By Fr. Bento D’Souza SDB and Fr. George D’Abreo SDB for BIS Mumbai

Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK), Ahilyanagar, welcomed Fr. Ashley Miranda SDB, Provincial of the Mumbai Province, along with Fr. Robert Pen SDB, Vice Provincial, and Fr. Anton D’Souza SDB, Economer, for the annual team visit held on July 7 and 8, 2026.

The visitors were received at the threshold of BGVK on July 7 in a traditional Indian manner. The warm welcome set the tone for a meaningful visit aimed at reviewing the community’s preparedness for the new academic and pastoral year 2026–2027.

Following evening tea with the community, a meeting with the community was held. Fr. George D’Abreo SDB, Rector and Director of BGVK, presented an overview of the community’s plans, projects, priorities and budget for the coming year. The meeting offered an opportunity to review ongoing initiatives and reflect on the direction of BGVK’s work among rural communities.

The discussions focused on strengthening the mission of BGVK through renewed planning, responsible stewardship and deeper commitment to the Salesian charism. The visit encouraged the community to look ahead with clarity and hope, while remaining rooted in its mission of serving the poor, empowering people at the grassroots and responding to the emerging needs of rural Maharashtra.

The meeting was followed by evening prayer and dinner with the community. On the morning of July 8, the BGVK community and the visiting team came together for the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Ashley Miranda SDB. The Eucharistic celebration became a grace-filled moment of thanksgiving and renewal, reminding the community of its call to serve with faith, compassion and commitment.

The annual team visit provided the BGVK community with an occasion to revisit its goals, re-examine its priorities and prepare itself for the responsibilities of the year ahead. It also strengthened the community’s resolve to work towards poverty alleviation, human development and holistic empowerment in and around rural Maharashtra.

The visit also provided an opportunity for meaningful sharing between the community and the visiting team. The confreres reflected on the opportunities and challenges before BGVK as it continues to respond to the needs of children, youth, women, farmers and vulnerable families across rural Maharashtra. The encouragement and guidance received during the visit helped the community to look at the coming year with greater clarity, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

BGVK continues to carry forward its mission through education, health, livelihood, women’s empowerment, climate resilience, youth animation and community development initiatives. Guided by the Salesian spirit, the centre remains committed to the flourishing of every human person, both individually and collectively.

Quoting George Bernard Shaw, “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future,” the visit reminded the community that true wisdom lies in preparing responsibly for what lies ahead.