FMA Sisters Renew Missionary Commitment at Provincial Chapter in Lonavla

LONAVLA, November 6, 2026: Seventy-three members of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), St Mary Mazzarello Province, Bombay, gathered at St Joseph Training Centre, Lonavla, from October 26 to 30 for their VIII Provincial Chapter, focusing on communion, shared responsibility and the Salesian mission among young people.

Held under the theme, “Blessed are you… with the prophetic power of the charism, missionaries of communion together with young people,” the Chapter provided an opportunity for prayer, reflection and discernment on living the Beatitudes and renewing the congregation's missionary commitment.

The Chapter was preceded by an annual retreat from October 19 to 25, preached by Fr. Banzelao Texeira, SDB, Vice-Provincial of the Panjim Province.

Presiding over the inaugural Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Simon Almeida of Pune said the Chapter was more than an administrative gathering, describing it as an opportunity to listen to the Holy Spirit and renew apostolic commitment. He presented the Beatitudes as the self-portrait of Jesus and a foundation for living the Salesian Preventive System.

Provincial Sr. Meenakshi D'Silva formally inaugurated the Chapter, entrusting its proceedings to Mary Help of Christians. The inaugural ceremony used symbols representing Christ as the foundation of the Province, the well of Mornese and 13 bricks representing the values guiding its shared mission.

Lay collaborators from various sectors of the Salesian mission also participated in the Chapter. Sr Mary Scaria, SCJM, served as resource person and addressed the gathering on “Living the Beatitudes Together: Lay Associates, Youth and Collaborators in Mission in a Changing India.”

She called on the Sisters and lay partners to translate the Beatitudes into action through justice, shared responsibility and service to poor and vulnerable young people. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration in carrying forward the Salesian mission.

Daily Eucharistic celebrations, adoration, prayer and reflections led by different Sisters and commissions formed an integral part of the proceedings. The participation of lay associates and members of the Salesian Family further strengthened the emphasis on communion and shared mission.

On October 30, under the theme “Blessed Are You… Heralds of the Good News Called and Sent Forth,” the Sisters renewed their personal commitment to proclaim the Gospel through their lives and service.

Fr. Ashley Miranda, SDB, Provincial of the Bombay Province, presided over the concluding Thanksgiving Eucharist. He said true blessedness flows from God's unconditional love and the ability to recognise His presence in every person, particularly young people and those most in need.

The Chapter concluded with a symbolic ceremony involving drops of water, reminding the participants of their call to become sources of life and hope. The lowering of the Province flag and the singing of the FMA anthem, O Qual Sorte, marked the end of the gathering.

The Sisters returned to the image of the well of Mornese as a reminder to remain rooted in Christ, journey with young people and bring God's love to others through their Salesian mission.

By St. Mary Mazzarello Province, Mumbai