By Jacinta Jones for BIS Mumbai

 Mumbai, July 11, 2026: A meeting of the Salesian Cooperators Office Bearers of the Salesian Province of Bombay was held on Saturday, July 11 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga. Around 45 members from 16 units, traveling from as far as Gujarat, Ahmednagar, Pune, and Lonavla, alongside Salesian and FMA delegates attended the meeting.

The meeting started with a prayer service led by Maria D’Souza (Andheri Unit) and a warm welcome from Provincial Coordinator Mrs Marie Rodrigues.

Fr Diego Nunes, Provincial Delegate welcomed Sr Iona Barretto, Provincial Delegate, FMA and all the Salesian Cooperators. He introduced Fr Jeswin Mastan, the newly appointed Administrator of Our Lady of Dolours, Wadala, highlighting his pastoral leadership and background in Japan and Andheri. Fr Nunes urged office bearers to prioritize collaborative learning and critical self-examination to sharpen skills, align administrative structures, and renew their commitment to serving marginalized youth.

The training shifted to practical applications regarding group behaviors. A reporting session distinguished between group "content" (operational tasks) and group "process" (human interactions, feelings, and participation). Members were challenged to analyze subtle communication barriers, rivalries, and silence within group dynamics.

The day’s activities began with a "House Building" simulation, where participants navigated highly restrictive roles—a blindfolded builder, a helper with restricted movement, and a silent observer. Using structural blocks to complete the task, this exercise vividly illustrated the necessity of clear communication and shared vision. Without a defined goal or a common understanding, the team struggled to find direction; the simulation underscored that when an individual or group lacks a guiding vision, progress becomes impossible. Ultimately, it highlighted that effective communication is the essential foundation required for any group to move beyond confusion and achieve its collective objectives.

Following this, the strategic workshop "Win As Much As You Can" shifted the focus toward group cohesion and the complexities of mutual trust. While the exercise challenged members to make smart, strategic decisions, it also revealed the inherent tensions of working within a competitive environment, where the temptation to prioritize individual gain through deceit can easily arise. The experience served as a poignant reminder that while trust is difficult to cultivate, it is fragile and easily shattered; once lost, it becomes exceptionally challenging to rebuild. This session underscored the vital importance of transparency and integrity in maintaining the deep trust necessary for any community to thrive.

Later, Mrs Sudha Pillai briefed members on specific duties, census tracking, and financial discipline. She concluded by invoking Joshua 1:9, exhorting members to remain strong and courageous in their ministries.

The Salesian Provincial, Fr Ashley Miranda, arrived to interact with the members, expressing immense joy at the large turnout despite the weather and offering a timely blessing.

In his concluding note, Fr Nunes reminded members that their title signifies active service rather than a status symbol, ending with a blessing. The meeting concluded at lunchtime with a short prayer, and members now look forward to an upcoming spiritual retreat in Lonavla.