formally declared the Congress 2025 open.

 Fr Nunes extended a warm welcome to the chief guest, the delegates, and the Cooperators, expressing gratitude for their presence at the gathering. Sudha invited each newly elected office bearer from the units to introduce themselves, after which she presented the provincial report. An emotional ‘thank you’ address was delivered by Sudha, wherein she expressed her heartfelt appreciation, particularly to Fr Nunes for his guidance and encouragement, the outgoing council members for their exemplary teamwork, and all the Cooperators for the abundant love, cooperation, and support extended to her throughout her seven-year tenure as Provincial Secretary and Coordinator.

 The unit delegates present, along with the outgoing office bearers, were honored with a plant as a token of appreciation.

 The minutes from the previous Congress were read by Marie Rodriques, Secretary, and the financial statement for the year 2024-2025 was presented by Dian D’Souza, Treasurer.

 Fr Nunes briefly introduced the election officer, Mr Arthur Menezes, and expressed gratitude to each outgoing council member for their exceptional teamwork, commitment, and dedication during their tenure.

 Following a brief address by Mr Arthur Menezes, the election process commenced, during which Fr Diego read the rules of Election as stipulated in the PAL, Article 24, and the nominations. With six nominations and six positions required, the assembly unanimously accepted the candidates. All provincial office bearers convened in the presence of the Election Officer to allocate various portfolios at the provincial level.

 The newly elected office bearers were solemnly announced before the assembly by Fr Nunes, as follows: Ms Marie Rodriques - Coordinator, Ms Jacinta Jones - Secretary, Ms Jacqueline Misquitta - Treasurer, Ms Daphene Carvalho - Councillor for Formation, Mr Joaquim D’Mello - Councillor for Family, Mr Cyril Asirvadam - Councillor for Youth. Mr Francis Fernandes was co-opted as Councillor for Mission.

 The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr James Nigrel, Delegate of the Kurla Unit, and co-celebrated by Fr Nunes and Fr Vivian D’Souza, Delegate of the Lonavla Unit. Mr Joaquim delivered the Vote of Thanks. The entire program was wonderfully compered by Arron Asirvadam from the Yerwada unit. The day concluded with a delightful lunch.