MUMBAI, OCTOBER 8, 2009: An attempt to reach out to the less privileged by the Salesian Co-operators of Wadala took off with the Eucharistic celebration at 6.00 a.m. at the Parish Church on Saturday, September 26, 2009 after which Fr. Xavier’s vehicle wa
s loaded with bags and baggage’s (mostly things to be sent to Shelter, Karjat and to the sister’s convent at Khundus, Karjat).
The vehicles headed straight for Karjat, the first halt being at the Saturday bazaar and Roseline’s- a Co-operators farm house. Next stop was the FMA sister’s convent (Shanti Niwas), some kilometers away from the farm house. A warm welcome from the sisters was much appreciated by the Co-operators.
The sisters were handed over some edible stuff, clothes and cash which were taken for them. After prayers at the chapel the Co-operators reluctantly bid goodbye to the sisters. Late in the evening, back at the farmhouse a good prayer session, with Praise and Worship and the Rosary was held.
The next day saw the Co-operators visit Shelter Don Bosco, Karjat where they were greeted by Fr. Xavier, Fr. Damien, Francis and the boys. After exchanging greetings and introductions, Fr. Xavier celebrated the Eucharist.
After lunch, the boys at Shelter were handed over all the
bags and baggage’s which were taken for them. They were all very happy and grateful. The boys then spoke about themselves, the background from which they came and how Shelter Don Bosco is benefiting them. And yes, all of these boys are very positive about their future, they want to improve their conditions and move on ahead in life.
Fr. Xavier then showed the Co-operators the eco-friendly manner in which he and the boys at Shelter manage themselves, mainly the solar cooking gadgets, techniques of preparing charcoal from waste, water harvesting, bio-gas. As such nothing here is wasted, almost everything here is re-used. The boys live in groups of 4-5 boys and each group is like a family. And every family have to manage all their routine tasks like cooking their breakfast, lunch and dinner, washing, etc. all before they begin their training at the workshop.
Fr. Xavier also made known to them plans of a new building which should be ready by December, this year. This building will house a few study rooms for the boys on the ground floor and also two dormitories’, one for gents and the other for ladies which will be self-contained. The Workshop at Shelter, where the boys get trained for various skills like welding, fabrication, electrician’s trade, etc were also shown to the Co-operators.
This attempt to reach out has surely made a difference to the Salesian Co-operators of Wadala. If you feel the inner voice in you telling you to extend your support and time, please feel invited to answer the call to fulfill the mission of Don Bosco and come and see for yourselves, every 3rd Saturday of the month at 6.30 p.m. in the SVP room at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Wadala.
s loaded with bags and baggage’s (mostly things to be sent to Shelter, Karjat and to the sister’s convent at Khundus, Karjat).The vehicles headed straight for Karjat, the first halt being at the Saturday bazaar and Roseline’s- a Co-operators farm house. Next stop was the FMA sister’s convent (Shanti Niwas), some kilometers away from the farm house. A warm welcome from the sisters was much appreciated by the Co-operators.
The sisters were handed over some edible stuff, clothes and cash which were taken for them. After prayers at the chapel the Co-operators reluctantly bid goodbye to the sisters. Late in the evening, back at the farmhouse a good prayer session, with Praise and Worship and the Rosary was held.
The next day saw the Co-operators visit Shelter Don Bosco, Karjat where they were greeted by Fr. Xavier, Fr. Damien, Francis and the boys. After exchanging greetings and introductions, Fr. Xavier celebrated the Eucharist.
After lunch, the boys at Shelter were handed over all the
bags and baggage’s which were taken for them. They were all very happy and grateful. The boys then spoke about themselves, the background from which they came and how Shelter Don Bosco is benefiting them. And yes, all of these boys are very positive about their future, they want to improve their conditions and move on ahead in life.Fr. Xavier then showed the Co-operators the eco-friendly manner in which he and the boys at Shelter manage themselves, mainly the solar cooking gadgets, techniques of preparing charcoal from waste, water harvesting, bio-gas. As such nothing here is wasted, almost everything here is re-used. The boys live in groups of 4-5 boys and each group is like a family. And every family have to manage all their routine tasks like cooking their breakfast, lunch and dinner, washing, etc. all before they begin their training at the workshop.
Fr. Xavier also made known to them plans of a new building which should be ready by December, this year. This building will house a few study rooms for the boys on the ground floor and also two dormitories’, one for gents and the other for ladies which will be self-contained. The Workshop at Shelter, where the boys get trained for various skills like welding, fabrication, electrician’s trade, etc were also shown to the Co-operators.
This attempt to reach out has surely made a difference to the Salesian Co-operators of Wadala. If you feel the inner voice in you telling you to extend your support and time, please feel invited to answer the call to fulfill the mission of Don Bosco and come and see for yourselves, every 3rd Saturday of the month at 6.30 p.m. in the SVP room at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Wadala.