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Salesian Sisters Renew Zeal and Commitment at Mumbai Renewal Programme

Wadala, Mumbai

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Salesian Sisters Renew Zeal and Commitment at Mumbai Renewal Programme

27 May 2026

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News reported by: Sr Betty Menezes FMA

The Salesian Sisters of the St. Mary Mazzarello Province, Mumbai, gathered for a ten-day renewal programme at Mazzarello Youth Centre, Wadala, from May 14 to 24, combining spiritual enrichment, formation sessions, fellowship, and vocational celebrations ahead of the new academic year.

Organised under the leadership of Provincial Sr Meenakshi D’Silva and coordinated by Vice-Provincial Sr Priscilla Travasso, the programme aimed to renew the Sisters’ spiritual fervour and strengthen their commitment to the religious life and mission.

The programme commenced with a session on communication titled “Whispers of Hope: Communicating Peace” by Sr Ira Viegas, head of the Social Communication Team. Stressing the importance of credible and meaningful communication, she introduced the Sisters to practical media skills, including AI tools, photography, social media storytelling, and Canva.

Over the following days, Sr Philomena D’Souza animated sessions on “Women Disciples,” “Mary in our Charism,” and “Mary in the Life of our Founders.” Drawing from the Gospels, Church documents, the Constitutions, and the lives of the founders, she reflected on the role of women in the ministry of Jesus and highlighted Mary’s continuing presence in the Church and the Salesian charism as Auxilium, the Helping Mother.

Sr Teresa Joseph later conducted interactive sessions on the realities of religious life today, encouraging the Sisters to face challenges with maturity and hope. She emphasised their mission as “Whisperers of Hope” for young people who often lack love, care, and guidance in their families.

On May 19, the group visited Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra and later spent time at Juhu Beach. The following day was dedicated to recollection and reconciliation, guided by Fr Saby.

Environmental responsibility was another key aspect of the programme, with a session by Sr Melissa D’Souza on “My Role in Nature,” while additional inputs on “Sin and Conversion” and the vow of poverty were offered by Sr Betty Menezes and Sr Luisa Fernandes, respectively. Provincial Sr Meenakshi D’Silva also addressed the Sisters, encouraging them to deepen their prayer life, practice effective time management, and live authentically.

The highlight of the programme was the perpetual profession of three Sisters during a Eucharistic celebration on May 23 presided over by Bishop Dominic Savio. Centred on the theme “Yours Forever,” the celebration marked the Sisters’ lifelong commitment to God and religious life.

The Feast of Mary Help of Christians, celebrated this year on the Solemnity of Pentecost, added further joy to the gathering as twelve temporarily professed Sisters renewed their vows during a solemn Eucharist celebrated by Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, SDB. In his homily, he reflected on the Holy Spirit's guiding role in the vocational journey of every religious.

The renewal programme concluded as a meaningful experience of spiritual growth, fellowship, and learning, inspiring the young Sisters to live more credible and authentic lives as Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.