Seven New Salesian Cooperators in Kuwait By Stanley D`souzaMumbai, May. 30. On 24th May, a day on which many Salesians around the world make their first Profession, seven Salesian Cooperator aspirants in St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish of the North Arabian Vicariate took their solemn promise and became full fledged Salesian Cooperators. They had up to now undergone a two year formation for arriving at this significant moment of their life of Faith. The seven new Salesian Cooperators are: Ursula Lobo, Jane Pereira, Seena Varghese, Melissa Furtado, Dean Landers, Effie David, and Edward D'souza.
The Salesian Cooperators are a group of lay men and women who dedicate themselves to the welfare of the youth in the first place, and who live guided by Don Bosco's Salesian Spirit. The Cooperators in the St. Teresa of Child Jesus Parish organize various activities for young people, such as ''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. On every First Saturday ofNorth the mont they organize also the children's adoration. Besides these, they also assist in various other church activities as and when required.
The first group of Salesian Cooperators in Kuwait made their vows on January 31, 2006. With each passing year, new aspirants have been keen to join this inspiring and enthusiastic group. Today there are 50 Salesian Cooperators in the Kuwait Chapter and 17 aspirants with the Rector of the Salesians as their Spiritual Director.
Fr Blany Pinto received the promises of these 7 fresh Salesian Cooperators. After they had signed documents ratifying their promises, 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.
After blessing them Fr. Franco exhorted them to have a deep devotion to our Lady just like Don Bosco. ''This day will always be remembered and cherished in my life... the church was packed and we were blessed by six priests!'' exclaimed Seena Varghese, one of the new Cooperaotrs. ''I cannot express in words, the happiness and joy I have experienced by my commitment through this promise'', she added.