FROM DEVASTATION TO HOPE: THE STORY OF OUR DAHANU MISSION -- 22nd to 24th July 2026

As soon as news of the calamity reached our Provincial, Rev. Sr. Meenakshi D'Silva, she responded with deep concern and prompt action. She immediately coordinated with nearby communities and asked some Superiors to send Sisters to Dahanu to assist in the enormous task of cleaning, restoring, and supporting the affected community. Their generous response became a beautiful witness of Salesian fraternity and communion. Equally moving was the extraordinary solidarity shown by the parishioners and the villagers. Although many had themselves lost their homes, possessions, and means of livelihood, they came without hesitation to help remove debris, clean the buildings, and encourage our Sisters with their presence. Amid overwhelming devastation, these simple acts of compassion became rays of hope, reminding us that God's love is often revealed through the kindness and generosity of His people. In turn, our Sisters reached out to the most vulnerable families by distributing cereals and other essential provisions, sharing with them not only material assistance but also comfort, hope, and the assurance that they were not alone in their suffering.

The same campus we have another old resident, where we conduct vocational training programmes, including computer and tailoring courses for young people. It serves as a study centre for village children and as a meeting place for the Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs), empowering women through education, mutual support, and opportunities for growth. This residence too remained submerged for nearly two days, making it impossible even to enter the building. Undeterred by the danger and discomfort, our Sisters stepped into the floodwaters wearing raincoats and covering their heads with plastic sheets as they struggled tirelessly to drain the water, salvage whatever they could, and begin the painful process of restoration. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the mission stand as a living testimony to their love for God and for the people entrusted to their care.

Today, our hearts are heavy as we witness the extent of the destruction, yet they remain filled with hope because our faith teaches us that every cross carries within it the promise of resurrection. We humbly ask you to remember our Sisters, the affected families, and the entire mission of our Province in your prayers. We pray that, with God's abundant grace and through the support of our Salesian family and generous benefactors, we may soon rebuild the school, restore our formation and outreach programmes, and continue our mission of educating, empowering, and accompanying the poor and the young. Thank you from the depths of our hearts for your prayers, your closeness, and your constant support. Your spiritual solidarity gives us strength to move forward with courage and hope, trusting always in the loving providence of God.

Sr. Betty Menezes FMA

The past few days have been among the most painful our Province has experienced. From 21st to 24th July, relentless torrential rains, accompanied by fierce winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and widespread flooding, devastated several regions of Maharashtra. Among the worst affected was our community at Dahanu, the Sr. Teresa Valsé Community, where the forces of nature left behind a trail of destruction. Overflowing rivers and canals inundated the entire campus, transforming it into a sea of muddy floodwater. Within a matter of hours, years of dedicated service and sacrifice were overwhelmed by the disaster. It was a heartbreaking sight for our Sisters to witness the fruits of their tireless labour submerged beneath contaminated water, leaving them helpless before the fury of nature.

The greatest loss was suffered by our newly inaugurated ICICI Nursery School, opened with great hope and joy in 2025. The classrooms, assembly hall, learning materials, furniture, educational equipment, and every facility on the ground floor were completely submerged and severely damaged by the muddy floodwaters. What had been lovingly prepared to welcome and nurture young children was reduced to ruin overnight. As the waters continued to rise, our Sisters endured sleepless nights filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and constant prayer. The complete loss of electricity, telephone lines, and internet connectivity left them totally isolated, unable to communicate with the Province or seek immediate assistance. The darkness of the night made the situation even more frightening. Although they used the light from their mobile phones to try to capture photographs of the devastation, the darkness was so overwhelming that the images were unclear and failed to reveal the true extent of the destruction. Venturing outside into the floodwaters was frightening and dangerous, as they could not see what lay beneath the water or what hidden dangers surrounded them. Yet, through those long and painful hours of uncertainty, the Sisters remained steadfast, drawing strength from their faith and entrusting themselves completely to God's loving providence, confident that He would never abandon them in their hour of trial.