SRI LANKA HOSTS BOSCOM South Asia Governing Body Meeting at Don Bosco, Negombo, Sri Lanka, was inaugurated by Fr. Godfrey D’Souza, Provincial incharge of Social Communications, in the presence of Fr. Joe Almeida sdb, Provincial of the Salesian Vice Province of Sri Lanka, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes sdb, Regional Delegate for Boscom South Asia, Fr. A. Raj sdb, Executive Secretary, and the delegates of South Asian provinces on April 2-3, 2016. “Sri Lanka has gone through serious war times. People still have sad memories of the mass killings and destruction of lives. We try to provide as much of professional help we can in overcoming the fear and insecurity deeply experienced by the people,” informed Fr. Joe explaining the situation of the country. He felt extremely happy to see this meeting organized for the first time in this country. `Social Communications department is the most important department; it needs to help the other departments of our South Asia provinces,` wrote Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, Regional Councillor for South Asia, during the previous BOSCOM South Asia Governing Body Meeting. The report read during the meeting reminded the delegates of the focus to work for the young. Fr. Godfrey D`Souza, Provin-
cial in-charge of Social Communications, BOSCOM South Asia reiterated the need to be effective communicators of the Salesian life, its vision and its activities to the young in South Asia and to the world. This meeting was about synergizing all the initiatives of the 12 Salesian provinces of South Asia.
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Dimapur Links: May-June 2016
BOSCOM SA MEETING
Each delegate of the province shared three strengths and weaknesses and presented one unique plan for the respective province, and sought collaboration from the other provinces in their activities to promote the charism of Don Bosco. Creating a Writers Forum, redesigning the Salesian South Asia website, dubbing the Video Messages of the Rector Major into regional languages, Networking of the activities in the province and steps in aiding the other departments of the provinces, were some of the major topics deliberated upon during the meeting. The United Nations on September 25th 2015, adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Boscom South Asia will be actively taking part in achieving some of the goals. Fr. Joe Almeida sdb, launched the new book entitled “World Cine-
ma- A Celebration” by Fr. A Raj Mariasusai. The meeting concluded with strategic planning and monitoring and implementation for South Asian Region for the next four years from 2016-2020. -Fr. Joaquim Lobo sdb