The Salesian Province of Bangalore revamps Salesian Family

Bangalore: The Salesian Province of Bangalore has 10 groups of the Salesian Family. The delegate of the Salesian Family of INK, Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB invited all the groups in the province for a meeting of revisiting the identity and role of the Salesian Family through the presentation of the Charter of Salesian Family of Don Bosco on 3 September 2022 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore. Among the 10 groups, representatives from 9 groups were present. The members present were from SDB, FMA, ASC, VDB, ADMA, Past Pupils (SDB), Past Pupils (FMA), MSMHC, and SMI.

Fr. Shalbin, the Vice Provincial, spoke about the need for a family and networking for the mission. He stressed the role of relationship and unity in diversity. Fr. Gilbert at the beginning of the meeting introduced the dynamics of the day.

“Normally, our Salesian Family is limited to yearly Salesian Family Day that lasts for half a day nothing more after that. This meeting is called to help us know who we are in this family with the help of the Charter, the common links that bring us together as Salesian Family and plan for the year as a Salesian Family which goes beyond the scope of mere Salesian Family Day”, said Fr. Gilbert. During the presentation of the charter, Fr Gilbert stressed the criteria and traits for being part of the Salesian Family.

There was a group discussion on the second of the day, to take the Salesian Family forward as a visible family of Don Bosco. Finally, the assembly identified seven areas of the action plan for the year: Disseminating the Charter to every group, revamping Salesian Family Day, Strengthening the Local Salesian Family of the area, Strenna to be in the language of the present and media, forming of formators and teachers in the preventive system, empowering and reviving the online rosary of the Salesian family, and Celebration of the Canonisation of Bro. Zatti as a Salesian Family. A Four member Committee was constituted to articulate and monitor these action plans.