THE SALESIAN COOPERATORS
HISTORY OF SALESIAN COOPERATORS
Don Bosco
needed help with looking after hundreds of boys - a task he could not
have managed alone. He invited lay people, men and women and members
of the diocesan clergy, to "cooperate"in his mission of
salvation of the young, especially those who were poor and abandoned.
These helpers came from widely different social backgrounds. Some
belonged to well-to-do families, even to the aristocracy, while some
of his helpers were of more humble origin. Don Bosco soon realized
that uniting these assistants into a group would substantially
increase their influence and effectiveness. He set out the project of
life by means of the ‘Regulations for the Salesian Cooperators’
which he himself wrote and which were then approved by the church.
The Union of Salesian Cooperators was officially established in 1876,
after obtaining approval from Pope Pius IX.
The
Cooperator, as conceived by Don Bosco, is a true
Salesian-in-the-world, that is a Christian layman or priest, who,
even without religious vows, follows vocation to holiness by offering
himself to work for the young in the spirit of Don Bosco, in the
service of the local Church, and in communion with the Salesian
Congregation.
Cooperators
are Catholics who, while living their faith within the framework of
their own secular condition, draw their inspiration from Don Bosco's
apostolic project, to contribute to the salvation of the young, "that
part of human society which is so exposed and yet so rich in
promise". Cooperators are people from all walks of life,
committed Christians who belong to the Salesian family founded by
Saint John Bosco whose love for young people they imitate in their
daily lives. The lay Cooperators fulfill their commitment and live
the Salesian spirit in the normal situations of their life and work,
according to their lay state, and spread their values in their
environment. The Salesian Cooperators form a branch of the Salesian
Family and possess the same Salesian charism as the members of the
other branches of the Salesian Family.
At the
Congress of the Salesian Cooperators held in Rome on 8th December
2006 the "Regulations of Apostolic life" (RAL) has been
changed to "Project of Apostolic Life" (PAL) It has two
parts "STATUTES" and "REGULATIONS"'. Each has 6
chapters and 41 articles. All the rules and regulations in respect to
organization and working are given there.
The
Borivali unit of the Salesian Cooperators was born on 13th October
1978 under the guidance of Late Rev Fr. John Samala, SDB, the then
Principal Of Don Bosco High School. From then onwards, with the
support and encouragement of different local delegates, our
association has grown in strength and spirit. We presently have 31
members and we meet every third Saturday of the month. Rev Fr Ronald
Menezes, Rector and Parish Priest is our delegate and our spiritual
and moral support. He attends all our meetings and guides us to grow
spiritually. Mrs Claudina Pinto is the co-ordinator.
Our objectives:
To live our life
as per Gospel in our homes, neighbourhood, and workplace. We do
this by attending recollections and retreats.
To help the poor
and marginalized children.
REPORT
OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR 2007-2008
Following
is a summary of the activities done by the Co-operators during the
past 1 year.
The
Cooperators animated the evening 7.00 p.m.Mass on 24th
May, 2007 being the Solemnity of Mary, Help of Christians. On this
day, two Co-operators made their promises. 16th August,
2007 was the birth anniversary of St John Bosco. The Co-operators
animated the evening 7.00 p.m. on this day. A chart on the life of
Don Bosco in brief, was put up on the Salesian Co-operators’
Notice Board.
To mark
Children’s Day in November, the Salesian Cooperators decided to
treat the poor children who come to study in the three centres of our
parish, to an evening of fun. There were entertainment programmes at
the three centres – Don Bosco School, Gorai I centre and Gorai
II centre on 27th, 28th and 29th
November 2007 respectively. The children themselves put up an
impromptu show of song, dance, jokes, etc. Games were played and
prizes given. Snacks and cold drinks were then served to the
children. The children enjoyed the evening of fun immensely.
On 20th
December, 2007, the Cooperators helped Prayas Kendra to organize a
Christmas party for the poor children living in the slums of our
vicinity. More than 1000 children participated in this evening of
entertainment. The programme began with the Rector and our delegate,
Fr Ronnie, explaining to the children the meaning of Christmas.
Children of the three study centres took great pains in putting up
dances, skits, etc. A game of unusual Housie was held. Snacks and
prizes were distributed by the Co-operators.
The
Cooperators animate one day of the Novena in honour of our patron
saint, St John Bosco as well as one Way of the Cross during Lent.
The Co-operators regularly attend Retreats and Recollections.
Besides
the above special activities, the Co-operators are involved in daily
activities, that is, teaching the children of municipal schools in
the evenings from Monday to Friday.
The
Co-operators are also engaged in selling educational and religious
books, hymn CDs, holy pictures, statues, Bible Diary and other
religious memorabilia.
Fund
Raising:
The
Cooperators raise funds by selling Christmas cards, candles and other
items, organizing cafeteria, etc. On 8th April, 2008, the
Cooperators organized a Konkani drama (Theatr) at Prabhodhankar
Thakre Hall, Borivali. These funds are used in the aid of poor slum
children.
