BIS # 3521 SEVEN ASPIRANTS TAKE THEIR PROMISE TO BE SALESIAN COOPERATORS

BIS Mumbai                                  

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3521

 

SEVEN ASPIRANTS TAKE THEIR PROMISE TO BE SALESIAN COOPERATORS

 

By: Stanley D'souza

 

NORTH ARABIAN VICARIATE, MAY 30, 2013: Twenty fourth of May is a very significant day in the calendar of the Salesians for two important reasons – it is the feast of Mary Help of Christians and on this day most Salesians make their profession.

 

In our parish at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church, on this day, seven aspirants Ursula Lobo, Jane Pereira, Seena Varghese, Melissa Furtado, Dean Landers, Effie David, and Edward D'souza made their promise as Salesian Cooperators after two years of formation.

 

The Salesian Cooperators are a group of lay men and women who dedicate themselves to the welfare of the youth, and who live guided by Don Bosco's Salesian Spirit. The Cooperators in our Parish organize various activities including children's adoration every First Saturday of the month; "Crossroads" an enrichment program for teenagers, covering topics like peer pressure, career guidance and Faith; "Bridging the Gap" an enrichment program for parents, covering topics like parenting, discipline, communication, career; Altar Boys Appreciation Programs and Vocation Tours and Camps. The Cooperators also assist in various church activities as required.

 

The first group of Salesian Cooperators in Kuwait made their vows on January 31, 2006. With each passing year, new aspirants are keen to join this inspiring and enthusiastic group. Today there are fifty Salesian Cooperators in the Kuwait Chapter and seventeen aspirants with the Rector of the Salesians as their Spiritual Director.

 

During the promise ceremony, Fr. Blany Pinto received their promise. The cooperators were then invited to the altar to sign the promise. After that, Fr. Franco Pereira, the main celebrant at the Eucharistic Celebration gave each of them a lit candle saying "Receive the Light of Christ and be a Light for all you meet on your Promised Path of Life." With these in hand, the candidates made a solemn promise to commit themselves to the Association of the Salesian Cooperators.

 

Fr. Franco then blessed them with holy water and handed them a medal of our lady, exhorting them to have a deep devotion to our Lady just like Don Bosco.

 

"This day will always be remembered and cherished in my life…where the church was full and we were blessed by six priests" said Seena Varghese, "I cannot express in words, the happiness and joy I have experienced by my commitment through this promise."