VIII INB PROVINCIAL CHAPTER 2026: ROOTED IN CHRIST, BUILDING A WELL OF LIFE St. Joseph Training Centre, Lonavla | 26–30 October 2026

The Chapter concluded with a moving ceremony symbolising the drops of water, reminding each Sister of her call to become a source of life and hope. As the Province flag was lowered and the FMA anthem, O Qual Sorte, resounded through the hall, hearts were filled with gratitude for the shared journey.

The VIII Provincial Chapter was truly a grace-filled experience of communion, reflection and renewed commitment. Returning to the well of Mornese, the Sisters were encouraged to remain rooted in Christ, to walk together with young people and to become prophetic witnesses of the charism, bringing the living water of God's love to all.

The inaugural day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Most Rev. Simon Almeida, Bishop of Pune. The procession, carrying symbols of the Province's identity and mission, including the well of Mornese, the words Christ Our Foundation, and thirteen bricks representing the values of our shared journey, beautifully expressed the desire to build a living well of communion. In his homily, Bishop Simon reminded the participants that the Chapter was not merely an administrative gathering but an experience of listening to the Spirit and renewing apostolic courage. He described the Beatitudes as the self-portrait of Jesus and the heartbeat of the Preventive System.

An enriching feature of the Chapter was the participation of lay collaborators representing the various sectors and groups of the Salesian mission. The gathering welcomed Sr. Mary Scaria, SCJM, as resource person, who presented an inspiring reflection on “Living the Beatitudes Together: Lay Associates, Youth and Collaborators in Mission in a Changing India.” She challenged the Sisters and lay collaborators to make the Beatitudes a lived reality, particularly in their commitment to justice, co-responsibility and the service of poor and vulnerable young people. Their sharing and interaction highlighted the richness of walking together in the Salesian mission.

The VIII INB Provincial Chapter of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), St. Mary Mazzarello Province, Bombay, was held at St. Joseph Training Centre, Lonavla, from 26 to 30 October 2026. It was preceded by the Annual Retreat from 19 to 25 October, preached by Rev. Fr. Banzelao Texeira, SDB, Vice-Provincial of the Panjim Province. The retreat, centred on the Chapter theme, “Blessed are you… with the prophetic power of the charism, missionaries of communion together with young people,” offered 73 participants a meaningful spiritual preparation for this significant event.

The inauguration continued with the symbolic drawing of water from the replica of the Mornese well, the lighting of the lamp, the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the singing of the Chapter theme song. The Provincial, Sr. Meenakshi D'Silva, officially declared the Chapter open, entrusting its journey to Mary Help of Christians.

The Chapter was also marked by moments of prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, adoration, fraternity and the spirit of Mornese. The daily reflections, animated by different Sisters and commissions, provided opportunities to deepen communion and renew the commitment to live the charism with prophetic courage. The Chapter's celebration of the Salesian Family and the meaningful contribution of lay partners further strengthened the bonds of shared mission.

On the final day, 30 October, under the theme “Blessed Are You… Heralds of the Good News Called and Sent Forth,” the Sisters renewed their personal commitment to carry the Gospel into their communities. The Thanksgiving Eucharist, presided over by Rev. Fr. Ashley Miranda, SDB, Provincial of the Bombay Province, reminded everyone that true blessedness flows from God's unconditional love and our ability to recognise His presence in every person, especially the young and those most in need.