The XV South Zonal Conference hosted by INB was held at Don Bosco Provincialate, Mumbai, from 17-19 September 2022, with the theme, Salesian Cooperator: A Beacon of Hope for the marginalized Youth. It was an auspicious event as it happily coincided with the celebration of the Golden and Ruby Jubilee of the SDB and FMA Provinces of Bombay. It began with the hoisting of the S. Cooperators flag. Sr. Catherine Fernandes, FMA Delegate INB for the Salesian Cooperators, participated in the same. All the participants, almost 55, were welcomed in typical Maharashtrian culture in the Don Bosco International School Auditorium. After the Inaugural Prayer Dance by the students of Auxilium Convent High School, Wadala, Fr. Diego Nunes, SDB Delegate for the S. Cooperators warmly welcomed everyone. Fr. Provincial Savio Silveira in his address reminded the S. Cooperators of the essence of their calling: to focus more on the poorest with love.
Our Provincial Sr. Meenakshi D’Silva in her message spoke of the need to invest time and resources in the study of the theme in order to make an impact in the lives of the young. The students of St. Joseph High School – Wadala, put up a significant dance. One of the sessions that created a deep impact on the audience was the testimonies of their success stories by the alumni of Don Bosco Shelter Homes. Another highpoint was the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Superior for South Asia, who invited them to ponder on the Word of God and practice it. The finale on 19th was the Mumbai Darshan beginning with a tribute to our Blessed Mother at Mt. Mary’s, Bandra, and refreshments at the FMA Provincialate nearby, visit to a couple of Salesian Centres and included a stopover at the iconic Gateway of India.
