SALESIAN FAMILY MEET 2026 AT ST. JOSEPH TRAINING CENTRE, LONAVLA Together We Dream, Together We Journey, Together We Educate

Day Four – Envisioning the Future Together

The fourth day brought the Lay Collaborators together with the Sisters, enriching the Meet with their presence, experience and commitment to the Salesian mission.

Sr. Monica Macwan led the Morning Prayer, followed by the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Clive Telles, Provincial of the Panjim Province.

The morning included messages from Sr. Meenakshi D’Silva, Provincial of the INB Province, and Fr. Clive Telles, Provincial of the INP Province. Their reflections encouraged the participants to deepen their sense of belonging and to embrace the shared responsibility of carrying the Salesian mission forward.

The Lay Collaborators representing the three groups made a valuable contribution to the richness of the gathering. An integration dynamic session animated by Sr. Sahaya Sangitha Rani Maria Soosai prepared the participants for three enriching Salesian Family workshops:

• Workshop I – ADMA: Sr. Carmen Lucrecia Del Socorro Uribe

• Workshop II – Past Pupils: Sr. Sahaya Sangitha Rani Maria Soosai

• Workshop III – Salesian Cooperators: Sr. Leslie Del Socorro Sandigo

The afternoon was dedicated to reflection and envisioning in small groups, leading to the Final Assembly, where the secretaries presented their summaries and the concluding remarks brought together the fruits of the four-day experience.

The formal programme concluded with a Thanksgiving Moment, animated by Sr. Melissa D’Souza and Sr. Lavita Sequeira, giving all participants an opportunity to express gratitude for the graces, encounters and insights received.

A Renewed Beginning

Throughout the four days, the participants of the Salesian Family Meet experienced the richness of communion in diversity. The presence of the Postulants, Aspirants, Novices, Sisters and Lay Collaborators brought vitality, colour and depth to the gathering. Their prayer, participation, reflection, sharing and joyful fellowship transformed the Meet into a truly enriching experience.

The Meet created a meaningful space to listen, learn, pray, reflect and envision together. It deepened relationships among the different branches of the Salesian Family and renewed the commitment to live and transmit the charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello with fresh enthusiasm.

The gathering ended with a powerful reminder: “Together, we are a family that brings hope.” Thus, the Salesian Family Meet 2026 has become a renewed beginning—a call to continue dreaming together, journeying together and educating together, so that every young person may encounter hope, experience the warmth of a family and discover the loving presence of Christ.

As one Salesian Family, we carry the dream forward, united in hope and mission.

The picturesque surroundings of Lonavla provided a fitting setting for the Salesian Family Meet 2026, held from 23 to 26 August 2026. Four enriching days of prayer, formation, sharing, fellowship and joyful celebration brought together the Delegates and Lay Collaborators of the various groups of the Salesian Family in a spirit of communion and shared mission.

More than a gathering, the Meet was a celebration of the Salesian charism that unites diverse vocations, communities and associations in one mission. It offered a space to listen, learn from one another, deepen our sense of belonging and renew our commitment to walking together in the footsteps of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.

Day One – Beginning the Journey Together

The Meet opened with Morning Prayer led by the Postulants, Aspirants and the SJTC Community, Lonavla. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Chrys Saldanha, Former Provincial of the Mumbai Province. The Aspirants and Postulants of St. Joseph Training Centre and the Novices of the Sacred Heart Novitiate, together with the Sisters, joined in the solemn welcome and prayer that marked the beginning of the gathering. Sr. Hilda Braganza delivered the Welcome Address.

The first animation sessions for the Aspirants, Postulants and Novices were conducted by Sr. Leslie Del Socorro Sandigo, General Councillor for the Salesian Family, Sr. Carmen Lucrecia Del Socorro Uribe, World Delegate of the Salesian Cooperators & ADMA and Sr. Sahaya Sangitha Rani Maria Soosai, World Delegate of the FMA Past Pupil which offered an inspiring introduction to the days of formation and sharing that lay ahead.

The evening continued with the Rosary led by Sr. Shobha D’Souza and Vespers animated by Sr. Catherine Pereira. The day established the spirit of the Meet: to dream together, journey together and educate together as one Salesian Family.

Day Two – Discovering the Richness of the Salesian Family

The second day focused particularly on the Delegates of the Salesian Family. The morning began with prayer led by Sr. Antonette D’Souza, followed by the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Ashley Miranda, Provincial of the Mumbai Province.

In his message, Fr. Ashley highlighted the importance of belonging to the Salesian Family and recognising the grace and responsibility of being part of a wider charismatic family.

The participants were warmly welcomed and introduced by Sr. Sahaya Sangitha Rani Maria Soosai, who also animated the Salesian Family Puzzle, an engaging dynamic that fostered integration, participation and a deeper sense of togetherness.

Sr. Leslie Del Socorro Sandigo led the participants into the prayerful experience of Lectio Divina and later animated a session on the Culture of the Salesian Family and the Constitutions, inviting participants to reflect more deeply on the identity and spirit that unite the different groups.

The afternoon focused on the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), animated by Sr. Carmen Lucrecia Del Socorro Uribe. The day concluded with small-group reflection, the Rosary led by Sr. Sera Menezes, Vespers animated by Sr. Surekha Gabru, and recreation conducted by Sr. Maria Shirsath.

The day echoed a simple yet profound truth: wherever the Salesian Family lives its charism with faith and loving kindness, the heart of Don Bosco continues to beat.

Day Three – Strengthening the Bonds of Mission

The third day began with Morning Prayer led by Sr. Nayana Vankar, followed by the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Anisio Mota, Provincial Delegate of the Salesian Family (INP).

The morning sessions explored the rich identity and mission of two important branches of the Salesian Family. Sr. Sahaya Sangitha Rani Maria Soosai animated the session on the Association of the Confederation of the Past Pupils, followed by a session on the Association of Salesian Cooperators, animated by Sr. Carmen Lucrecia Del Socorro Uribe.

The afternoon offered opportunities for group sharing, clarification and assembly discussions, enabling participants to reflect together on the challenges and possibilities of living the Salesian mission today.

The day concluded with common reflection, the Rosary led by Sr. Surekha Gabru, Vespers animated by Sr. Savita Parke, and a joyful recreational moment conducted by Sr. Jyothi Pinto and Sr. Hilda Mascarenhas.

The spirit of the day was beautifully captured in the words: “Together as one Salesian Family, we kindle hope, nurture dreams and lead young people to encounter Christ.”