On 24 April 2018, Mrs. Leela Raj, Mr. Johnson M.T. and Mr. Joseph Babu officially took the promise and enrolled themselves as the Salesian Co-operators of Park Circus unit.

The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Fr. P.V. Thomas, Rector of Don Bosco Nitika at 6:30 pm and participated by Sisters, Co-operators, friends and well wishers. During the homily Fr. P.V. Thomas stressed on the motivation of being a Salesian Co-operator. He invited all co-operators to renew their promise once again to be holy, active and enthusiastic Co-operators.

Mrs. Theresa Tobayas, the president of the Provincial Federation, Mrs. Lucy Ajoy formation in charge, Mr. Thomas James and Mr. Erol Grey, come and see members graced the occasion by their valuable presence. The ceremony was concluded with a fellowship meal which was contributed by sisters & co-operators.

Srs. Lemnom &Pranati

The 12^th Southern Zonal Conference of the Salesian Cooperators was held at Don Bosco, Vaduthala, Ernakulam on December 10-11, 2016. The theme of the event was ”Family and Formation”. 44 Cooperators together with their delegates both SDB and FMA from all the Provinces except Kolkata and Dimapur actively participated in the conference. The celebration was graced by the presence of Fr. Joyce SDB, Provincial INK, Fr. Noel Madichetty SDB, South Asia Regional Delegate for the Salesian Family and Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB, delegate for Cooperators INK.

The main topics of the programme were ‘Role and Formation of a Salesian Cooperator” by Fr. Noel Madichetty, “Phases of Formation” by Mr.Samikkannu Antuvan, Regional Councillor South Asia and Strenna 2017 “We are a Family” by Fr. Gilbert Choondal.

The presentation of Fr. Noel dealt with three aspects-Human, Christian and Salesian stressing on 4 levels of learning: to know, to know how to do, to know one’s individuality and to know how to live together in communion with each other and with others.

Shree Antuvan, with his presentation on the ‘Phases of Formation” highlighted the two distinct phases in the formation of the Salesian Cooperators which are initial and ongoing formation focusing on 24 steps based on the Project of Apostolic Life of the Cooperators. He stressed the importance of having regular meetings, Spiritual Retreats, Prayer life and occasional gatherings in order to strengthen the Association for greater achievements.

Fr. Gilbert presented his topic: Strenna 2017  with a short explanation on the origin of the Strenna which is a gift/an exhortation  by Don Bosco. He dealt with the 4 topics discussed in the Strenna 2017 namely,(i) family (ii) our mission to family(iii) function of a family and (iv) Salesian family.

During the Conference, deliberations were made on carrying out a common specific activity by the Cooperators of South Asia Region. In addition, there were certain action points regarding family apostolate, Delegates animation, Common Formation Programme on the Project of Apostolic Life, Animation of documents, Contribution of World Council, Minutes of the meetings, Directory, Data base were brought out in the Advisory Council Meeting which held in the afternoon hours of first day.

The grand success of the Conference was on account of the whole hearted cooperation and commitment of Provincial Councillors and local local councilors of the Cooperators of south zone and the Salesians of Vaduthala community. Their loving and selfless efforts were lauded by all the participants.

Reported by Sr. Maria P.