RENEWAL COURSE CUM FINAL PROFFESSION, ON 14 – 24th MAY 2026 AT MYC, WADALA“Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” — Luke 2:19

This Bible verse beautifully connects with the spirit of the Junior Sisters’ Renewal Programme, as the days were filled with prayer, reflection, learning, and deepening one’s vocation journey in the light of God and the guidance of Mary. The 10 Days Junior Sisters’ Renewal Programme 2025–2026, held at MYC, Wadala from 14th to 24th May 2026, was a grace-filled experience of prayer, learning, reflection, and joyful fellowship for all the Junior Sisters.The programme began with an enriching session by Sr. Ira on “Whispers of Hope: Communicating Peace.” She emphasized the importance of effective and value-based communication in today’s digital world. Through practical demonstrations, she introduced the sisters to different types of photography, Canva designing, creating songs through the Suno App, and using social media creatively to spread positive messages. Inspired by the zeal of St. John Bosco, the sisters prepared vocation-based songs, reels, and stories which were later presented creatively during the Good Night programme.The next three days were animated by Sr. Philo D’Souza on the themes Women Disciples and Mary in Our Charism. She explained the background of the Synoptic Gospels and reflected on the encounters of Jesus with women in the Bible, highlighting their role as courageous disciples and witnesses of Christ. Through Scripture sharing and group discussions, the sisters deepened their understanding of women’s contribution in salvation history. Reflecting on Mary’s role in the Salesian charism, she connected the teachings of Vatican II and Lumen Gentium with the lives of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello. The sisters reflected on Mary as educator, guide, and helper in their mission among the young.

On 18th and 19th May, Dr. Treasa Joseph conducted interactive and meaningful sessions on emotional support, religious life, and family spirit. She encouraged the sisters to freely express their doubts and questions regarding vocation and mission. Through practical examples, she explained both the challenges and beauty of religious life and guided the sisters on how to accompany young people with empathy and understanding. Her session on “How to Score Flying Colours in the Exam of Life” motivated the sisters to live with balance, confidence, and positivity.A memorable outing to Mount Mary Basilica, the “Pranam Maria” light and sound show, and Juhu Beach brought moments of joy, reflection, and togetherness.On 20th May, Fr. Saby animated the recollection day with a reflective talk on forgiveness. The sisters spent the day in prayer, adoration, silence, and confession, renewing their relationship with God. During the Good Night programme, the Junior Sisters presented reflections on “Rooted in the Covenant,” focusing on formation as a progressive journey and the importance of accompaniment and authentic living.

Sr. Melissa D’Souza conducted a thought-provoking session on ecology titled “My Role in Nature.” She stressed the responsibility of human beings to care for creation and explained how environmental destruction affects the world today. Through a symbolic group activity of tearing and restoring drawings of creation, the sisters understood the importance of protecting and healing Mother Earth. On 22nd May, Sr. Betty Menezes gave an insightful session on “Sin and Conversion.” She explained the meaning and consequences of sin and encouraged the sisters to remain close to God through prayer and spiritual awareness. Through practical examples, she helped the sisters recognize the attitudes and actions that distance one from God.

This was followed by Sr. Luisa Fernandes’ session on living the vow of poverty in community life. She emphasized simplicity, detachment, gratitude, and responsible living as essential values of religious life. In the afternoon, the Provincial addressed the sisters, encouraging them to cultivate personal prayer, reading habits, authenticity, and proper time management.The programme was further blessed with the Final Profession of three sisters on 23rd May under the theme “Yours Forever.” The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Dominic Savio, in the presence of priests, religious, family members, and well-wishers. The sisters joyfully committed themselves forever to Jesus.The final day, 24th May, marked the Feast of Pentecost and Mary Help of Christians. During the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, twelve Junior Sisters renewed their vows in the hands of Sr. Priscilla Travasso in the presence of the witnesses Sr. Luisa Fernandes and Sr. Rita D’Souza. In his homily, Fr. Vinod reflected on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in one’s vocation journey.

The entire renewal programme was indeed a memorable and enriching experience. The Junior Sisters remain deeply grateful to all the resource persons and especially to Sr. Priscilla Travasso for her dedicated guidance, care, and organization of the programme.