Salesian Family Meet Strengthens Communion and Shared Mission in Lonavla

LONAVLA, September 18, 2026: Prayer, formation, reflection and fellowship marked the Salesian Family Meet 2026 held at St Joseph Training Centre, Lonavla, from August 23 to 26.

The four-day gathering brought together delegates, aspirants, postulants, novices, Sisters and lay collaborators representing different groups of the Salesian Family. Held under the theme “Together We Dream, Together We Journey, Together We Educate,” the meeting focused on deepening communion and renewing the participants’ commitment to the shared mission inspired by St John Bosco and St Mary Mazzarello.

The gathering began with Morning Prayer led by the postulants, aspirants and the St Joseph Training Centre community, followed by the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Chrys Saldanha, former Provincial of Mumbai. Sr Hilda Braganza welcomed the participants.

Formation and animation sessions for aspirants, postulants and novices were led by Sr Leslie Del Socorro Sandigo, General Councillor for the Salesian Family; Sr Carmen Lucrecia Del Socorro Uribe, World Delegate of Salesian Cooperators and ADMA; and Sr Sahaya Sangitha Rani Maria Soosai, World Delegate of FMA Past Pupils. The programme also included the Rosary and Vespers.

The focus subsequently shifted to the delegates of the Salesian Family. Fr. Ashley Miranda, Provincial of Mumbai, presided over the Eucharist, while Sr. Sahaya Sangitha led a Salesian Family Puzzle activity. Sr Leslie conducted a Lectio Divina and a session on the culture of the Salesian Family and the Constitutions. Sr Carmen led a session on ADMA, followed by group reflection and fellowship.

The meeting continued with sessions aimed at strengthening collaboration among the various branches of the Salesian Family. Sr Nayana Vankar led Morning Prayer, followed by the Eucharist presided over by Fr Anisio Mota, Provincial Delegate of the Salesian Family (INP).

Sessions on Past Pupils and the Association of Salesian Cooperators were led by Sr. Sahaya Sangitha and Sr Carmen respectively. Group sharing, clarification and assembly discussions enabled participants to reflect on their respective roles and their contribution to the wider Salesian mission.

Lay collaborators joined the Sisters for the final phase of the gathering, which focused on envisioning the future of the Salesian mission together. Sr Monica Macwan led Morning Prayer, followed by the Eucharist presided over by Fr. Clive Telles, Provincial of Panjim.

Sr. Meenakshi D’Silva, Provincial of INB, and Fr Clive Telles encouraged participants to deepen their sense of belonging and assume greater responsibility for the shared mission.

Three workshops focused on ADMA, Past Pupils and Salesian Cooperators, led respectively by Sr Carmen, Sr Sahaya Sangitha and Sr Leslie. Small-group discussions and the Final Assembly provided further opportunities to articulate ideas and commitments for the future.

A Thanksgiving Moment animated by Sr Melissa D’Souza and Sr Lavita Sequeira brought the gathering to a meaningful close.

The four-day meeting strengthened relationships among the different branches of the Salesian Family and renewed their shared commitment to the Salesian charism. Through prayer, formation, reflection, dialogue and fellowship, participants reaffirmed their identity as one family united in hope and mission.

By Catholic Connect Reporter