By Fr Ian Pinto SDB for BIS Mumbai

The Missionary Commission of the Mumbai Province organized a half day seminar in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition at the Provincial House, Matunga on November 11, 2025. The seminar brought together around 80 participants including Salesians from across the Mumbai Province as well as Salesian sisters, Salesian Cooperators, ADMA members and collaborators. The seminar was an intellectually stimulating event that went beyond enlightening minds to kindling missionary fervour in the hearts.

 The animator for the seminar was the veteran missionary and sought-after speaker, Archbishop emeritus Thomas Menamparampil SDB. He divided his input into two sessions which were at once profound as they were engaging. He offered down-to-earth insights into the evolving challenge of being evangelizers today especially within the multicultural, multireligious and politically charged context of India. Intelligently weaving the insights of well-known spiritual writers like Rick Warren and socio-political commentators like Yascha Mounk, with personal anecdotes and Salesian stalwarts, Archbishop Thomas invited the participants to embrace the mission as a burning passion to proclaim the message of truth and love in the footsteps of Francis Xavier, the patron of the Province. Reflecting on the mission of Jesus and of courageous pioneers like Don Bosco and Mother Teresa, he highlighted the importance of relevance, cultural sensitivity, and creative communication to today’s complex world.

 The second session outlined a missionary strategy based on Archbishop Louis Mathias’ visionary leadership and missionary spirit. Using the Archbishop’s motto: Dare and Hope as a springboard, Archbishop Thomas traced the establishment and expansion of Salesian missions across Northeast India; ventures that were undertaken with enthusiastic courage, faith, and collaborative efforts. The Archbishop edified the audience with numerous examples of foreign missionaries who braved great odds, pooled talents and integrated diverse cultures in harmonious mission teams that proclaimed the Gospel in word and deed. He underscored the need to continue daring in the face of socio-political challenges, trusting deeply in God’s providence, and nurturing bonds of friendship in order to effectively ‘whisper the Gospel to the soul of Asia.’

 The seminar concluded with a solemn Eucharistic celebration that was presided over by Fr Ashley Miranda, the Provincial. In his homily, he highlighted key reflections from Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium and the Rector Major’s letter on ‘the Parable of the Sower.’ He reminded the congregation that missionaries are carriers of the Good News and therefore, have to be people who are full of joy, serenity and hope.

 The participants appreciated the well-organized seminar and left feeling motivated and equipped with ideas to improve their missionary work. To mark this special anniversary, a commemorative magazine was also released. It includes articles looking back with gratitude at the blessings of mission work in the province and in Salesian India as a whole. It also looks forward with hope, encouraging fresh thinking and renewed enthusiasm for the mission ahead. The seminar was a heartfelt reminder of the rich Salesian heritage of missionary generosity and fruitfulness and a call to live it with renewed passion for Christ and for young people.