By Jacinta Jones for BIS Mumbai

The Association of Salesian Cooperators, Mumbai Province, held its Annual Congress cum Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Don Bosco Secondary School Hall, Matunga. Around 65 members including unit Delegates, from various units across the Province were present.

 The programme commenced with registration and breakfast.  The meeting began with an opening prayer led by Ashish Pillai, seeking God's blessings for the proceedings. Fr Wilfred D’Souza delegate of the Andheri Unit garlanded the statue of Don Bosco followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Fr Diego Nunes SDB, Salesian Family Delegate, Sr Iona Barretto FMA Delegate, Local units delegates and Council members, symbolizing faith, hope and the spirit of the Salesian mission.

 The felicitation ceremony acknowledged and appreciated the presence and contributions of members of the unit delegates. This was followed by an address by Fr Diego Nunes, who welcomed the gathering and shared words of guidance and encouragement. He read out the message sent by our Provincial, Fr Ashley Miranda. The roll call of the units read by the ASC Secretary, Jacinta Jones ensured representation and participation from across the Province. Ms Marie Rodriques, ASC Province Coordinator presented Mandatory Practices arising from the ten-day Joint Formation Training Program held at DBRC, Bangalore which was attended by Fr Diego, Dian and herself.

 The formal AGM proceedings continued with the reading and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting by Ms Jones. The Province report was presented by Ms Rodriques, followed by the Unit Reports, which highlighted the activities, initiatives and apostolic work undertaken during the year in the Local units. Ms. Jacqueline Misquitta - ASC Province Treasurer presented the financial report for the 2025-2026. 

 Fr Nunes introduced Fr Glasten Gonsalves, the head of the Prison Ministry for the Bombay Diocese. Fr Gonsalves gave an enlightening presentation regarding his field work, emphasizing the difficulties involved, the necessity of empathy, the process of reintegration, and the importance of supporting inmates alongside their relatives. The Cooperators were deeply moved by the outstanding efforts of the ministry and expressed a keen interest in adopting this mission as a regular unit initiative. Furthermore, the Cooperators were encouraged to serve as agents of positive change and hope within the community.

 After a short Q & A session and matters under Any Other Business (AOB) were followed by an enriching insight by Fr Leon Cruz, SDB Province Youth Director on the life of Blessed ALEXANDRINA MARIA DA COSTA, a Salesian Cooperator. 

 Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Solomon Rapol, Rector of Our Lady of Dolours Church, Wadala West and con-celebrated by the delegates present followed by a Vote of Thanks by Francis Martin- ASC Formation in-charge.

 The day concluded with a fellowship lunch at 1:30 p.m.