By Jacinta Jones for BIS Mumbai

The Don Bosco Salesian Cooperators’ (ASC) Provincial Council along with Fr Diego Nunes, the Provincial Delegate, recently conducted official visits to the Yerwada and Koregaon Units. These visits proved to be deeply inspiring and impactful, marking a significant milestone toward strengthening the Salesian mission, fostering genuine fraternity, and revitalizing apostolic enthusiasm across the region.

The Yerwada Unit, under the guidance of Unit Delegate Fr Michael Fernandes, continues to be actively engaged in numerous apostolic, social, and spiritual activities. The unit joyfully celebrated the addition of two extended family members. Furthermore, with nine Aspirants the unit’s total active strength has grown to a dynamic 24 members. Fr Nunes emphasized the core vocation and mission of a Salesian Cooperator, encouraging all present to live out their calling with deep spiritual dedication. Key discussion points centered on integrating a dedicated monthly spiritual activity, reading and reflecting on the Project of Apostolic Life (PAL) during every meeting, standardizing administrative documentation, planning a distinct new activity to commemorate the 150-year celebration, and streamlining overall unit operations. The meeting ended with prayer by Fr Nunes and a shared meal of fellowship.

The Koregaon Unit, guided by Unit Delegate Fr Joe Braganza, reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to serving the poor, the young, and the marginalized. Comprising 13 dedicated members, the unit reviewed its ongoing initiatives and outlined key operational guidelines. Special focus was placed on expanding youth outreach initiatives by participating in local parish, school, and zonal youth welfare programs in close collaboration with Salesian missions. This includes restarting valuable community projects, such as basic conversational English classes for local youth. To ensure administrative excellence, the council discussed implementing standardized reporting procedures. The meeting concluded with a closing prayer by Fr Nunes followed by tea and light refreshments for all.

Throughout both visits, the essential vocation, mission, and significance of the Salesian Cooperators were read and explained by Fr Nunes. He emphasized that becoming a Salesian Cooperator is not merely joining an organization, but answering a personal call from God—a lifelong commitment to living out the Christian faith in the distinct spirit of St John Bosco. He highlighted that Cooperators are called to actively participate in the mission of the Church by serving young people, supporting families, promoting Gospel values in secular life, and contributing generously to parish and community life. Fr Nunes further elaborated on the witness and apostolate expected of Cooperators, stressing the indispensability of continuous prayer, frequent participation in the Eucharist, deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Pope, and living as joyful examples of Christian faith.

During both unit visits, the Council Members shared valuable guidance regarding the specific duties and responsibilities of local office bearers, including coordinators, secretaries, formators, and treasurers. They encouraged effective servant leadership, seamless teamwork, strict accountability, and faithful service to the Church and society. Overall, the visits successfully strengthened fraternity, renewed apostolic enthusiasm, and inspired everyone to continue Don Bosco's mission with greater zeal, unity, and joy.