Salesian Cooperators’ Zonal Conference concludes

DIMAPUR, October 1 (MExN): The 8th Northern Zonal Conference of the Salesian Cooperators’ Association was held on September 30 and October 1 at the Don Bosco Institute for Development and Leadership (DBIDL), Dimapur.   According to a press release, 70 participants including Provincial Coordinators, Secretaries, Administrators, Formators, Delegates and other members from the Salesian Provinces of New Delhi, Kolkata, Shillong, Guwahati and Dimapur attended the conference.  

The conference, with the theme ‘Family Ministry’, was inaugurated with the hoisting of the Association’s flag by Fr. Albert Johnson, the current South Asian Delegate for Salesian Family. This was followed by lighting of the inaugural lamp by Fr. Albert Johnson, Fr. Noel Maddhichetty (former South Asian Delegate for Salesian Family), DS Anthuvan (World Councillor for Salesian Cooperators), Marius Kharkhongor (Northern Zonal Coordinator), and Sr. Grace Ottalanka fma.  

Sr. Alphonsa read out the keynote address of Sr. Elizabeth George, Provincial of Guwahati FMA Province. Sr. Elizabeth highlighted the importance of the theme ‘Family Ministry’ saying that the family is the cradle of life where children feel loved, cared for, protected and accompanied. She quoted Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation ‘Amoris Laetitia’ which underscores the fact that welfare of the family is decisive for the future of the world and the Church. Fr. Albert Johnson read out the message of Rev. Fr. Maria Kanaga, Regional Councillor for South Asia. Fr. Kanaga described the Salesian Cooperators as secular (lay) arms and wings of the Salesian Family, having a special role to play with their public commitment to God and Salesian charism.  

The rest of the day was devoted to various sessions with different topics: Session 1 – Roles of Salesian Cooperators (animated by Fr. Theotimus Lakra); Session 2 – Family Ministry (under Fr. Noel Maddhichetty); Session 3 – Formation of Lay Leadership (under Fr. Albert Johnson). There was also a session on Action Plan as well as a meeting of the National Advisory Council.  

On October 1, there was a business session wherein all the participating Provinces presented reports specifically on the Family Ministry activities. The Conference concluded with DS Anthuvan, World Councillor, de-hoisting the Association flag and Guwahati Province Coordinator, Sonia Gothorp handing it over to Teresa Tobias, Provincial Coordinator of Kolkata Province.