7th South Asian Regional Congress of Salesian Cooperators comes to a Close
Bengaluru: The Seventh South Asian Regional Congress of Salesian Cooperators was held at NBCLC, Bengaluru on 18, 19 February 2023. It was jointly hosted by SDBs and FMAs of INK Provinces. The Congress was attended by World Coordinator, Mr Antonio and his wife Olivia (Cooperator), SDB Delegate, Bro Dominic and FMA Delegate Sr. Lucrecia from Rome. Fr. Joan Playa SDB, the delegate of Salesian Family was present too. Fr. Joseph Manipadam SDB, the South Asian Delegate of Salesian Cooperators and Fr. Joseph Pauria SDB, Provincial Delegate of Salesian Family at SPCSA were present for the occasion. The hosting provincials, Fr. Jose Koyickal SDB and Sr. Lucy Rose FMA honoured the dignitaries in a traditional way of Karnataka with a shawl, garland and Mysore Petta. Mr. Antuvan, the World Councillor then, gave an overview of the Regional Congress.
The theme of the synod, “To Be the Yeast in Today’s Human Family: The Role of the Salesian Cooperators” was chosen in the present context of Strenna 23, Synod21-24 and Laity in the Salesian Family. The Keynote address was given by Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB on the theme. He set the tone for reflection linking Strenna 2023 and Synod 2021-2024 to explore the possibilities of identity and Role of a Salesian Cooperator. World Coordinator, Mr. Antonio, SDB Delegate, Bro. Dominic, FMA Delegate, Sr. Lucrecia, Mr. TK Devassia, The Regional formator, Fr. Joseph Manipadam, The SPCSA delegate and Fr. Noel Madichetty, the former delegate of Salesian Family reflected on the various perspectives of the theme.
The highlight of the Congress was election of the new world Councillor, Mr. TK Devassia from the province of INK. The outgoing World Councillor, Mr. Antuvan was thanked and welcomed the new world councillor with the shawl, garland and Mysore Petta. During the Mass on 18th, the world councillor received the promise of ten Candidates from the province of INK. Cutlural Tea Party held on the first day enthused the participants to share and have relaxation with the local food stuff and articles brought from each of their provinces. A half day Bangalore Darshan was the final event of the Congress. There were 140 participants from 11 provinces in South Asia during this 7th Regional Congress, the highest so far. A Coffee Table Book on the origin and evolution of Salesian Cooperators was given to every participant as a memento. Fr. Gilbert SDB, the main local coordinator of the Regional Congress thanked all towards the end of the Regional Congress.
