As the Golden Jubilee year is slowly fading and the fifty-first year of the Province dawns upon us, for once more we look back with gratitude at the marvellous fifty years of grace. For it is not possible to go through the pages of the chronicles of the Salesian Province of Bombay and not see the hand of God at work in shaping its history and the Spirit leading the Salesians to constantly heed to the signs of the times in the western region of India.

It is with much affection, therefore, that one recounts the wonder God has shown in our land through the hands of generous Salesians. At this juncture, the Mumbai Salesians - the confreres of the Province - are grateful to the missionaries and the early Salesians who did not give up in the face of challenges. They have laboured tirelessly in the various institutions of the province. Thanks to their industry and faith in divine providence, the Province stands tall. They are models of hard work, generosity and piety; of Salesian optimism and joy, of work and temperance. The music of their lives still lives on in the hearts of both – their confreres and their beneficiaries.

Thanks to the leaders who guided the province, to the formators who formed the young Salesians and those whose assiduous work has gone unnoticed because of their quiet and humble service. Thanks to each and every one who has been a source of inspiration and blessing to the thousands of young people who have passed through the porticos of our institutions across the Province. Thanks also to the ones who, recognising the need of the times, took up initiatives that gave a concrete answer to the problems of the young. Thanks to so many who, even at the cost of their health, have shepherded those entrusted to their care with patience and love.

Thanks to these persons the Salesian Province of Bombay has a rich heritage that is passed on to the younger generations of Salesians: there is so much to be grateful for!

There has been one aspect of this celebration that flows from gratitude and is something the Province has faithfully done over the past three years - the aspect of being open to where the Spirit now leads through prophecy. It is indeed challenging to reflect and see if our ministry has changed with time or has lost its way in the dreary desert of habit and outdated paradigms. With the advent of technology, the norms of culture keep shifting towards a more ‘globalised’ culture. Relationship dynamics are also affected in the process. In this regard, Mumbai Salesians must keep an open mind to the signs of the times in order to remain faithful to the heart of Don Bosco. Perhaps, the Province could use the heart of a prophet!

This edition of the SDB West which will be presented to you at the grand finale - the culmination - of the Golden Jubilee celebrations on the Province Day seeks to present various sectors of our ministry in a more prophetic light. May the Salesians never forget their special Calling, Consecration and Commissioning - to go out and bear fruit that will last! May the dream of Don Bosco live on in the lives of the Salesians of the Province of Bombay for the many years to come.

Long live the Salesian Province of Bombay! Long live Don Bosco!