Sr Dominica's dad unwell

Sr Dominica’s dad is not well. I hear he has been in the ICU. Prayers for him and for the family.

Provincial meets parish council

The provincial met the Parish Council of the DB sector yesterday at 1700 hours. The chief topic for discussion was the request made by some parishioners for allocation of a plot of land for a self-standing parish church. There was a very straight and frank discussion. The upshot was that letters to the provincial should be sent through the parish council meeting under the presidency of the parish priest. The opinion of the house council also would be sought. The provincial had, nevertheless, replied to the private letter sent to him; he was still awaiting a firm and official reply.

In his letter, the provincial had asked some questions, chiefly about who would finance the building of the proposed church.

In his dialogue, the provincial also said that he would first like to see the parish community built up, and church collections and church support increase. The parish councillors - and other parishioners who had joined the meeting - pointed out that this was already taking place.

The provincial concluded by thanking those present for their frankness.

Salesian cooperators meet the Provincial

The Provincial, Fr Michael, met a small group of Salesian Cooperators and aspiring Cooperators at 1630 hours yesterday, 6 December 2009. Among the professed Cooperators present was Mrs Lucy D'Souza; her husband Dominic works on Sundays and was unable to come. Mr and Mrs Robin Susainathan had excused themselves. Among the aspiring Cooperators were Mrs Lily Nirmal, Mrs Letitia John, and Mr Shyju Babykutty.

The Association is not new to Nashik: there used to be a fairly consistent group some years ago. Lucy said that the group disbanded when one of the Salesian animators discouraged the seniors, with the intention of encouraging youngsters to join.

Fr Michael has been inviting each Salesian house revive or begin a unit of the Cooperators.

Don Bosco wanted to have full-fledged Salesians 'living in the world'. He called them 'extern Salesians.' When this was not allowed at that time by the Church authorities, he founded the Association of Salesian Cooperators.

The Cooperators take a promise, in contrast to the SDBs and FMAs who take public vows, and the VDBs (Volunteers of Don Bosco) who take private vows.

We pray that this small group that met with the provincial on the second day of the triduum of the Immaculate might flourish and be blessed with enthusiasm and growth.

Provincial visit

Fr Michael Fernandes, SDB, Salesian Provincial, is here for his annual official visit to our parish. This morning he celebrated the Eucharist in Marathi for the people of Satpur, a commendable effort because he is fluent in Gujarati, and this is only the second time he has celebrated in Marathi. He also met the parish council briefly, visited the sick, and inspected the old chapel in Anand Colony.

At 1630 hours this afternoon he meets the Salesian Cooperators, old and new, and at 1700 hours the parish council of the Don Bosco sector. At 1830 he presides at the Sunday evening Eucharist.

Yesterday Fr Michael presided at the Saturday evening Eucharist (which was also the first day of the triduum of the feast of the Immaculate Conception).

The parish blog

At the wedding yesterday I met Mrs Rita D’Souza, just back from the UK where she spent some months with her daughter Sheila. I was thrilled when she said to me: You know, I didn’t miss the parish, because I was following all the happenings on the blog. Wonderful! I guess distance makes the heart grow fonder. And feedback like this encourages one to go on!

So do feel free with your feedback. We value it!

Roshan and Larina are married

Roshan Rebello and Larina Sequeira exchanged their marriage vows at Don Bosco Church, Nashik, yesterday, Saturday, 5 December 2009. I reached just in time to wish the newly married couple as they were posing for photos before the grotto – and had to pose for a photo myself under duress, unshaven face and all, after my long journey from Goa to Nashik.

The parish priest and I joined the reception at Tiger Hill Lawns on the Mumbai Nashik Highway. Huge crowd, beautiful decorations, and good fun. The new couple was beaming with joy - though perhaps there were also many tears behind the scenes, going from the fact that the sado ceremony took so long! The two pairs of parents were also very happy.

Wishes and prayers to Roshan and Larina as they begin the adventure of their married lives. May they always remember that they build on the Rock that is Jesus, and may they be always open to Life and to Love.

Fr Wyman's mum

I just heard yesterday that Mrs Hazel Gonsalves, Fr Wyman Gonsalves' mum is not well. She had undergone an operation recently, and then the stitches had come loose, and she had to undergo another surgery. She is in the ICU, and Fr Wyman, who had just returned from the Provincial Community Day celebrations on 3 December, had to rush back to Mumbai to be with her. Prayers for this good lady.