MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010: The SPCSA Assembly concluded on September 4 at 7.00 p.m. It brought to a close three intense days of proceedings of the national Salesian assembly comprising 35 members in all - 11 Provincials, delegates from each province, and the Delegates of the approved Regional (South Asia) Salesian Bodies.
The proceedings began each day with the Eucharistic celebration. Several papers, issues and concerns were presented, discussed and deliberated upon during the course of the three days.
There were several papers presenting direction and orientation to the assembly: Don Rua’s guidelines to Salesian leaders (Fr. Maria Arokiam); the Rector Major’s letter on the protection of minors from abuse (Fr. Maria Arokiam); and Delictis Gravioribus (Fr. Michael Fernandes).
Reports and statutes of two national bodies were presented, discussed and deliberated upon: DB Tech India (Fr. A. M. Jose); and Don Bosco Action India (Fr. Savio Silveira). Proposed courses of action of two more regional bodies were also presented: Secretariat (Fr. Maria Charles); and Procure (Fr. M.C. George). The current status and future direction of the Salesiana and On-going formation course at Don Bosco Renewal Centre (DBRC, Bangalore) was discussed in detail. Participants were informed about the post-novitiate program for Salesian Brothers that has begun at Karunapuram since June 2010.
Reports presented by the SPCSA Commission delegates opened up discussions of new avenues: Youth Ministry (Fr. Maria Charles); Formation Commission (Fr. Jose Kuttianimatatil); Social Communications (Fr. Glorious Stephen); Salesian Family (FR. K. J. Louis); Missionary Animation (Fr. George Thannickal).
Papers summarizing the situation of the region with respect to important Salesian themes were read. These papers will be presented during the Team Visit of the General Council in February 1011: Starting afresh from Don Bosco (Fr. Jose Kuttianimatatil); Evangelization focus in our communities and works (Fr. Raphael Jayapalan); Religious discipline (Fr. Michael Fernandes); New frontiers with respect to the Indian situation (Fr. Savio Silveira); Growing up as a Region (Fr. K. J. Louis).
Some practical issues were discussed like preparations for the Team Visit of the Rector Major and General Council in February 2011, and for the arrival of the casket of Don Bosco; and assistance with confreres for the Sri Lanka delegation and Delhi province to help extend Salesian works.
Thanks to the hard work put in by the members, the SPCSA Assembly will certainly give new life, direction and thrust to the Salesian Mission in South Asia.